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Assupol, in partnership with 22 On Sloane, is pleased to announce that the Digital Skills Training Programme has successfully commenced its experiential learning component. As part of this phase, 15 learners will be placed in workplace environments for three months to gain hands-on experience, further enhancing their training and development.

March 5, 2025

Press Release | The Assupol Digital Skills Programme in partnership with 22 On Sloane places 15 learners in the workplace

Assupol, in partnership with 22 On Sloane, is pleased to announce that the Digital Skills Training Programme has successfully commenced its experiential learning component. As part of this phase, 15 learners will be placed in workplace environments for three months to gain hands-on experience, further enhancing their training and development.

Press Release

The SMME Capacity Building Programme, targeted at entrepreneurs in North-West, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, is designed to equip small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) with essential skills in business operations, financial management, and digital transformation. The programme offers structured support to help SMMEs expand their market reach, enhance their digital capabilities, and improve their overall business sustainability. Simultaneously, the Women in Tech Entrepreneurship Programme, based in Western Cape, is tailored to support female tech founders. Participants will gain access to specialised training, industry experts, and investor networks to accelerate the growth of their startups. This initiative seeks to bridge the gender gap in the technology sector by equipping women entrepreneurs with the tools to accelerate their growth in the ever-burgeoning digital economy...

March 3, 2025

22 On Sloane and Microsoft Launch Programmes to Support SMMEs and Women in Tech

The SMME Capacity Building Programme, targeted at entrepreneurs in North-West, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, is designed to equip small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) with essential skills in business operations, financial management, and digital transformation. The programme offers structured support to help SMMEs expand their market reach, enhance their digital capabilities, and improve their overall business sustainability.

Simultaneously, the Women in Tech Entrepreneurship Programme, based in Western Cape, is tailored to support female tech founders. Participants will gain access to specialised training, industry experts, and investor networks to accelerate the growth of their startups. This initiative seeks to bridge the gender gap in the technology sector by equipping women entrepreneurs with the tools to accelerate their growth in the ever-burgeoning digital economy…

Press Release

Sustainability is not just a corporate buzzword. It is a thriving economic model that is reshaping Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. African communities have long practiced sustainability through land stewardship, water conservation, and resource-sharing traditions. Concepts like Ubuntu “I am because we are” reflect sustainability at a social level, while agroecological farming, rotational grazing, and rainwater harvesting showcase environmental sustainability. From informal waste reclaimers to high-tech agri-businesses, small enterprises are demonstrating that environmental responsibility and economic growth can go hand in hand. These entrepreneurs are not only tackling pressing environmental challenges but also driving job creation, community empowerment, and resource efficiency...

February 28, 2025

The Business of Sustainability: Africa’s Path to a Circular and Inclusive Economy

Sustainability is not just a corporate buzzword. It is a thriving economic model that is reshaping Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. African communities have long practiced sustainability through land stewardship, water conservation, and resource-sharing traditions. Concepts like Ubuntu “I am because we are” reflect sustainability at a social level, while agroecological farming, rotational grazing, and rainwater harvesting showcase environmental sustainability. From informal waste reclaimers to high-tech agri-businesses, small enterprises are demonstrating that environmental responsibility and economic growth can go hand in hand. These entrepreneurs are not only tackling pressing environmental challenges but also driving job creation, community empowerment, and resource efficiency…

Ruth Maposa

At 22 On Sloane, research is a key pillar of our mission to power the next generation of African entrepreneurs. As Africa’s largest entrepreneurship campus, we are committed to generating insights that drive innovation, enhance entrepreneurial support, and shape policies that foster business growth across the continent. Our research agenda focuses on strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems, supporting the scaling of African startups, leveraging digital transformation, addressing challenges in developing contexts, and promoting sustainability through green economy initiatives. Through data-driven insights, we aim to equip startups and SMEs with the tools they need to scale and compete globally.

February 25, 2025

22 On Sloane Research Agenda

At 22 On Sloane, research is a key pillar of our mission to power the next generation of African entrepreneurs. As Africa’s largest entrepreneurship campus, we are committed to generating insights that drive innovation, enhance entrepreneurial support, and shape policies that foster business growth across the continent.
Our research agenda focuses on strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems, supporting the scaling of African startups, leveraging digital transformation, addressing challenges in developing contexts, and promoting sustainability through green economy initiatives. Through data-driven insights, we aim to equip startups and SMEs with the tools they need to scale and compete globally.

Boitshoko Shoke

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the key activities and outcomes of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024, highlighting efforts to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and ecosystem development. It captures the highlights of the GEW Hackathon, where participants tackled pressing entrepreneurial challenges, presented innovative solutions, and were evaluated based on creativity and impact...

