22 On Sloane, in partnership with the UK–South Africa Tech Hub and the Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&RSETA), is excited to celebrate the graduation of the Township Digital Market Access Programme 2025. The Township Digital Market Access initiative, now in its second-year running, is designed to equip township-based entrepreneurs with the digital tools, knowledge, and support needed to successfully onboard their enterprises onto online marketplaces.

To date, the programme has empowered over 200 beneficiaries, reaching an additional 150 beneficiaries across fifteen (15) Gauteng townships in 2025. Over the past six months, participating MSMEs have taken part in a structured programme that provided practical training, mentorship, and support focused on digital commerce. Entrepreneurs were also guided through the process of understanding e-commerce platforms, improving their digital presence, and learning how to position their businesses to reach new markets beyond their immediate communities.

Today marks an exciting milestone as we celebrate the graduation of the latest cohort of entrepreneurs who have successfully completed the Township Digital Market Access Programme.

“This has been an incredible opportunity created by the UK–South Africa Tech Hub in partnership with 22 On Sloane and W&RSETA. The end result is that MSMEs have grown in their businesses, and many of them are now thriving on e-commerce platforms like Takealot, which they did not have access to before joining the programme,” says Bongani Ntombela, Executive Programmes Director at 22 On Sloane.

For many entrepreneurs, the programme marked their first step into the digital marketplace.

“Since joining the TDMA programme, we have experienced growth in revenue and improved access to markets. We also received modems and data to help us complete the programme. I’m grateful to 22 On Sloane and Melon for providing the support we needed to stay connected,” says Xolani Nopote, X Shine Mo.

Another entrepreneur shared how gaining access to e-commerce platforms helped unlock new growth opportunities.

“The training gave me the confidence to move my business online and understand how digital platforms work. Today I’m able to sell to customers outside my community and manage orders more efficiently. It has opened doors that simply were not available before,” says Babalwa Mnyanda, Hygiene Services.

The graduation of this cohort represents more than the completion of a programme. It reflects the growth and determination of entrepreneurs who have taken deliberate steps to strengthen their businesses and embrace the opportunities of the digital economy.

As we celebrate today’s milestone, we are equally excited about what lies ahead. The third iteration of the Township Digital Market Access Programme will soon expand to the Western Cape, creating new opportunities for township entrepreneurs in the region to access digital markets and grow their businesses online.

At 22 On Sloane, we remain committed to supporting entrepreneurs not only through programmes and training, but by creating pathways that allow them to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

Because when township entrepreneurs grow, communities grow, economies strengthen, and new opportunities are created for the next generation of business leaders.

Boitumelo Kodisang is a Public Relations Officer at 22 On Sloane, Africa’s largest startup campus