Samsung, in partnership with South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC), has launched the third call for applications to its Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP).
The initiative supports black-owned ICT and service centre SMEs and aims to foster inclusive economic growth and digital transformation.
On Thursday, Samsung officially opened applications for its 2025 EEIP SME Development Programme, marking the seventh year of the R280 million investment. The programme, which enables small businesses to become key players in the local digital economy, forms part of Samsung’s commitment to South Africa’s National Development Plan and Vision 2030.
Why Samsung’s EEIP is a big deal for South Africa’s ICT entrepreneurs
Since its launch in 2019, Samsung’s EEIP has helped transform dozens of black-owned ICT businesses by providing financial support, technical training, and access to its service network.
This year’s intake goes a step further by actively targeting startups, micro-enterprises, and women-led business groups often excluded from mainstream enterprise development.
Nicky Beukes, EEIP Project Manager at Samsung South Africa, says the 2025 programme reflects the company’s drive to reach smaller and emerging businesses. “We’ve widened the scope to ensure even more black-owned startups and female entrepreneurs can benefit. The aim is to build a sustainable, inclusive future for the tech and electronics services sector.”
What the SME programme offers to startups and service centre businesses
Participants in the programme gain access to an intensive four-month Enterprise Development Bootcamp, mentorship from Samsung experts, and inclusion in Samsung’s nationwide repair and service network. This support is designed to build not just technical ability but also business resilience and long-term sustainability.
This year’s programme also includes specific performance indicators to track impact, focusing on skills development, economic contribution, and job creation—especially within township and rural areas.
Eligibility requirements for Samsung’s SME development programme
For the programme, your business must be at least 51 percent black-owned and operate within South Africa. You must also be a South African citizen and own a company officially registered in accordance with South African laws.
Eligible businesses should be active in the ICT or electronics and mobile service and repair sectors, have an annual turnover of no more than R50 million, and be registered and tax-compliant with SARS. In addition, the company must have operated for at least one year and not previously benefited from Samsung’s EEIP.
Samsung is powering South Africa’s digital future through SMEs
Samsung’s EEIP is about unlocking leadership potential in overlooked communities. By giving entrepreneurs the tools to grow and compete, Samsung and the DTIC are showing what inclusive digital transformation can look like in action.
If you’re a South African entrepreneur in ICT or the service centre business, and meet the criteria, this could be your chance to grow with the backing of a global tech leader. Click here to register.