{"id":43814,"date":"2025-10-16T07:15:30","date_gmt":"2025-10-16T07:15:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalafricanetwork.com\/?p=43814"},"modified":"2025-10-16T07:15:31","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T07:15:31","slug":"record-breaking-absa-esd-expo-boosts-smmes-generating-r24-million-in-business-opportunities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.globalafricanetwork.com\/company-news\/record-breaking-absa-esd-expo-boosts-smmes-generating-r24-million-in-business-opportunities\/","title":{"rendered":"Record-breaking ABSA ESD Expo boosts SMMEs – generating R24-million in business opportunities"},"content":{"rendered":"

T<\/span>he two-day event, hosted in Johannesburg by Smart Procurement and sponsored by Absa, drew 476 SMMEs<\/strong>, 31 corporate procurement teams<\/strong> and nearly 1 700 visitors<\/strong>. \u201cThis year\u2019s enormous success cements the Absa ESD Expo\u2019s reputation as South Africa\u2019s leading enterprise and supplier development event. The expo recorded 6 451 total engagements<\/strong> – its highest in 14 years,\u201d the organisers report.<\/p>\n

With SMMEs responsible for a conservatively estimated 60% of employment in South Africa and contributing significantly to GDP, this increasingly important gathering aims to create real opportunities for small businesses to participate in corporate supply chains. As unemployment and economic inequality remain key national challenges, strategic supplier development is a crucial lever for inclusive growth, states Smart Procurement ESD project manager Nyasha Mate.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis year\u2019s expo was not just about exhibitions; it was about tangible results and sustainable, long-term transformation,\u201d comments Kgalaletso Tlhoaele, Enterprise Development head at Absa. \u201cWe\u2019re proud to support a platform where SMMEs gain direct access to buyers, capital, knowledge and long-term procurement pipelines.\u201d<\/p>\n

Structured matchmaking sessions connected SMMEs with procurement professionals from major organisations. The event resulted in 654 qualified leads with an estimated value of R17-million, and 145 confirmed onsite deals worth R7.6-million.<\/p>\n

In addition to deal-making, SMMEs took part in capacity-building sessions focused on funding readiness, tendering processes, compliance and digital transformation. These sessions were delivered through the Knowledge Hub and Smart Supplier Conference, with many entrepreneurs noting the practical value of the content.<\/p>\n

Buyers attending the Supplier MatchUp sessions cited a strong interest in discovering agile, innovative suppliers aligned with enterprise and supplier development (ESD) targets. Many reported that the event not only provided new sourcing opportunities but also fostered insight into the barriers facing small businesses.<\/p>\n

Small business owners also had high praise for this year\u2019s expo. \u201cThe conversations and networking sessions gave us practical insights into supply chain readiness, access to finance, and building sustainable enterprise partnerships – areas that are crucial for scaling businesses like ours,\u201d said Zanda Isaacs of Ting Tang Tea, one of the participating SMMEs.<\/p>\n

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For many entrepreneurs, the expo served as a critical stepping stone.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was an eye-opening experience, especially for me as an emerging entrepreneur,\u201d said Nonsikelelo Mhlongo of Mhlongo Omhle Enterprise. \u201cThe importance of networking and being visible in the right rooms really came through.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was one of the best experiences I have had in showcasing my business,\u201d commented Hendrick Thabo Mofokeng from Slovalala Locksmith.<\/p>\n

According to Bella Chirwa from Siphile Consulting, the event \u201cmade one think bigger\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs South Africa seeks pathways to economic resilience and job creation, platforms like the Absa ESD Expo are becoming increasingly vital,\u201d Mate asserts. \u201cBy bridging the gap between large buyers and high-potential small suppliers, events like this not only unlock business opportunities but also support the broader national goal of inclusive economic participation.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to the main sponsor Absa, this event was made possible with the support of the following ESD-focused host organisations:<\/p>\n