Both countries explored collaboration in finance, digitalisation, entrepreneurship and skills development…reports Africa, India Daily News Desks
India and South Africa have explored ways to strengthen cooperation in the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector, with both sides identifying opportunities to boost access to finance, digitalisation, entrepreneurship and skills development.
The discussions took place during a meeting in New Delhi between Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and a South African delegation led by Small Business Development Minister Stella Tembisa Ndabeni.
According to an official statement, the two sides recognised the crucial role played by MSMEs in economic growth, employment generation and inclusive development. They discussed measures to support enterprise formalisation, improve access to funding, accelerate digital adoption and strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems in both countries.
The meeting underscored the shared commitment of India and South Africa to deepen bilateral engagement and create a supportive environment for the growth and competitiveness of MSMEs.
The discussions come as India continues to push for greater international cooperation on MSME development through multilateral platforms, including BRICS.
Separately, policymakers and officials participating in the second SME Working Group Meeting under the BRICS Partnership on the New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR) stressed the need to bridge the technology gap facing small businesses.
The meeting, hosted by the Ministry of MSME, brought together representatives from BRICS member countries to exchange experiences and best practices on supporting MSMEs.
Participants highlighted the importance of improving digital inclusion, strengthening innovation capabilities and enhancing the technological readiness of MSMEs to help them integrate into regional and global value chains.
The deliberations also emphasised the need for deeper collaboration among BRICS economies in areas such as technology access, innovation ecosystems and skills development.
Officials said the discussions provided an important platform for policy exchange among countries facing similar development challenges and reinforced a shared commitment to building resilient, inclusive and globally competitive MSME sectors.
MSMEs are widely regarded as a backbone of emerging economies, contributing significantly to employment, innovation and industrial growth. The latest discussions reflect growing efforts by India and its international partners to strengthen the sector’s role in driving sustainable economic development.
Meanwhile, India and South Africa have discussed expanding cooperation in key areas of digital technology, including digital infrastructure, innovation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital skills development.
The discussions took place during a meeting between Indian officials and South African Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Mondli Gungubele, with both sides describing the interaction as warm and productive.
During the talks, India and South Africa reaffirmed their shared commitment to democratic values and a common vision of leveraging technology to drive economic growth and social development.
Officials explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration in building robust digital infrastructure, fostering innovation ecosystems, advancing artificial intelligence capabilities and enhancing cybersecurity frameworks.
The two countries also discussed initiatives aimed at improving digital skills and promoting greater access to technology, recognising the importance of digital inclusion in supporting sustainable development.
Both sides emphasised that closer cooperation in emerging technologies could help create new opportunities for growth and innovation while addressing common development challenges.
The discussions highlighted the role India and South Africa can play in advancing a more inclusive and equitable digital future for the Global South through stronger partnerships and knowledge sharing.
The meeting forms part of broader efforts by the two countries to deepen bilateral ties and expand cooperation across strategic sectors, including technology and digital transformation.
