SMME INCLUSION IN THE JUST TRANSITION
Focus Group: Opportunities and Barriers for SMMEs in Just Transition towards a Low Carbon Economy
Sector Focus Area: Renewable energy and energy efficiency
As the global community increasingly prioritises the transition to a sustainable and equitable economy, the imperative to ensure the inclusion of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) becomes paramount. Within this context, empowering youth and female-owned SMME newcomers in green industries emerges as a pivotal strategy for fostering just transition inclusion. This paper explores the business challenges and opportunities faced by SMMEs owned by marginalised groups such as youth and women as they navigate the transition to greener practices and industries. Drawing on a review of existing literature and case studies, the paper identifies key SMME business barriers such as limited access to capital, a lack of technical expertise, and limited market opportunities. Moreover, it examines green sectoral challenges faced by youth and female entrepreneurs, including energy, water and waste sectors. Building upon these insights, the paper proposes a set of tailored strategies to strengthen the participation of youth and female-owned SMMEs as newcomers in green industries to ensure a Just Transition does not leave anyone behind. These strategies encompass capacity initiatives, targeted financial support mechanisms, business development, and mentorship programs, enterprise and supplier development initiatives and policy interventions aimed at levelling the playing field and fostering an enabling business environment for inclusive participation in the Just Transition as local green entrepreneurs. By addressing the unique needs and aspirations of youth and female entrepreneurs, empowering SMMEs owned by these demographics can drive meaningful progress toward a Just Transition, promoting economic resilience, social equity, and environmental sustainability.
- To identify opportunities for SMMEs in the Energy Sector (youth-owned, female-owned)
- To unpack green business barriers for local green entrepreneurs in the energy sector
- To put forward recommendations for policy interventions
- To foster collaboration across stakeholders
Presentations
Fund on International Energy (PIE) an international platform hosted at Stichting European Climate Foundation – Elize Hattingh, Dominic Ramos (TIPS)
Opportunities for SMME in the Energy Sector
Fostering the contribution of Small Business to SA's Just Transition to a Greener Economy – Billy Bokako (Senior Manager Incubation, Seda)
ECF JT small business workshop – Group Ian Steuart (Just SA Team)
Business Development Support Initiatives for SMMEs in the Energy Sector
Installation, repair and maintenance (IRM) Initiative – National Business Initiative
SMME Business Barriers inputs (Case Studies)
The future of transformation – MLPC Projects
Smart energy, disability includion and circular economy – Phoki Foundation and Holdings
Presenters
Elize Hattingh joined TIPS in November 2020 as a Researcher: Sustainable Growth. She has a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Development and Management from Stellenbosch University’s School of Public Leadership in partnership with the Sustainability Institute. She has been actively involved in promoting the sustainable development agenda for more than 15 years.
Dominic Ramos is a former researcher at TIPS. He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and Political Economy a degree in International Political Economy from the University of the Witwatersrand. His thesis primarily focused on food security and its trade implications in Mozambique and Zimbabwe amid severe climate crises. His research includes food security, the implications of the EU CBAM, and the role of SMMEs in the green economy.
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