Samsung launches the third call for tech SMM businesses owned by individuals of African descent
In the heart of Johannesburg, KTO Digital, a success story born from Samsung's 2025 Enterprise Development (ED) programme, is a shining example of how the initiative empowers ICT entrepreneurship and stimulates job creation.
The ED programme, a part of Samsung's Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), targets black-owned South African ICT and service centre Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). To be eligible, a business must meet several criteria: it must be at least 51% black owned, registered in South Africa, operated for a minimum of one year, and have an annual turnover less than R50 million. The business should also qualify as either an Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME) or a Qualifying Small Enterprise (QSE) under the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act 53 of 2003 (as amended). Relevant certifications and expertise in the business domain are required, along with demonstrable skills in communication, business acumen, interpersonal skills, and entrepreneurial capabilities.
The programme focuses on the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and service centre repairs for mobile devices and consumer electronics. It prioritises empowering black-owned and especially black women-owned SMEs in the ICT sector, collaborating with South Africa's Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) to foster meaningful employment opportunities and business growth in these enterprises.
The application process is straightforward. Interested parties can apply online, submitting the required documentation. An independent partner appointed by Samsung will evaluate applications against criteria. Shortlisted candidates will be notified for further evaluation steps. Successful applicants will be informed of award details, while unsuccessful ones will receive regret notices.
One such success story is KTO Digital, which needed support to meet its growth objectives when owner Thoriso Rangata joined the EEIP programme. Since 2021, KTO Digital has created over 20 jobs, contributing to the EEIP programme's objective of job creation. In 2022, KTO Digital won the Nedbank Business of the Year Award after being part of the EEIP programme. Thoriso gained reassurance and confidence from being part of the EEIP programme, and in 2022, KTO Digital launched its own product and received accreditation as a credit bureau business.
The EEIP programme, now in its third call, provides grant funding, specialist business development support, and access to supply chain opportunities for black- and women-owned SMMEs. It aligns with the country's transformation goals and aims to foster a more inclusive economy. Samsung speaks to two beneficiaries of the ED programme to measure the impact and effectiveness of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The 2025 Enterprise Development (ED) programme is now open for applications for black-owned ICT and service centre SMMEs. For detailed application and submission, applicants are directed to the official Samsung EEIP Enterprise Development program webpage. KTO Digital's success contributes to the EEIP programme's goal of helping to contribute to economic growth, providing a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs in the ICT sector.
- The 2025 Enterprise Development (ED) programme, a part of Samsung's Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), focuses on helping black-owned Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and service center Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa.
- KTO Digital, a recipient of the ED programme, is an example of how this initiative empowers local ICT entrepreneurship and stimulates job creation, having created over 20 jobs since joining the programme.
- The finance and business development support provided by the ED programme has been instrumental in KTO Digital's growth, leading to the launch of a new product and accreditation as a credit bureau business.
- Samsung's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, such as the ED programme, aim to foster a more inclusive local economy and economic growth, serving as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs in the ICT sector.