February 25, 2025

Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024 Report

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the key activities and outcomes of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024, highlighting efforts to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and ecosystem development. It captures the highlights of the GEW Hackathon, where participants tackled pressing entrepreneurial challenges, presented innovative solutions, and were evaluated based on creativity and impact…

Boitshoko Shoke

A fair tax system ensures that all businesses contribute to national development based on their capacity. SMEs often face disadvantages such as restricted access to financing, regulatory red tape, and skills shortages. The government has responded by implementing progressive tax structures that tax SMEs only once they reach a certain revenue threshold. This shift reduces dependency on large corporations and fosters economic equity. South Africa’s informal sector remains a vast, untapped source of tax revenue. Formalising these businesses could significantly boost tax collections without overburdening entrepreneurs...

February 25, 2025

Expanding South Africa’s Tax Base: The Untapped Potential of SMEs

A fair tax system ensures that all businesses contribute to national development based on their capacity. SMEs often face disadvantages such as restricted access to financing, regulatory red tape, and skills shortages. The government has responded by implementing progressive tax structures that tax SMEs only once they reach a certain revenue threshold. This shift reduces dependency on large corporations and fosters economic equity. South Africa’s informal sector remains a vast, untapped source of tax revenue. Formalising these businesses could significantly boost tax collections without overburdening entrepreneurs…

Boitshoko Shoke

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Assupol, in partnership with 22 On Sloane, is pleased to announce that the Digital Skills Training Programme has successfully commenced its experiential learning component. As part of this phase, 15 learners will be placed in workplace environments for three months to gain hands-on experience, further enhancing their training and development.

March 5, 2025

Press Release | The Assupol Digital Skills Programme in partnership with 22 On Sloane places 15 learners in the workplace

Assupol, in partnership with 22 On Sloane, is pleased to announce that the Digital Skills Training Programme has successfully commenced its experiential learning component. As part of this phase, 15 learners will be placed in workplace environments for three months to gain hands-on experience, further enhancing their training and development.

Press Release

The SMME Capacity Building Programme, targeted at entrepreneurs in North-West, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, is designed to equip small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) with essential skills in business operations, financial management, and digital transformation. The programme offers structured support to help SMMEs expand their market reach, enhance their digital capabilities, and improve their overall business sustainability. Simultaneously, the Women in Tech Entrepreneurship Programme, based in Western Cape, is tailored to support female tech founders. Participants will gain access to specialised training, industry experts, and investor networks to accelerate the growth of their startups. This initiative seeks to bridge the gender gap in the technology sector by equipping women entrepreneurs with the tools to accelerate their growth in the ever-burgeoning digital economy...

March 3, 2025

22 On Sloane and Microsoft Launch Programmes to Support SMMEs and Women in Tech

The SMME Capacity Building Programme, targeted at entrepreneurs in North-West, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, is designed to equip small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) with essential skills in business operations, financial management, and digital transformation. The programme offers structured support to help SMMEs expand their market reach, enhance their digital capabilities, and improve their overall business sustainability.

Simultaneously, the Women in Tech Entrepreneurship Programme, based in Western Cape, is tailored to support female tech founders. Participants will gain access to specialised training, industry experts, and investor networks to accelerate the growth of their startups. This initiative seeks to bridge the gender gap in the technology sector by equipping women entrepreneurs with the tools to accelerate their growth in the ever-burgeoning digital economy…

Press Release

Sustainability is not just a corporate buzzword. It is a thriving economic model that is reshaping Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. African communities have long practiced sustainability through land stewardship, water conservation, and resource-sharing traditions. Concepts like Ubuntu “I am because we are” reflect sustainability at a social level, while agroecological farming, rotational grazing, and rainwater harvesting showcase environmental sustainability. From informal waste reclaimers to high-tech agri-businesses, small enterprises are demonstrating that environmental responsibility and economic growth can go hand in hand. These entrepreneurs are not only tackling pressing environmental challenges but also driving job creation, community empowerment, and resource efficiency...

February 28, 2025

The Business of Sustainability: Africa’s Path to a Circular and Inclusive Economy

Sustainability is not just a corporate buzzword. It is a thriving economic model that is reshaping Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. African communities have long practiced sustainability through land stewardship, water conservation, and resource-sharing traditions. Concepts like Ubuntu “I am because we are” reflect sustainability at a social level, while agroecological farming, rotational grazing, and rainwater harvesting showcase environmental sustainability. From informal waste reclaimers to high-tech agri-businesses, small enterprises are demonstrating that environmental responsibility and economic growth can go hand in hand. These entrepreneurs are not only tackling pressing environmental challenges but also driving job creation, community empowerment, and resource efficiency…

Ruth Maposa

At 22 On Sloane, research is a key pillar of our mission to power the next generation of African entrepreneurs. As Africa’s largest entrepreneurship campus, we are committed to generating insights that drive innovation, enhance entrepreneurial support, and shape policies that foster business growth across the continent. Our research agenda focuses on strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems, supporting the scaling of African startups, leveraging digital transformation, addressing challenges in developing contexts, and promoting sustainability through green economy initiatives. Through data-driven insights, we aim to equip startups and SMEs with the tools they need to scale and compete globally.

