Here’s a summary of the key points from the TimesLIVE article "How AI can power a new era of growth for South African SMMEs":
Takeaway:
AI is a transformational enabler for South African SMMEs, driving growth, efficiency, and competitiveness. By participating in programs like Microsoft’s EPP, small businesses can upskill, access funding, and leverage advanced tools for sustainable development.
Source:
Read the full article here: TimesLIVE - How AI can power a new era of growth for South African SMMEs
Source: TimesLIVE How AI can power a new era of growth for South African SMMEs
1. AI Adoption is Transforming SMMEs in South Africa
- Small businesses are increasingly using AI to communicate with customers, manage information, and analyze data.
- According to a Xero survey, 34% use AI for customer communications, 32% for information management, and 31% for data analysis.
2. AI Drives Growth, Efficiency, and Innovation
- AI delivers data-driven insights to inform better strategic and agile decisions, even for businesses without large research teams.
- It enables automation of routine processes, boosting efficiency and scalable growth, directly impacting profitability.
3. Tangible Business Impact
- A Forrester study on Microsoft 365 Copilot found that SMMEs using such AI tools could:
- Achieve up to 353% return on investment over three years.
- Reduce operating costs by 20%.
- Increase revenues by 6%.
4. AI Enables Focus on Business Mission
- AI tools allow businesses to concentrate on what truly matters: customers, employees, and core mission, by freeing up time from routine tasks.
5. Microsoft’s Support: The Emerging Partner Programme (EPP)
- The EPP is tailored for black-owned ICT SMMEs to help them become Microsoft Solutions Partners.
- Over 18 months: 88 partners (548 people) trained, 107 new jobs and 86 part-time jobs created, R61 million in new revenue, and 109 new customers gained.
6. Programme Benefits for SMMEs
- Participants receive skills training, business development programs, and coaching.
- They gain access to Microsoft’s technology, networks, and resources—including AI tools.
- The programme includes support in obtaining Microsoft certifications and expanding market exposure.
7. Application Details
- The programme runs for 24 months and focuses on helping SMMEs gain recognized Microsoft expertise.
- There’s no cost to join if eligible; applications close on June 15, 2025.
8. Strategic Importance
- AI can help SMMEs become “frontier firms”—those that scale faster, innovate more, and remain competitive in evolving markets.
- Microsoft sees the empowerment and upskilling of SMMEs through AI as crucial for building a more equitable, prosperous South African economy.
Takeaway:
AI is a transformational enabler for South African SMMEs, driving growth, efficiency, and competitiveness. By participating in programs like Microsoft’s EPP, small businesses can upskill, access funding, and leverage advanced tools for sustainable development.
Source:
Read the full article here: TimesLIVE - How AI can power a new era of growth for South African SMMEs
Source: TimesLIVE How AI can power a new era of growth for South African SMMEs
