Powering SMEs Future:

Embracing Digital Enablement

The 2025 Standard Bank SME Summit in partnership with Business Day

About

The Standard Bank SMME Summit 2025 brings together visionaries and business leaders under the powerful theme “Connected for Growth.” Discover how digital innovation and global trade can drive SME growth. From unlocking international markets and overcoming trade finance barriers to solving operational and strategic hurdles, the summit offers actionable insights to future-proof your business.

Why tune in?

Gain insights, practical tips and inspiration on how to transform businesses to become more resilient and relevant

Brush up on the latest business trends of the future

Find out what you should look for to spot the next lucrative opportunity

Connect with experts and advisors to help get your business ahead

Learn how to navigate challenges to become more innovative and nimble in a changing world of work

The importance of a strong SME sector

The SME sector has massive opportunities to pursue and seize!

Factors that play in an SMEs favour are:

  • SMEs have the advantage of being innovative and incredibly nimble – allowing them to disrupt the bigger players;
  • SMEs make fast decisions – a massive advantage when it comes to implementing new technology;
  • According to the National Development Plan, 90% of new jobs will be created by SMEs by 2030.

Throughout this series we will give our audience insights into the latest industry intelligence and strategies for the coming months and practical tips from real people and real businesses on how to transform your business to become more resilient and relevant.

What to expect from the Standard Bank SME Summit

The unprecedented times in which we still find ourselves today demand that SMES face the challenges head-on, armed with the right information and tools to adapt and thrive in the future. With so much at stake for our economy – and the investments required to sustain it – it’s imperative for small and medium sized businesses to know exactly how the SME landscape is unfolding, and to be fighting-fit to weather the storms of disruption.

We will continue in a hybrid format, as our expert speakers give insights into the latest industry intelligence, strategies for the coming months and practical tips on how to transform your business to become more resilient and relevant in a new economy.

This year’s pillars include:

  • E-Commerce: Accelerating Economic Growth for South African SMEs
  • The Way AI Can Deliver Growth for SMEs
  • Overcoming barriers to digital enablement for South African SMEs

Past Speakers

Nozi Tshabalala
Thabo Serame
Kabelo Khumalo
Nokhanyo Ntshingila
Tiisetso Motsoeneng
Fabian Elliott
Thabiso Tsoledi
Luthando Vuba
Thembi Dlamini
Lagini Govender
Dion Chang
Pavlo Phitidis
Keneilwe Mohapi
Jonathan Smit
Dominic Gaobepe
Ernest North
Pierre Cassuto
Tshibvumo Sikhwivhilu
Brett StClair
Alishia Seckam
Rapelang Rabana
Lynette Magasa
Idan Jaan
SME Summit South Africa
Katlego Maphai
SME Summit South Africa
Steven Cohen
SME Summit South Africa
Roslyn Lavery
SME Summit South Africa
Allon Raiz
SME Summit South Africa
Charles Nortje
SME Summit South Africa
Vika Mpisane
SME Summit South Africa
Mark Forrester
SME Summit South Africa
Arthur Goldstuck
Photo of Graham Mitchell
Graham Mitchell
Photo of Louw Barnardt
Louw Barnardt
Photo of Khosi Tyobeka
Khosi Tyobeka
Photo of Vishen Pillay
Vishen Pillay
Photo of Nicholas Haralambous
Nicholas Haralambous
Photo of Phumi Mashigo
Phumi Mashigo
Photo of Beauty Apleni
Beauty Apleni
Photo of Herman Mashaba
Herman Mashaba
Jenine Zachar
Si Fu Marco
Dr. Joubert Viljoen
Zipho Sikhakhane
Adam Gottlich
Danny Pillay
Mapaseka Mokwele
Keith Govender
Bruce Turner
Trinity Mohlamme
Robyn Zinman
Naiema Abrahams
Saskia Hill
Dr Tirhani Mabunda
Gaurav Nair
Bernadette Colborne
Naledzani Mosomane
Bronwyn Williams
Tumelo Mojapelo
Zandile Keebine
Moshima Shongwe
Dr Adriana Marais
Msizi James
Arye Kellman
Tandiwe Njobe
Berrie de Jager
Zanele Njapha
Sarah Collins
Matthew Cruise
Alan Gie
Brian Gadisi
Makgosi Mabaso
Norman Nyawo
Yaeesh Moosa
Tshepo Magoma
Talifhani Banks
Nazareen Ebrahim
Nomsa Nteleko
Gregory Lee
Palesa Nombula
Gugulethu Mfuphi

Past partners

Finfind Logo
Page Automation Logo
Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Logo
Sasol Logo
Funding Hub Logo
The Numbers People Logo
Wits Business School Logo
ZADNA Logo

Contact Us

General Enquiries and Partnership Opportunities

Nadine Elie
elien@arena.africa
011 340 3895