February 25, 2025

22 On Sloane Research Agenda

At 22 On Sloane, research is a key pillar of our mission to power the next generation of African entrepreneurs. As Africa’s largest entrepreneurship campus, we are committed to generating insights that drive innovation, enhance entrepreneurial support, and shape policies that foster business growth across the continent.
Our research agenda focuses on strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems, supporting the scaling of African startups, leveraging digital transformation, addressing challenges in developing contexts, and promoting sustainability through green economy initiatives. Through data-driven insights, we aim to equip startups and SMEs with the tools they need to scale and compete globally.

Boitshoko Shoke

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the key activities and outcomes of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024, highlighting efforts to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and ecosystem development. It captures the highlights of the GEW Hackathon, where participants tackled pressing entrepreneurial challenges, presented innovative solutions, and were evaluated based on creativity and impact...

February 25, 2025

Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024 Report

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the key activities and outcomes of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024, highlighting efforts to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and ecosystem development. It captures the highlights of the GEW Hackathon, where participants tackled pressing entrepreneurial challenges, presented innovative solutions, and were evaluated based on creativity and impact…

Boitshoko Shoke

A fair tax system ensures that all businesses contribute to national development based on their capacity. SMEs often face disadvantages such as restricted access to financing, regulatory red tape, and skills shortages. The government has responded by implementing progressive tax structures that tax SMEs only once they reach a certain revenue threshold. This shift reduces dependency on large corporations and fosters economic equity. South Africa’s informal sector remains a vast, untapped source of tax revenue. Formalising these businesses could significantly boost tax collections without overburdening entrepreneurs...

February 25, 2025

Expanding South Africa’s Tax Base: The Untapped Potential of SMEs

A fair tax system ensures that all businesses contribute to national development based on their capacity. SMEs often face disadvantages such as restricted access to financing, regulatory red tape, and skills shortages. The government has responded by implementing progressive tax structures that tax SMEs only once they reach a certain revenue threshold. This shift reduces dependency on large corporations and fosters economic equity. South Africa’s informal sector remains a vast, untapped source of tax revenue. Formalising these businesses could significantly boost tax collections without overburdening entrepreneurs…

Boitshoko Shoke

Trust and familiarity are pivotal in the decision-making process for investors. They often engage in informal due diligence through their social circles, verifying the backgrounds and business potential of founders. In a study conducted by Lerner & Schoar in 2018, it was established that the influence of social proof is significant; a startup that receives endorsements from well-connected advisors or angel investors becomes markedly more attractive to other potential investors...

February 13, 2025

Love, power & politics: how relationships shape global affairs

Trust and familiarity are pivotal in the decision-making process for investors. They often engage in informal due diligence through their social circles, verifying the backgrounds and business potential of founders. In a study conducted by Lerner & Schoar in 2018, it was established that the influence of social proof is significant; a startup that receives endorsements from well-connected advisors or angel investors becomes markedly more attractive to other potential investors…

Boitshoko Shoke

From my observations of the Mining Indaba, I could not help but think about how the entrepreneurship ecosystem gathers or conducts its conferencing. I believe there are some helpful lessons we can learn. . The economic contribution of small and medium businesses in the continent is nothing to be snuffed at. The World Economic Forum estimates that SMEs are responsible for more than 80% of the continent's employment and 50% of the GDP...

February 6, 2025

Making Small Business Big Business – Lessons from the Mining Indaba

From my observations of the Mining Indaba, I could not help but think about how the entrepreneurship ecosystem gathers or conducts its conferencing. I believe there are some helpful lessons we can learn. . The economic contribution of small and medium businesses in the continent is nothing to be snuffed at. The World Economic Forum estimates that SMEs are responsible for more than 80% of the continent’s employment and 50% of the GDP…

Zinhle Mncube

The detail around the Fund is still not clear to many, but one thing is clear and certain, South Africa needs a Transformation Fund that will support the establishment of micro, small and medium enterprises. The lack of access to finance experienced by many black South Africans remains a concern. In 2018, 22 On Sloane conducted a study with the World Bank, in which we highlighted the Unseen Sector Report (2018), that estimated an MSME credit gap of US$6bn (R120bn) in the formal sector and US$24bn (R480bn) in the informal sector. Many recent reports have also estimated the MSME credit gap at between R86bn to R346bn. Working with MSMEs across 43 countries in Africa, we see the challenge first hand...

