Standard Bank hosted its ninth annual SME Summit in partnership with Business Day on July 16 in Johannesburg.
The 2025 summit — watch the recording above — was themed “Connected for Growth: Empowering SMEs through Digital Innovation and Global Trade”.
Building on the success of past editions, the event delivered notable value to entrepreneurs across SA, providing them with the essential insights, tools, and connections needed to thrive in a dynamic global economy.
“For the past nine years, the Standard Bank SME Summit has been a cornerstone of our commitment to empowering the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our economies,” said Deenash Pillay, head of Small Enterprise Segments at Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking.
“This summit is more than just a conference; it’s a strategic platform designed to provide practical, actionable solutions. SMEs face unique challenges and untapped opportunities, and our goal is to ensure they have access to the information and tools they need to not just survive, but actively lead innovation and job creation in their respective industries.”
On the agenda
The summit featured two engaging panel discussions designed to stretch horizons and tackle new frontiers crucial to SMEs today:
1. Unlocking international markets
Cross-border trade presents significant opportunities for local entrepreneurs to expand their operations. While intra-African trade currently trails other blocs (16% of Africa’s exports vs 55% for Asia, 49% for North America, and 63% for the European Union), Standard Bank’s latest Africa Trade Barometer reveals growing momentum. The research, based on interviews with 2,258 businesses across 10 Sub-Saharan economies, highlights a growing interest in intra-African commerce.
“As our Africa Trade Barometer research indicates, businesses are increasingly prioritising African markets for their lower import costs, quality products, and faster response times. This momentum is set to continue with the accelerating industrialisation driven by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to bring together all 55 AU member states to form the world’s largest single market for goods and services,” said Pillay.
For businesses interested in leveraging opportunities in exporting goods and services into Africa and beyond — or strategically importing from global hubs like China or within the continent — this panel discussion delved into:
- The current global economic landscape and its implications for SMEs.
- Identifying and overcoming barriers SMEs face in international trade.
- The crucial role of trade finance in overcoming financial hurdles during unpredictable global economic times.
- Actionable strategies for SMEs to unlock international markets.
- Insights into the future of international trade and SMEs.
2. Overcoming operational and strategic challenges
In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) and technology act as powerful disruptive forces, new and significant opportunities are emerging alongside complex challenges.
This panel discussion focused on equipping SMEs to remain relevant and agile during these unprecedented times. The conversation centred on:
- Navigating digital transformation journeys — moving beyond basic adoption to strategic integration.
- Critical skills and talent development for building future-ready teams.
- Alternative financing models for accessing growth capital (including government grants, venture capital, and innovative funding platforms).
The summit brought together an array of panellists, including esteemed sector and finance experts, as well as successful entrepreneurs who shared their first-hand experiences, challenges, and hard-won victories. This blend of expert knowledge and real-world insights ensured a rich and relatable learning experience.
“The 2025 summit delivered not just insights but also inspiration. From leveraging technology to optimising operations to exploring new funding avenues and accessing global markets, we aimed to provide a comprehensive roadmap for our SMEs to flourish and contribute significantly to economic prosperity, not just in SA, but across our continent,” said Pillay.
Watch the recording of the event above.
This article was sponsored by Standard Bank.
