Samsung fortifies South African economy via EEIP with a R280M investment
Samsung's Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) Aims to Empower Black-Owned SMMEs in South Africa
The third edition of the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) by Samsung, in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), is now open for applications. This R280-million initiative, launched in 2019, targets black-owned small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) and service centre sectors, with a focus on businesses owned by women and startups.
The EEIP seeks to empower black-owned ICT and electronics repair businesses by providing grant funding, business development support, specialist mentorship, and integration into Samsung’s service and supply value chains. The programme aims to grow these SMMEs into key participants in the local digital economy, fostering inclusive economic growth aligned with South Africa's National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030 and broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) goals.
The EEIP also delivers skills development and job creation by preparing businesses to meet investor requirements through the Enterprise Development Bootcamp—an intensive training program focusing on business management, financial planning, and pitching to investors. This bootcamp prioritizes entrepreneurs from underserved communities and alumni from Samsung’s partner training programs like Ocule IT’s Electronics Technician/Artisan program.
The impact of the EEIP on black-owned ICT and service centre SMMEs has been significant. It facilitates access to funding and specialist mentorship, which are crucial to overcoming common challenges such as limited market reach, lack of skilled labor, and cash flow management. The programme also enables accreditation as official Samsung service centres, opening new revenue streams and enhancing credibility. Additionally, it integrates supported SMMEs into Samsung’s ecosystem, helping them scale operations sustainably and profitably.
The EEIP contributes to job creation and economic inclusion by strengthening the black-owned business ecosystem in South Africa’s digital and electronics service sectors. It is a key part of Samsung’s social responsibility and economic development commitment in South Africa, aiming to help black-owned SMMEs become integral players in the country’s digital transformation.
In summary, the Samsung EEIP has a substantial and multifaceted impact by empowering black-owned ICT and service-centre enterprises to grow, create jobs, and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive South African economy aligned with national development goals. The partners remain committed to making a positive contribution to broader economic growth, job creation, and sustainable entrepreneurship opportunities within South Africa.
[1] Samsung South Africa. (2021). Samsung Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) for Enterprise Development. Retrieved from https://news.samsung.com/sa/2021/03/25/samsung-equity-equivalent-investment-programme-eeip-for-enterprise-development/
[2] Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. (2021). Samsung Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) for Enterprise Development. Retrieved from https://www.thedtic.gov.za/dtic-news/samsung-equity-equivalent-investment-programme-eeip-for-enterprise-development
[3] South African Government News Agency. (2021). Samsung launches third edition of Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) for Enterprise Development. Retrieved from https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/samsung-launches-third-edition-equity-equivalent-investment-programme-eeip-enterprise-development
[4] Ocule IT. (2021). Samsung Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) for Enterprise Development. Retrieved from https://www.ocule.co.za/samsung-equity-equivalent-investment-programme-eeip-for-enterprise-development/
- The Samsung Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) not only empowers black-owned ICT and electronics repair businesses, but also fosters their growth in the finance sector, as it offers grant funding and business development support.
- The technology industry in South Africa, particularly the ICT sector, stands to benefit significantly from the Samsung EEIP, as it aims to grow black-owned SMMEs into key participants in the digital economy, contributing to inclusive business growth in line with the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030.