January 30, 2025

The R100bn Transformation Fund – Yay or Nay?

The detail around the Fund is still not clear to many, but one thing is clear and certain, South Africa needs a Transformation Fund that will support the establishment of micro, small and medium enterprises. The lack of access to finance experienced by many black South Africans remains a concern. In 2018, 22 On Sloane conducted a study with the World Bank, in which we highlighted the Unseen Sector Report (2018), that estimated an MSME credit gap of US$6bn (R120bn) in the formal sector and US$24bn (R480bn) in the informal sector. Many recent reports have also estimated the MSME credit gap at between R86bn to R346bn. Working with MSMEs across 43 countries in Africa, we see the challenge first hand…

Kizito Okechukwu

South Africa’s G20 presidency under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability” offers a transformative opportunity to address these inequalities by embedding SMMEs into the heart of G20 discussions. At the forefront of this vision is their integration into task forces tackling inclusive growth, industrialisation, and job creation. SMMEs must also be recognised as drivers of innovation, particularly in emerging fields such as AI and data governance, where their potential to bridge digital divides cannot be overstated. South Africa could champion practical solutions, including affordable financing mechanisms tailored to the needs of SMMEs and partnerships that connect them to global value chains. Leveraging initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could reduce trade barriers and enhance SMMEs’ export readiness.

January 28, 2025

Empowering SMMEs Under South Africa’s G20 Presidency

South Africa’s G20 presidency under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability” offers a transformative opportunity to address these inequalities by embedding SMMEs into the heart of G20 discussions. At the forefront of this vision is their integration into task forces tackling inclusive growth, industrialisation, and job creation. SMMEs must also be recognised as drivers of innovation, particularly in emerging fields such as AI and data governance, where their potential to bridge digital divides cannot be overstated. South Africa could champion practical solutions, including affordable financing mechanisms tailored to the needs of SMMEs and partnerships that connect them to global value chains. Leveraging initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could reduce trade barriers and enhance SMMEs’ export readiness.

Boitshoko Shoke

From the 4th to 9th November 2024, the 22 On Sloane Cape Town Hub came alive with energy, innovation, and collaboration as we hosted our first major ecosystem activity, The Google Startup Bootcamp. This milestone not only marked the debut of our facility in the heart of Green Point but also underscored our commitment to nurturing Africa’s dynamic startup ecosystem. The Google Startup Bootcamp is part of the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund initiative, which has pledged over $30 million in equity-free funding to empower Black-led startups across the globe. For one week, participants engaged in transformative workshops, one-on-one mentorship sessions, and invaluable networking opportunities. It wasn’t just about learning, it was about building relationships, refining ideas, and laying a stronger foundation for their ventures.

December 5, 2024

Grant Funding’s Ability to Plug the Pre-Seed Funding Gap

From the 4th to 9th November 2024, the 22 On Sloane Cape Town Hub came alive with energy, innovation, and collaboration as we hosted our first major ecosystem activity, The Google Startup Bootcamp. This milestone not only marked the debut of our facility in the heart of Green Point but also underscored our commitment to nurturing Africa’s dynamic startup ecosystem. The Google Startup Bootcamp is part of the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund initiative, which has pledged over $30 million in equity-free funding to empower Black-led startups across the globe. For one week, participants engaged in transformative workshops, one-on-one mentorship sessions, and invaluable networking opportunities. It wasn’t just about learning, it was about building relationships, refining ideas, and laying a stronger foundation for their ventures.

Zinhle Mncube

A key takeaway from the summit was the reaffirmation of the importance of strategic partnerships. The NISED Framework mandates biennial summits to track progress and engage stakeholders on collective goals. Attendees were encouraged to consider actionable steps, posing the questions: “What quick wins and impactful interventions should we prioritise, and what actions must each of us take to bring them to fruition?” The summit also marked progress on policies that prioritise inclusivity, such as support for spaza shops and informal traders to upgrade their infrastructure and comply with regulations...

November 28, 2024

South Africa to create 1 million new startups and SMMEs by 2030

A key takeaway from the summit was the reaffirmation of the importance of strategic partnerships. The NISED Framework mandates biennial summits to track progress and engage stakeholders on collective goals. Attendees were encouraged to consider actionable steps, posing the questions: “What quick wins and impactful interventions should we prioritise, and what actions must each of us take to bring them to fruition?”

The summit also marked progress on policies that prioritise inclusivity, such as support for spaza shops and informal traders to upgrade their infrastructure and comply with regulations…

Boitumelo Kodisang