NMBM INVESTS R12 MILLION TO SUPPORT SMME DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Published: September 18, 2026<< BACK TO NEWS
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has put its money where it matters most by investing R12 million in a three-year partnership with the Pan African Information Communication Technology Association (PAICTA) to support, upskill and guide small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME) owners and leaders in digital skills, innovation and enterprise support.
As part of this investment,on Thursday, 17 September 2026 the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture, Councillor Bassie Kamana, opened a support centre that will assist SMMEs in improving their digital skills, web development and entrepreneurship skills.
PAICTA is a United Nations-accredited Artificial Intelligence organisation. It offers a comprehensive portfolio of professional services designed to support digital transformation, innovation and skills development across Africa’s public and private sectors. It focuses on partnerships with municipalities and the public sector on development and innovation, academics and research, support for informal traders such as spaza shop owners, and opportunities and skills development for youth in the AI industry.
Speaking at the official opening of the support centre, MMC Kamana said the commitment made by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality responds to the fast-moving digital world and the need for the active participation and beneficiation of all, with a special focus on youth and SMMEs.
"As the world develops, we do not want our people to be left behind. We need to be in par with the ever-developing world. Upskilling and entrenching our SMME digital presence becomes critical,” said MMC Kamana.
Part of the official opening of the centre included a workshop hosted by the Municipality to give SMMEs an opportunity to receive procurement training from different government entities, including the SANRAL Transformation Department and the Municipality’s Supply Chain Management.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, said SMME and local economic development support is a foundation of the City’s economic development strategy.
"We understand that for us to achieve our goals of creating jobs, SMME and local economic support is critical, as these sectors are the biggest employers. It is therefore critical that the Municipality invests in digital upskilling and entrepreneurial support,” said Executive Mayor Lobishe.
The partnership will also assist SMMEs in developing digital skills to enhance their businesses, with a particular focus on young people.
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