22 On Sloane Launches Version Three Of The Township Digital Market Access Programme In The Western Cape

For Immediate Release

Cape Town, South Africa, 22 June 2026

22 On Sloane is proud to announce the launch Version three (3) of the Township Digital Market Access Programme in partnership with the UK-South Africa Tech Hub and the Wholesale and Retail SETA. This marks the third iteration of the initiative designed to unlock digital market opportunities for township-based businesses. This latest cohort will recruit and support 80 township businesses in the Western Cape, specifically from Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Mitchell’s Plain, Nyanga, Langa, Harare, Mfuleni, Imizamoyethu and Delft.

The programme launched in June 2024 is designed to address persistent barriers to digital participation, particularly limited digital literacy and restricted access to e-commerce marketplaces. Through structured training, technical onboarding and ongoing digital support, participating businesses will be capacitated to list and trade on leading South African e-commerce platforms.

“Version three (3) represents a deliberate shift from access alone to preparedness and competitiveness,” says Bongani Ntombela, Executive: Programmes at 22 On Sloane. “We have seen that onboarding businesses onto digital platforms is only one part of the equation. This iteration strengthens business fundamentals, improves technical capability, and equips entrepreneurs with the practical tools required to compete meaningfully in online marketplaces.”

To date we have empowered over 350 MSMEs

Version three introduces a strengthened programme structure built around two core pillars:

• Business Readiness Level (BRL)
• Technical Capability Level (TCL)

These pillars ensure that participating businesses are not only platform-ready but operationally prepared to meet demand and sustain growth.

Milisa Mabinza, Director of the UK-South Africa Tech Hub states “inclusive economic growth depends on ensuring that township businesses can fully participate in the digital economy. Spatial inequality restricts market access for these businesses, and through the Township Digital Market Access programme we’ve been able to carve out market entry pathways that go beyond those businesses’ geographical limitations. We have supported this programme from its inception, and with introducing this third iteration in the Western Cape it’s an opportunity to expand this support creating new networks and digital pathways in the region.

Vukani Mnyandu, Senior Manager for Marketing, Communications and Stakeholder Management at the Wholesale and Retail SETA, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to empowering township entrepreneurs and strengthening partnerships that expand opportunities in the retail sector.

“At the W&RSETA, we recognise that township businesses are a critical driver of South Africa’s economy. Through initiatives such as the Township Digital Market Access Programme, we are committed to equipping entrepreneurs with the skills, resources and opportunities they need to participate meaningfully in the digital economy. By partnering with organisations like 22 On Sloane and the UK-South Africa Tech Hub, we are helping create sustainable pathways for township enterprises to grow, access new markets and contribute to inclusive economic development.”

The programme is open to product-based businesses operating in the following sectors:

Clothing & Textile, Food & Beverages, Furniture, Bakery & Confectionery, Auto Parts, Personal Care, Agro-processing, Electronics & Appliances. Other product-based businesses may be considered, provided they meet platform requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Operate within Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Mitchell’s Plain, Nyanga, Langa, Harare, Mfuleni or Delft
• Produce tangible consumer products suitable for e-commerce
• Have been in operation for at least one year
• Demonstrate active sales and business activity
• Be fully involved in daily business operations
• In possession of required documents such as proof of address, certified IDs, business profile or product proof, and recent bank statements

Applications

Applications for The Township Digital Market Access Programme open on 22 June 2026. Township-based product businesses in the targeted Western Cape areas are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to expand their market reach beyond geographical limitations.

About 22 On Sloane, the UK-South Africa Tech Hub and the Wholesale and Retail SETA

22 On Sloane, Africa’s largest startup campus, is dedicated to Powering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs. As the proud headquarters of GEN Africa, it supports entrepreneurship development across the nation. GEN Africa connects African entrepreneurs to global resources and advocates for policies driving substantiable growth.

The UK-South Africa Tech Hub, an initiative of the UK government, works to promote digital inclusion and inclusive growth in partner countries by stimulating local digital economies and forging innovation partnerships

The Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) is a public entity that supports skills development in South Africa’s wholesale and retail sector. It funds training, learnerships, and enterprise development initiatives to enhance employability, strengthen businesses, and promote inclusive economic growth.

For Media Enquiries:

PR and Marketing Coordinator: Boitumelo Kodisang

Email: boitumelo@22onsloane.co

Telephone: 011 463 7602

For Programme Applications & Information:

Email: programmes@22onsloane.co