Email Us

samba@iedf.org.za

Location

Unit 120 IPIC Shopping Centre Soneik

south africa micro business awards

SAMBA 2025 applications are open!

south africa micro business awards

About Us

  • Our Vision

    To be the leading platform that recognizes, supports, and empowers South Africa's micro-businesses, transforming them into key contributors to the nation's economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development.

  • Our Mission

    To celebrate and nurture the informal economy by providing micro-businesses with the recognition, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. Through mentorship, training, and financial assistance, SAMBA 2025 aims to overcome challenges faced by small enterprises, fostering a supportive ecosystem that drives economic stability and innovation in South Africa.

  • History

    The South African Micro Business Awards (SAMBA) Program was established in 2023 by the Informal Economy Development Forum to support and recognize the crucial role of the informal economy in South Africa. Since its inception, SAMBA has expanded from an awards program to a comprehensive support system, offering mentorship, training, and financial assistance to micro-businesses and NPOs In just a few years, SAMBA has become integral to South Africa's economic development, fostering growth and sustainability among small enterprises. Its holistic approach has empowered numerous businesses to overcome challenges and thrive, contributing significantly to the nation's economic stability and innovation.

SAMBA 2024 Winner Syndiah James, IEDF Global President David Venter, W&R SETA COO, Sipho Shoba

SAMBA 2025 Applications Are Open!

Nonkululeko Tshangela, We sparkle everywhere; Catherine Smith, Angel Elegant Attire; Lucretia Mayekiso, Lunama Trading; Sibongile Thindi, DH Holdings

SAMBA 2025

Overview

The South African Micro Business Awards (SAMBA) Program, established to acknowledge and foster the diligence of the informal economy, stands as a cornerstone in the development of South African micro-enterprises. Recognizing the pivotal role that small businesses play in the country’s economic fabric, SAMBA 2025 aims to celebrate their contributions and support their growth, thereby facilitating a robust economy and a sustainable future for all. Through this program, businesses across South Africa receive recognition for their efforts, access to vital resources, and opportunities for growth. SAMBA’s initiatives include providing mentorship, training, and financial assistance, helping these businesses overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. By championing the informal economy, SAMBA 2025 not only honours the hard work of these enterprises but also empowers them to become significant drivers of economic stability and innovation in South Africa. In essence, SAMBA 2025 is more than an awards program; it is a catalyst for economic development, fostering a supportive ecosystem where micro-businesses can thrive and contribute to a sustainable and prosperous future for the nation.

Award Categories

South Africa Micro Business Awards Categories

What to Expect at SAMBA 2025

SAMBA 2025 is set to be our most exciting and impactful event yet! Running from October 2024 to June 2025, the program is designed to uplift and empower micro and small businesses across South Africa through a series of dynamic challenges, training sessions, and events.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

SAMBA 2025 Program Overview

1 July 2024 (Applications open) – 31 January 2026 (Applications close)

SAMBA Enterprise Development Program

(October 2024 – March 2025)

Entrepreneurship Development

Learn how to grow your business, access new markets, and scale your operations

Entrepreneurship Development

Learn how to grow your business, access new markets, and scale your operations

Corporate Social Impact

Discover how to integrate social responsibility into your business model.

Corporate Social Impact

Discover how to integrate social responsibility into your business model.

Digital Marketing

Equip yourself with the latest tools and strategies to boost your online presence.

Digital Marketing

Equip yourself with the latest tools and strategies to boost your online presence.

Market Readiness

Prepare your business to compete effectively in local and international markets.

Market Readiness

Prepare your business to compete effectively in local and international markets.

Format

Participants will take part in a points-based system, with challenges and training sessions designed to enhance their skills. The Top 100 participants will move on to the next round.

Format

Participants will take part in a points-based system, with challenges and training sessions designed to enhance their skills. The Top 100 participants will move on to the next round.

Provincial Tours

(March/April 2025)

Day 1: SAMBA Semi-Finals

Participants from each province will compete for a place in the national finals.

Day 1: SAMBA Semi-Finals

Participants from each province will compete for a place in the national finals.

Day 2: Provincial Conference

Join inspiring workshops, discussions, and networking sessions tailored to your region.

Day 2: Provincial Conference

Join inspiring workshops, discussions, and networking sessions tailored to your region.

SAMBA BizFest

(June 2025)

A 2-day event filled with:

Workshops on business growth, marketing, and innovation

Workshops on business growth, marketing, and innovation

Panel Discussions featuring successful entrepreneurs and industry experts

Panel Discussions featuring successful entrepreneurs and industry experts

Exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge products and services

Exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge products and services

Business Matchmaking sessions to help you connect with potential partners, investors, and mentors

Business Matchmaking sessions to help you connect with potential partners, investors, and mentors

IEDF National Conference

(June 2025)

A 1-day A 1-day event focused on nationwide collaboration, community empowerment, poverty eradication, training & development and the future of entrepreneurship and labour in South Africa. Attend keynote sessions, policy discussions, and networking events with key industry stakeholders, community empowerment, poverty eradication, training & development and the future of entrepreneurship and labour in South Africa. Attend keynote sessions, policy discussions, and networking events with key industry stakeholders.

1-day event focused on nationwide collaboration, community empowerment, poverty eradication, training & development and the future of entrepreneurship and labour in South Africa. Attend keynote sessions, policy discussions, and networking events with key industry stakeholders

south africa micro business awards

Why Participate in SAMBA 2025?

SAMBA 2025 Gala Finale

June 2025

Celebrate Excellence

The top 100 entrepreneurs from the SAMBA 2025 program will be honoured at our prestigious gala event

Award Ceremonies

Celebrate the incredible achievements of our top entrepreneurs and innovators from the SAMBA 2025 program

Crowning of the SAMBA 2025 Champion

The highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the SAMBA 2025 Challenge Winner, who will take home the grand prize of R50,000 for their outstanding business performance and impact.

Entertainment & Networking

The event will also feature live entertainment, fine dining, and the chance to network with industry leaders, fellow entrepreneurs, and potential investors.

To be the leading platform that recognizes, supports, and empowers South Africa’s micro-businesses, transforming them into key contributors to the nation’s economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development.

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