16/10/2024
๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐: ๐ ๐จ๐๐โข ๐๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ๐ฌ
recently, Rob Templeton from goedโข was one of a select few SMME representatives, chosen to attend the South African SMME and Tech Startup Business Showcase in the UK. this event, held in parallel with the state visit led by the Department of Small Business Development and Deputy President Paul Mashatile, provided an ideal platform for showcasing, networking, and promoting entrepreneurs to foster long-lasting business partnerships. by engaging directly with international investors, the event aimed to promote sustainable long-term growth and market expansion.
Robโs trip was organized and sponsored by the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), an agency of the Department of Small Business Development established in 2004 through the National Small Business Amendment Act (Act 29 of 2004).
this trip aims to bridge gaps in tapping into international markets by bringing investors, financiers, and SMMEs together in one room to engage fully, with the goal of scaling their businesses and merging with international institutions to drive sustainable economic growth and development. while celebrating 30 years of democracy, this event also marked a celebration of collaboration between the UK and South Africa and the strengthening of trade relations between the two nations.
one of the highlights of this program was AFSIC โ Investing in Africa on October 7th and 8th. for more than a decade, AFSIC has focused on nurturing investment and collaboration across the investment value chain and driving sustainable growth in Africa. the event featured talks on emerging technological investments and enhancements in Africa. notable attendees included representatives from ABSA and Africa Bank. the growth and development of a strong South African brand, Nandos, was an inspiring talk filled with useful insights, followed by a visit to the University College London (UCL), hosted by Jerry Allen, the Director for Entrepreneurship. Allen works closely with numerous startups, helping to develop ideas and engage with funders for growth and longevity.
following the visit, goedโข has highlighted two projects for development with members of the other SMMEs that attended, partnerships have already been established and are set to flourish in the future.
โit was a humbling experience, and Iโm exceptionally grateful for the opportunity that SEDA has made possible for us. Iโm really excited by some of the conversations and meetings that I had. we will be meeting shortly with the Vice President of the UK / SA Chamber of Commerce, who will be visiting our company soon. one of the topics for discussion will be keeping a focus on the development of rural cooperatives to fast-track female-led smallholder farmers into value chains. a very exciting time,โ said Rob Templeton.
