Anglo American’s Impact Finance Network (IFN) brought together between 120 and 150 entrepreneurs, investors, financiers, and corporate and government representatives at Die Stoor in Mbombela on 11 November for InvestFest, its first major ecosystem activation in Mpumalanga.
Held in partnership with the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), InvestFest marked an important step in expanding IFN’s regional footprint and strengthening support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Mpumalanga.
SMEs in the province are expected to play an increasingly important role in driving economic diversification, creating jobs and supporting long-term growth. However, many businesses continue to face challenges accessing the finance, markets, investors and networks needed to grow and scale.
IFN was established to help close this gap.
Through expert business support and connections to investors, financiers and corporate supply chains, the programme helps high-potential SMEs become investment ready and access new growth opportunities. Since 2021, IFN has helped unlock R1.8 billion in new investment across southern Africa.
The Mpumalanga activation created a platform for entrepreneurs to connect directly with investors, financiers and corporate buyers through a series of business pitches, networking sessions and marketplace engagements. Entrepreneurs presented their businesses to potential investors and buyers, while attendees explored opportunities for collaboration and growth across sectors.
The programme also featured interactive fireside conversations and facilitated roundtable discussions focused on opportunities and challenges in agriculture, agro-processing, tourism, manufacturing and the green economy.
A dedicated technology and innovation roundtable explored ways to improve productivity, strengthen local value chains and unlock new pathways for growth across Mpumalanga’s key economic sectors.
Throughout the IFN Mpumalanga InvestFest, stakeholders discussed practical solutions to strengthen the province’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, improve market access and encourage greater collaboration between businesses, investors, corporates and development partners.Throughout the InvestFest, stakeholders discussed practical solutions to strengthen the province’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, improve market access and encourage greater collaboration between businesses, investors, corporates and development partners.
Mpumalanga was identified as a strategic location for IFN expansion due to its strong agricultural, tourism and manufacturing sectors, as well as growing opportunities linked to the green economy.
The province’s established value chains in citrus, macadamias, avocados, timber and horticulture also present significant opportunities for SME participation and growth.
The partnership with the FCDO supports IFN’s expansion into Mpumalanga and its broader ambition to build a sustainable SME ecosystem that continues delivering value beyond individual events.
Emma Parker, Sustainable and Impact Finance Manager at Anglo American, said: “As Mpumalanga responds to the opportunities and challenges presented by the energy transition, SMEs will play a critical role in creating jobs, supporting economic diversification and driving inclusive growth. The challenge is that many promising businesses remain disconnected from the capital, markets and partnerships they need to scale. IFN exists to help bridge that gap and create meaningful connections between entrepreneurs, investors and corporate buyers. By expanding into Mpumalanga, we are helping to build an ecosystem that supports long-term business growth and investment in the province.”
The connections established through the Mpumalanga activation will continue through the wider IFN programme, with the aim of building a pipeline of investment-ready businesses and strengthening access to finance, procurement opportunities and strategic partnerships.
SUPPLIED.
