South Africa is preparing to host the first-ever Global Ministerial Meeting dedicated to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), marking a significant milestone in international efforts to support this vital sector. The announcement was made on Thursday by Stella Ndabeni, the country’s Minister of Small Business Development.
In a press briefing held in Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital, Minister Ndabeni revealed that the event is scheduled for July 22 to 24 in Johannesburg, the nation’s largest city and primary economic center. She emphasized that this gathering is designed to provide a prominent platform for raising the profile and concerns of SMEs worldwide.
“Our aim is to generate strong momentum that will shape the agenda at the upcoming G20 Summit, over which South Africa currently holds the presidency,” Ndabeni explained. She stressed the importance of establishing a distinct MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) Working Group within the G20 structure to ensure focused attention on the unique challenges faced by this sector. The Global Ministerial Meeting will serve as a foundation to advocate for this initiative.
The conference will convene ministers and senior government officials responsible for SME development from around the world. This setting will allow for the exchange of strategic insights, collaborative policy formulation, and the building of international consensus on critical issues affecting small and medium-sized businesses.
Highlighting the practical goals of the meeting, Ndabeni pointed to the urgent need for tangible solutions to improve the support ecosystem for SMEs. A key topic on the agenda will be enhancing access to capital, which remains a persistent barrier for many small enterprises seeking growth and sustainability. Additionally, discussions will focus on trade and market access amid an evolving global economic landscape, where countries are increasingly adopting protectionist trade policies that complicate SMEs’ integration into international value chains.
“Small businesses form the backbone of the global economy,” the minister noted. “They account for approximately 90 percent of all businesses worldwide and generate two-thirds of employment opportunities, underscoring their critical role in economic development and job creation.”
By bringing together policymakers and stakeholders, the meeting aims to foster a dedicated forum where the SME community’s interests are prioritized. Ndabeni concluded that the outcomes of this ministerial meeting will play a pivotal role in shaping future international frameworks that better support small businesses, ensuring they are fully integrated into global economic strategies.
This landmark event highlights South Africa’s commitment to championing the SME sector on the global stage and sets the tone for increased cooperation and targeted policy action under its G20 presidency.