African Bank MSME Capacity Building Programme 2026
The African Bank MSME Capacity Building Programme is a 12‑month comprehensive initiative designed to strengthen the capabilities and competitiveness of South African micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across a wide range of sectors. The programme targets black‑owned businesses that are ready to grow, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to the economy, but need structured support, mentorship and market access to reach the next level. Over the course of a year, participating businesses benefit from tailored business development support, skills training, diagnostics, and access to relevant networks, enabling them to improve operations, strategy, and long‑term sustainability.
The initiative focuses on addressing common challenges faced by MSMEs, such as limited managerial capacity, weak financial and operational systems, restricted access to markets, and gaps in compliance or digital readiness. Through mentorship by experienced business leaders, workshops on financial literacy and digital transformation, business diagnostics, and improvement plans, the programme helps entrepreneurs refine their business models, strengthen governance and reporting, and position their companies for future funding and growth opportunities. In addition, the programme leverages African Bank’s ecosystem and partnerships to expose MSMEs to new customer segments, supply chains and corporate opportunities.
Eligibility is clearly defined to ensure the programme supports committed, growth‑oriented enterprises. To qualify, a business must be at least 51% black‑owned and owned by South African citizens over the age of 18 who are full‑time entrepreneurs, not employed in the public or private sector in any capacity. Applicants must be prepared to contractually commit to the full 12‑month programme and must operate only in legal products and services (excluding sectors such as drugs, tobacco, alcohol and cannabis). Businesses owned by persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply, aligning the programme with transformation and inclusion objectives.
The programme is open to MSMEs operating in a broad range of priority sectors, including:
- Information Technology (ICT), collections and the green economy
- Manufacturing and agri‑processing
- Franchising and FMCG‑retail
- Health and wellness, consulting and services
- Building and construction, power and energy, automotive
- Marketing and advertising, events management, fashion and textile
These sectors reflect where small businesses can drive innovation, employment and value‑chain participation, and where targeted capacity building can unlock significant economic impact.
How to apply: interested MSMEs must complete the African Bank MSME Capacity Building Programme application form (hosted via African Bank/22 On Sloane’s online platform) and ensure they provide all required supporting documentation, which typically includes proof of ownership, ID documents, CIPC/company registration and basic business information. Applicants should review the eligibility criteria in detail before beginning the application, and be ready to demonstrate that the business is actively trading and that the owners can participate fully in all programme activities across the 12‑month period. Shortlisted businesses may be contacted for further information or interviews as part of the selection process.
Click here to apply.