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The Eastern Cape government has launched the third phase of its SMME Tools, Equipment and Machinery Project, with officials confirming that R20.4 million has been allocated to support small businesses across the province.
The latest rollout event took place in East London and focused on strengthening the automotive aftermarket sector while helping local small businesses access equipment and machinery support.
According to the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), 49 SMMEs have already been supported through the programme across different districts in the province. Officials said the initiative is aimed at helping small businesses expand operations, improve competitiveness, and sustain jobs.
The launch was attended by representatives from the Office of the Premier, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation leadership, and Buffalo City Metro.
In a statement issued during the event, Eastern Cape MEC Nonkqubela Pieters said the programme was designed to equip businesses with the tools needed to grow local economic activity.
“The Eastern Cape Government has allocated R20.4 million towards the project, with 49 MSMEs supported across all districts in the province,” Pieters said.
Officials also confirmed that the latest rollout supported businesses in Buffalo City and Amathole. According to the programme organisers, 15 SMMEs involved in the current phase have collectively created and sustained 99 jobs.
The initiative forms part of a broader provincial effort to support township and rural economic development through targeted small business funding and equipment access.
The programme has already been launched in Ngcobo and Mthatha, with additional district engagements expected across the province in the coming months.
It has not yet been confirmed how many additional businesses will benefit during the next phase of the rollout.
For many small business owners in the Eastern Cape, access to machinery and production equipment remains a major barrier to growth, especially in manufacturing and automotive-related sectors. The latest rollout could provide relief for businesses struggling with production costs and operational capacity.
Local impact in other districts is still expected to become clearer as further provincial engagements take place.
