Green Cluster Agency aims to accelerate business opportunities in Mpumalanga
Entrepreneurs were encouraged to start businesses within environmental sustainability for the growth of the economy.
The Green Enterprise Development Colloquium, hosted by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency (MGCA), aimed at accelerating the development of opportunities for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), was presented by the Just Transition Framework.
The colloquium was held at the Gert Sibande District Municipality Chamber in Ermelo on March 25.
The MEC for economic development and tourism, Makhosazane Masilela, said SMMEs remain the appropriate vehicle to drive the economic transformation agenda in the province.
“SMMEs are the backbone of our economy and play a pivotal role in the alleviation of poverty, job creation and sustainable growth. Accordingly, we have facilitated the establishment of the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency to drive our developmental agenda in the green economy space. There are various accessible funding opportunities in the green economy and identified substantial growth prospects for SMMEs in key infrastructure projects, including Special Economic Zones, the Mpumalanga Fresh Produce Market, regional technology parks and large-scale utility projects led by private sector developers. Additionally, we want to drive strategic positioning of SMMEs in maximising economic opportunities presented by the Just Transition,” Masilela said.
The Just Transition Framework sets out the policy measures and undertakings by different social partners to minimise the social and economic impacts of the climate transition and to improve the livelihoods of those vulnerable to climate change. It is a planning tool setting out the actions that the government and its social partners will take to achieve a transition and the outcomes to be realised in the short, medium and long term.
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This engagement session featured interactive opportunities, allowing several SMMEs to pitch and showcase their innovative products and services.
The MGCA’s acting CEO, Nkosinathi Nkonyane, outlined the importance of identifying priority sectors, developing actionable steps to accelerate green enterprise growth, clarifying support mechanisms required by SMMEs, and establishing collaborative networks and improved market access throughout the province.
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The colloquium formed part of a broader series of consultations, following successful virtual engagements held in the Ehlanzeni and Nkangala districts earlier in March.
Nkonyane said these sessions demonstrated a collective commitment from stakeholders to enhancing skills, building capacity and equipping SMMEs to effectively compete in emerging green markets.
