The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has a mandate to develop the South African economy.

They envision a dynamic, industrial and globally competitive economy, that is inclusive, offers decent employment and equity.

[2] In May, 2024, Microsoft AI Startup initiative and the DTIC agreed to a R1.32 billion investment for skills development in emerging technologies among black-owned SMMEs.

The investment is intended to prepare South African startups for the "fourth industrial revolution".

[3]Small business will learn how to leverage the "companies cloud infrastructure, AI tools, and go-to-market support", so that they can scale.