Samsung is intensifying its commitment to small business development in South Africa through its renewed Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), aimed at empowering black-owned service centre SMMEs.
In collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), Samsung has launched its 2026 EEIP Service Centre campaign—an extension of last year’s initiative. This year, the focus shifts specifically toward increasing participation from black-owned service centre enterprises, particularly in underserved provinces.
The programme forms part of Samsung’s broader Enterprise Development (ED) strategy, designed to create sustainable opportunities for SMEs through funding, business development support, and integration into formal supply chains.
Last year’s campaign saw strong participation from ICT-focused SMEs, but a gap remains in the service centre category. As a result, the 2026 campaign is calling on experienced entrepreneurs in mobile device and consumer electronics repair to apply. Eligible applicants must have at least three years of industry experience and operate in urban or peri-urban areas with sufficient retail presence.
The initiative aligns with South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030, which aims to create 11 million jobs by 2030—over 9 million of which are expected to come from small businesses. Programmes like EEIP are seen as critical drivers in achieving these ambitious employment targets.
According to Nicky Beukes, Samsung EEIP Project Manager, the programme addresses the real challenges faced by service centre SMEs, including stiff competition, reduced repair demand due to improved product durability, and the dominance of large, vertically integrated players.
“Samsung understands the barriers to growth in the service centre sector. Through this ED programme, we aim to bring meaningful change by empowering entrepreneurs with the tools, funding, and support needed to succeed,”.
Beukes said
Participants in the programme benefit from more than just financial support. Successful applicants gain access to Samsung’s service repair network, genuine parts supply, specialised equipment, and the opportunity to receive full OEM accreditation—advantages that significantly enhance competitiveness and operational efficiency.
In an industry where profitability can take years to achieve, the programme offers a crucial lifeline. By improving access to consistent repair volumes and strengthening operational capabilities, EEIP aims to ensure long-term sustainability for participating businesses.
For entrepreneurs ready to scale their service centre operations, this initiative represents a powerful opportunity to unlock growth, create jobs, and contribute to South Africa’s broader economic development.
