For many township entrepreneurs, having a good business idea is only half the battle. Accessing the right skills, funding, mentorship and networks to turn that idea into a sustainable business is often where the real challenge begins.
A new partnership between the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&R SETA) aims to help bridge that gap.
The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to better connect skills development with innovation and entrepreneurship, creating opportunities that could directly benefit aspiring entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses across South Africa, including those operating in townships.
According to a statement announcing the partnership, the collaboration seeks to create a more connected support system by bringing together skills development, innovation and enterprise development, allowing individuals to move from training and education to business incubation, commercialisation and sustainable employment.
For township entrepreneurs, who often struggle to access funding, mentorship and business support, the initiative could provide new opportunities through startup incubation programmes, innovation hackathons, internships, commercialisation support and sector-specific skills development.
The partnership also aims to improve access to research, innovation infrastructure and business networks, while exploring ways to expand market access for emerging businesses and attract international investment.
The agreement builds on collaboration between the two organisations during South African Innovation Week 2026, where W&R SETA sponsored innovators to showcase new technologies, connect with investors and participate in commercialisation workshops. According to the statement, the collaboration highlighted the role that skills development can play in driving entrepreneurship, innovation and inclusive economic growth.
In the statement, TIA Chief Executive Officer Dr Titus Mathe said South Africa has no shortage of talent but requires stronger collaboration between organisations supporting entrepreneurs.
“South Africa possesses immense talent and innovative potential. However, unlocking that potential requires stronger linkages amongst actors within the skills development, innovation and start-up ecosystem,” he said.
Mathe said the partnership is intended to create pathways that enable innovators, entrepreneurs and young people to transform ideas into sustainable businesses, create quality jobs and develop solutions that contribute to economic growth and improved livelihoods.
The partnership also places a strong focus on supporting youth, women and persons with disabilities through targeted skills programmes, while exploring bursaries for Master’s and PhD students to strengthen South Africa’s pipeline of innovators.
W&R SETA Chief Executive Officer Tom Mkhwanazi said in the statement that the wholesale and retail sector will increasingly depend on an innovative, digitally enabled and entrepreneurial workforce.
“The future of the wholesale and retail sector depends on a workforce that is innovative, digitally enabled, and entrepreneurial. By partnering with TIA, we are expanding opportunities for young people and emerging entrepreneurs to access skills, innovation support and commercialisation pathways that will not only strengthen the sector but also contribute to inclusive economic development,” he said.
For township businesses that are increasingly embracing digital tools, e-commerce and technology-driven solutions, the partnership could provide access to programmes that help entrepreneurs build sustainable enterprises and compete in a rapidly evolving economy.
While the impact of the partnership will depend on how effectively these opportunities reach communities, it has the potential to strengthen South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and provide township innovators with greater access to the skills, support and networks needed to grow their businesses.
