Boksburg: Deputy President Paul Mashatile is set to deliver the closing remarks at the Global Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Ministerial Meeting on Thursday, 24 July 2025. The event is organised by the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC).
According to South African Government News Agency, the meeting commenced on Tuesday, 22 July, at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, Gauteng. The focus is on exploring new business opportunities. The event has gathered approximately 500 participants, including representatives and ministers from over 100 countries, along with entrepreneurs, innovators, and global leaders.
These participants, representing the global entrepreneurship ecosystem, are working to tackle the pressing challenges that hinder businesses from achieving their full potential. The Presidency noted that delegates aim to build partnerships to enhance the development of international micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The event also serves as an opportunity for South Africa to highlight its development of MSMEs and to position the country as a prime location for investment and collaboration in enterprise development. The overarching theme of the Global SME meeting is trade-driven economic transformation, which is anticipated to foster growth, development, and job creation.
The Presidency further stated that the meeting's outcomes are expected to focus on economic transformation, particularly in areas such as access to finance, digital transformation, and the green economy. Discussions will explore opportunities for MSMEs to grow and adapt, as well as the support measures required to bridge gaps and enhance capacity.