Under the agreement, which was formalised through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), working capital and supply chain financing challenges will be addressed while strengthening supplier development, investment readiness and market access for local businesses. Ticano Group, the supply chain finance firm, will provide an indicative financing envelope of up to P250 million, subject to applicable funding criteria and assessment. The deal gives eligible businesses access to a range of financing solutions, including purchase order finance, invoice discounting, contract finance, asset finance and other working capital facilities. According to officials, the initiative is expected to particularly benefit citizen-owned, youth-owned, women-owned and disability-owned businesses, supporting greater participation of local enterprises in economic activity and supply chains.
Priority sectors under the programme include manufacturing, agribusiness, tourism, mining services, logistics, renewable energy and the green economy. These sectors are considered important to the region's economic diversification and long-term development. The financing initiative is also expected to help businesses overcome liquidity constraints that can limit their ability to fulfil contracts, purchase equipment, expand operations and participate effectively in supply chains. SPEDU Caretaker CEO, Ronnie Phuthego explained the partnership forms part of its continued efforts to establish strategic collaborations that unlock investment opportunities.
