{
  "id": 6752627,
  "title": "Takealot targets SME growth through ‘Made Local’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/takealot-targets-sme-growth-through-made-local",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-11T10:55:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ITWeb",
    "slug": "itweb",
    "url": "https://www.itweb.co.za/article/takealot-targets-sme-growth-through-made-local/VgZeyvJlpewMdjX9"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Takealot has teamed up with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) to launch the 2026 Takealot TIA Local Innovation Challenge, also known as 'Made Local'. This 10-week hybrid accelerator program aims to help existing Takealot sellers who manufacture consumer products locally in South Africa grow their businesses. The initiative is designed to address the gap between developing a viable product and building a sustainable business around it. Frederik Zietsman, CEO of the Takealot Group, emphasizes that South Africa has innovators creating products with household potential, but they need the right support, skills, and networks to scale successfully.\n\nRather than a judging panel, the challenge will assess participants' performance based on commercial results, customer ratings, and their involvement during the accelerator. The top three businesses will share a R1.7 million prize pool, with R1 million going to the winner, R500 000 to the runner-up, and R200 000 to the third-place finisher. The program is open to SMEs operating for over a year, already selling on Takealot, and manufacturing eligible consumer products locally. Takingalot's partnership with TIA aims to bridge private sector market access with government-backed support for entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses. Tshepo Marumule, Takealot's executive for public policy and external affairs, highlights the importance of public and private sector collaboration in fostering inclusive economic growth and driving local manufacturing through innovation.\n\nThe program combines online and in-person elements over 10 weeks, offering selected businesses access to training, mentorship, and the chance to expand their customer reach through Takealot's marketplace. It complements Takealot's broader initiatives to support local entrepreneurs through its e-commerce platform, providing manufacturers a live retail environment to test and grow their businesses. Applications for Made Local close on 20 September, positioning Takealot against Amazon's local-commerce push with Shop Mzansi, launched in 2024.",
  "summary": "With the new accelerator, Takealot partners with the Technology Innovation Agency to help South African manufacturers scale.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}