Johannesburg, 16 April 2026: The SME Rise Enterprise Accelerator Programme is delivered by the JSE in collaboration the UK–South Africa Tech Hub, which supports innovation, digital transformation and access to international market opportunities for tech‑enabled businesses.

In 2025, the SME Rise Accelerator Programme delivered measurable impact for participating businesses in its 4th intake, with SMEs achieving average revenue growth of 17% and headcount growth of 16% within nine months. 

Notable successes from Cohort 4 include ENRA Technologies’ strategic partnership with European digital signage leader ZetaDisplay, expanding access to next‑generation digital signage solutions across Africa and the Middle East; Khula! App’s nationwide collaboration with Kagiso Trust’s Tyala Impact Fund to support 500 farmers through digital tools and resources; CPKM Group cross‑programme collaboration delivering 100 units of affordable student accommodation and Ntsingila Group was also recognised as Best Private Employer in the Transport Sector, following the creation of 44 jobs through skills development.

“The SME Rise Accelerator Programme has proven to be a powerful catalyst for helping South African SMEs scale as seen in over 50 companies to date achieving an average growth rate of 43% while expanding their workforce by 30%,” said Vuyo Lee, Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at the JSE. “We are excited to welcome this group as they embark on a journey that will support their expansion sustainably and build resilience while driving job creation and contribution to economic growth.” 

“The SME Rise Accelerator Programme is a shining example of the far-reaching benefits that public-private partnerships can deliver,” said Milisa Mabinza, Director of the UK–South Africa Tech Hub. “By combining the strengths of the JSE, our funding and networks as the UK government, and the support of key funders, we are empowering South African entrepreneurs to access new sources of capital, expand into fresh markets, and seize greater opportunities. This collaborative model is unlocking sustainable growth and reinforcing South Africa’s innovation economy. Ultimately, fostering such partnerships is crucial for building a robust ecosystem where SMEs have the chance to flourish and make a meaningful impact.”

The 2026 programme will run over an eight‑month period and will focus on equipping the 12 selected SMEs with the tools, knowledge and networks required to scale sustainably. Through a curated series of workshops and masterclasses, participants will receive support aimed at improving operational readiness, strengthening leadership capability, and enabling access to new markets and investment opportunities.

The selected SMEs are tech‑focused businesses that are primed for growth and have the potential to scale through increased market share, improved competitiveness and access to capital.

The 2026 SME Rise Accelerator Programme cohort includes:

1. In Pursuit project and Technology Services (Pty) Ltd
2. Niche Integrated Solutions (Pty) Ltd
3. Broadsmart (Pty) Ltd
4. African Charm Trading (Pty) Ltd
5. Badaniza CC
6. On point projects & IT services (Pty) Ltd
7. Matlala Group (Pty) Ltd
8. DKN Transport CC
9. The Graduate institute (Pty) Ltd
10. ALENG South Africa (Pty) Ltd
11. X Spark (Pty) Ltd
12. Kayla Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd

ENDS

ABOUT THE JSE

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has a well-established history of operating as a marketplace for trading financial products. It is a pioneering, globally connected exchange group that enables inclusive economic growth through trusted, world-class, socially responsible products, and services for the investor of the future. It offers secure and efficient primary and secondary capital markets across a diverse range of securities, spanning equities, derivatives, and debt markets. It prides itself on being the market of choice for local and international investors looking to gain exposure to leading capital markets on the African continent. The JSE is currently ranked in the Top 20 largest stock exchanges in the world by market capitalisation, and is the largest stock exchange in Africa, having been in operation for 139 years. As a leading global exchange, the JSE co-creates unlocks value & makes real connections happen. www.jse.co.za 

About the SA-UK Tech Hub

The SA-UK Tech Hub is a UK Government initiative designed to support inclusive economic growth through the development of South Africa’s tech ecosystem. The Hub works with entrepreneurs, startups, and scale-ups to enhance their ability to compete globally. 

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