The 2026 instalment of the SME Import Navigator programme is officially open. The programme is presented by Edge Growth, in partnership with FNB. It aims to strengthen local manufacturing through smarter import strategies.
Small to medium-sized businesses in South Africa, especially those in the manufacturing industry, always need support. These businesses are the backbone of industry, and without them, a chunk of the supply chain would be in tatters. Additionally, it is also increasingly competitive due to the immense pressure originating from global competitors’ low import costs.
“Many businesses experience challenges, including high reliance on imported inputs, limited market access, and difficulties positioning their products competitively within B2B and distribution networks: All barriers that can restrict growth potential and reduce long-term competitiveness,” the release announcing that applications are open reads. “SMEs are under-represented despite their potential to drive industrial growth, employment, and economic transformation. Better supporting these SMEs can strengthen a small business sector that has immense growth potential.”
The Matter of Fact
According to Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS), Manufacturing SMEs form a critical yet under‑leveraged part of South Africa’s industrial landscape. While SMEs account for over 98% of all businesses nationally, it is estimated that only about 9% operate in manufacturing.
In response to these statistics, Edge Growth and FNB have teamed up yet again to actively promote transformation in the SME sector. The SME Import Navigator Programme provides black-owned direct and indirect importers the opportunity to grow and strengthen their domestic business.
“Many businesses experience constraints such as dependency on imported inputs, limited market access, and challenges in differentiating their products within B2B and distribution channels,” says Victoria Harris, Client Lead at Edge Growth. “These barriers can restrict growth potential and reduce long-term competitiveness.”
She continues to highlight the reason why Edge Growth is leveraging this opportunity and assisting SMEs in their growth. “What is very clear in our problem statement is that access to fast and affordable global markets has placed increasing pressures on local SMEs that manufacture and/or produce products for a B2B market. The programme has 3 key focus areas to strengthen market competitiveness by improving both sourcing and selling market strategies and operations,” she shares.
The SME Import Navigator Programme, in partnership with FNB, is designed to address these challenges directly and enable manufacturers to strengthen their position in the market. Through targeted and practical interventions, the SME Import Navigator Programme supports participating SMEs to:
Strengthen import strategies by improving cost efficiency, compliance, and access to preferential trade agreements.
Enhance product quality and market alignment to build stronger competitiveness within product alignment and niche sectors.
Expand market access through improved distribution models, strengthened B2B engagement, and scalable routes to market.
The SME Import Navigator Programme
Previously, the two brands collaborated on the SME Growth Exporter Programme in partnership with FNB, and many SMEs have successfully grown and strengthened their international and regional trade, becoming competitive, export-ready businesses.
“We actually have an Export Programme as well, but currently that is in mid-flight, and we are sourcing specially for SME Import Navigator,” Harris explains. “The particular programme that we are sourcing for is an Import Programme, meaning that it will focus on inbound trade operations.”
The SME Import Navigator Programme enables businesses to build resilience, increase profitability, and compete sustainably both locally and regionally by focusing on operational excellence and strategic growth. It will take targeted, practical interventions to help SMEs strengthen their import strategies, improve product quality and production efficiency, and expand market access through better distribution and sales strategies.
Any South African business that falls into the category of a small or medium enterprise with 51% or more black ownership is eligible. Other criteria include that these businesses must have annual revenues of between R10 and R30 million to apply for the 2026 cohort. Applications open on 2 February 2026 and close on 8 March 2026.
The programme specifically targets businesses that manufacture goods using imported raw materials or components. It focuses on the following categories:
- Processed food components
- Beauty, skincare, and wellness products
- Electronics and equipment manufacturing
- Textile, leather, and clothing manufacturing
- Agricultural supplies and chemical manufacturing
To be considered for the programme, businesses will need to provide CIPC registration documents, ID copies of all directors, one year of management accounts or 12 months of business bank statements, a valid BBBEE certificate, the latest Tax Clearance Certificate, and any required documentation for product or market-related regulations and certifications.
Running from 4 May 2026 to the end of October 2027, the 18-month programme will select 10 qualifying SMEs who will each benefit from a detailed diagnostic assessment, a customised growth plan, one-on-one mentorship across all phases, import, product, and growth specialists, sourcing and sample selection projects, specialist projects, strategic growth interventions, and funding readiness support.
For more information, interested businesses can visit the website.
