The upcoming Global SME Finance Forum, which is an official side event of the G20 South Africa Presidency, will provide access to international funding solutions and market opportunities for South African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The forum's focus on market access aligns particularly well with South Africa's urgent need to diversify its export relationships and funding sources, says financial services firm TymeBank in a September outlook note.
The event will take place in Johannesburg from September 15 to 17, and will bring together more than 1 200 participants from more than 60 countries and 240 financial institutions.
The concentrated presence of decision-makers from major development finance institutions and commercial banks represents a rare window for securing expansion capital and establishing international partnerships, the bank emphasises.
“Global economic uncertainties are persisting and traditional funding channels are becoming increasingly constrained. The forum's roundtable discussions and breakaway sessions will offer the opportunity for direct engagement with international lenders actively seeking emerging market opportunities,” the bank says.
The event will explore innovative financing mechanisms, including blended finance structures and guarantee programmes that could unlock previously inaccessible capital for local businesses, it adds.
Further, TymeBank CEO Karl Westvig will participate in a panel during the event featuring financial services firms that have transformed their markets through innovative technology and customer-centric approaches. 
