SBI Announces Strengthened Leadership and Renewed Commitment to South Africa’s Entrepreneurs
South Africa cannot achieve meaningful economic growth or reduce unemployment without a thriving small business segment. Yet too many entrepreneurs continue to face regulatory, financial and structural barriers that limit their ability to start, grow and scale sustainable businesses. Addressing these challenges requires practical reform, strong advocacy and effective collaboration across public and private sectors.
Against this backdrop, the Small Business Institute (SBI) has strengthened its leadership and governance to reinforce its role as the leading voice for South Africa’s small business segment. This strengthened leadership comes at a pivotal time for South Africa’s economy, as entrepreneurs continue to face rising operating costs, constrained access to finance and increasing regulatory complexity.
For too long, the contribution of South Africa’s small businesses has not been matched by an equally strong voice in policy and economic decision-making. SBI is committed to changing that.
As the Big Voice of Small Business, SBI will continue to champion entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses and local enterprises that have the greatest potential to drive inclusive economic growth, create sustainable jobs and strengthen communities across South Africa. Because when small businesses succeed, South Africa succeeds.
SBI exists to ensure that the interests of entrepreneurs and small business owners are represented where decisions are made. Through evidence-based research, policy advocacy, strategic partnerships and practical engagement, the institute champions solutions that create an environment in which small businesses can grow, compete and thrive.
Today, SBI begins a new chapter one defined by purposeful leadership, stronger partnerships and an unwavering commitment to advancing the interests of South Africa’s small business community.
Under the continued leadership of Chairperson Sipho Nkosi, the Institute has strengthened its Board through the appointment of four distinguished independent non-executive directors. The Board has also appointed Ms. Carol Keshy as interim Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation during this important phase of its growth.
Ms. Keshy brings extensive executive leadership experience in entrepreneurship development, innovation and ecosystem building. Through her leadership role at the Johannesburg Business School Centre for Entrepreneurship and as Programme Lead of the University of Johannesburg AI Hub, she has established strategic partnerships across business, academia and government that advance entrepreneurship, strengthen innovation and create opportunities for inclusive economic growth. Her appointment reflects the Board’s commitment to strengthening SBI’s policy influence, organisational capability and national impact.
Collectively, the strengthened Board brings together deep experience, diverse expertise and fresh perspectives that will enhance SBI’s governance while expanding its ability to advocate for meaningful economic reform and improved opportunities for South Africa’s entrepreneurs.
“SBI’s purpose has never been more important,” said interim CEO Carol Keshy. “If South Africa is serious about achieving inclusive economic growth and sustainable job creation, we must create an environment where small businesses can start, grow and employ with confidence. Our responsibility is to ensure that the voice of small business is heard where decisions are made, because when small businesses grow, communities prosper, local economies become more resilient and South Africa succeeds.”
South Africa’s small business segment remains one of the country’s greatest untapped economic opportunities. While SMEs constitute the overwhelming majority of registered businesses, they account for a disproportionately small share of formal employment when compared with many of the world’s leading economies.
SBI’s Baseline Study highlighted this imbalance, demonstrating that South Africa remains heavily reliant on a relatively small number of large employers, whereas the world’s most resilient economies are powered by vibrant and growing small business segment that create the majority of employment opportunities.
SBI believes entrepreneurs deserve more than recognition. They deserve representation. They deserve practical solutions. They deserve an organisation that is prepared to convene difficult conversations, challenge unnecessary barriers to enterprise and work relentlessly to improve the environment in which they operate.
That is precisely what SBI will continue to do.
Over the coming months, the Institute will intensify its work in policy advocacy, strategic research, regulatory reform, local government engagement, enterprise development and strengthening South Africa’s network of Business Chambers that support local businesses and municipalities.
SBI will continue working alongside government, organised business, academia, development finance institutions, civil society and the private sector to advance practical solutions that unlock opportunities for entrepreneurs and strengthen local economies. This includes celebrating what works, constructively challenging what does not, and collaborating with all stakeholders who share a commitment to building a stronger future for South Africa’s small business segment.
The Board also extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. John Dludlu for his leadership over the past six years and service as Chief Executive Officer of SBI. We thank Mr. Dludlu for his valuable contribution to the organisation and to South Africa’s small business ecosystem during his tenure and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.
As South Africa prepares for the upcoming Local Government Elections and renewed discussions on economic growth, municipal performance and investment, SBI will remain an independent, evidence-based and solutions-driven voice advocating for practical reforms that support entrepreneurship, strengthen local economies and create sustainable employment.
Commenting on the Institute’s renewed direction, Chairman Sipho Nkosi said:
“South Africa’s small businesses are among our country’s greatest assets. They create jobs, strengthen communities and drive economic growth. Our responsibility is to ensure they have a strong, credible and influential voice where decisions are made. By strengthening our leadership, we are reinforcing our ability to advocate for meaningful reform, stronger partnerships and practical solutions that make it easier to do business in South Africa.”
Media Enquiries
Small Business Institute (SBI)
Tel: 012 348 5440
Email: leandre@smallbusinessinstitute.co.za
