The Masterclass is taking place on the margins of the Science Forum South Africa. The objective of the masterclass is to equip youth-led SMMEs with practical skills in digital tools for upskilling their business development skills and to also outline opportunities within the e-commerce space for local and export market access.

According to the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Zuko Godlimpi, the masterclass will also be hosted to demonstrate real world applications of digital tools through the testimonials of young founders and alumni of the Capacity Building Programme for Digital Technology Integration in Business and Trade.

“The session will explore how digital tools can unlock new opportunities for SMMEs in the e-commerce space enhancing market access, streamlining operations, and driving growth. Participants will also gain practical insights into leveraging digital platforms, online payment systems, logistics solutions, and digital marketing strategies,” says Godlimpi.

He adds that the masterclass will also spotlight government initiatives and support mechanisms aimed at accelerating digital transformation within the SMME sector.

“It is also important to note that the e-commerce landscape in South Africa is experiencing an unprecedented surge. For small businesses, e-commerce has become an essential avenue for scaling up, reaching a broader audience and staying competitive in an evolving market. One of the most significant benefits of e-commerce for small businesses in South Africa, is access to a wider market. In the past, a shop owner in a small village community in a rural area might have had limited customers. Now, with an online store, products can be sold to people across the entire country and even globally,” he says.

Attendees will benefit from expert-led discussions, real world case studies, and interactive engagements designed to inspire and equip entrepreneurs, policymakers, and ecosystem enablers.

The masterclass will be preceded by the Science Forum South Africa panel discussion scheduled for Wednesday, 26 November 2025 at the CSIR International Convention Centre.

The panel, titled “Igniting Sparks: Youth Innovation in Africa’s Informal Economy,” will spotlight young entrepreneurs who are driving innovation and transformation within informal markets.

Four participants from the Next Gen Exporter Incubation program will be joining as panellists. The Next-Gen Exporter Incubation Programme is aimed at equipping young entrepreneurs with exporting skills, resources and support required to become successful first-time exporters, and is specifically tailored for the alumni of the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) programme.

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