Samsung South Africa, in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), has launched a specialised expansion of its Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP). The 2026 campaign is shifting its focus exclusively toward the Service Centre sector, specifically seeking black-owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to join its official repair and maintenance network.
While previous iterations of the program saw a high volume of applications from the ICT sector, Samsung is now zeroing in on entrepreneurs with specialised skills in mobile device and consumer electronics repairs. The initiative is particularly targeting businesses in underserved provinces and those operating in urban or peri-urban areas with a strong retail footprint.
Addressing the SME Profitability Gap
The service centre industry in South Africa is notoriously competitive, often requiring years of operation before reaching profitability. Samsung’s Nicky Beukes highlighted several “immediate challenges” currently stifling SME growth:
- Vertical Integration: Small players are often squeezed out by larger corporations that keep operations in-house.
- Increased Device Durability: As electronics improve in quality, the timeframes between repairs have lengthened, reducing consistent footfall for independent shops.
- Supply Chain Barriers: Accessing specialised equipment and genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts remains a significant hurdle for unaccredited SMEs.
Beyond Funding: Accreditation and Supply Chain Access
Successful applicants to the EEIP ED programme receive more than just a financial injection. The program is designed to provide a holistic “capitalization” of the business, which includes:
- Grant Funding: Targeted capital to support daily operations and scaling.
- OEM Accreditation: The opportunity to become an officially accredited Samsung service centre.
- Technical Infrastructure: Access to specialised repair equipment and Samsung’s official supply chain for genuine parts.
- Business Development: Specialist support services to help SMEs navigate the transition from a small shop to a sustainable commercial enterprise.
Qualifications and Deadlines
To qualify for the 2026 intake, participating SMEs must be 51% black-owned and the management or owner must demonstrate a minimum of three years of experience in the electronics repair industry. This aligns with South Africa’s NDP Vision 2030, which leans heavily on small businesses to generate the majority of the country’s projected 11 million new jobs.
Eligible entrepreneurs have until 17 April 2026, to submit their applications. Detailed criteria and the official entry portal can be accessed through Samsung’s local empowerment page.
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