Programme Overview and Objectives
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has launched the 2025 Durban Automotive Cluster (DAC) Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Accelerator, according to recent reports. Sources indicate this public-private partnership between the eThekwini municipality and the regional automotive cluster aims to strengthen South Africa’s automotive supply chain through targeted development of high-potential, black-owned SMEs.
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The programme reportedly seeks to position participating businesses as competitive Tier 2 and Tier 3 contributors to the automotive value chain. Analysts suggest this initiative represents a strategic approach to addressing supply chain gaps while promoting economic transformation within the country’s automotive sector.
Comprehensive Support for Emerging Businesses
The accelerator promises to provide SMEs with strategic insights into enhancing supplier capability, competitiveness and resilience, according to programme documentation. The report states that participants will receive access to real commercial opportunities aligned with industry needs, along with a platform to foster partnerships between established suppliers and emerging enterprises.
This year’s accelerator builds on a strong foundation, with sources indicating the 2024 programme attracted more than 100 applications. During the programme, selected SMEs will undergo intensive preparation to develop business pitches, culminating in a Dragons’ Den event where they will present their businesses to potential customers and industry leaders.
Industry Leadership Perspectives
“At TSAM, we believe that inclusive growth is not just a goal, but a responsibility,” says Toyota South Africa Motors president and CEO Andrew Kirby. “The DAC SME Accelerator is a strategic platform to empower black-owned businesses, strengthen our local supply chain and ensure that transformation is embedded in the DNA of our industry.”
DAC chief facilitator Meghan King noted that “by empowering black-owned SMEs, we’re not only diversifying the supply chain, but also building a future-ready automotive sector.” Industry observers suggest this approach aligns with broader automotive industry trends toward supply chain resilience and localisation.
Critical Role of Tier 1 Suppliers
As the accelerator focuses on building bridges between established industry players and emerging entrepreneurs, the participation of existing large Tier 1 suppliers is reportedly critical to the programme’s success. By partnering with TSAM and the DAC, Tier 1 suppliers can drive industry transformation through mentoring and supporting emerging black-owned businesses.
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“We are, therefore, inviting all stakeholders in the automotive sector to be part of this journey toward a more inclusive, competitive and resilient industry,” Kirby stated in the announcement. This collaborative approach comes amid other significant industry developments and market trends affecting manufacturing sectors globally.
Programme Implementation and Application Process
The initiative is headquartered in Durban, a key automotive manufacturing hub in South Africa. According to the announcement, Tier 1 suppliers and SMEs interested in the accelerator programme can email [email protected] for application information and programme details.
Industry watchers note that such supply chain development programmes are becoming increasingly important as global manufacturing faces evolving challenges. These efforts parallel other related innovations in industrial development and supply chain optimisation occurring across multiple sectors.
With support from the industry, programme organisers believe they can drive meaningful change and unlock the full potential of South Africa’s automotive supply chain, potentially creating a model for similar initiatives in other developing automotive markets.
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