The South African
SME Debt Fund
A partnership between the Eskom Pension & Provident Fund and Sanlam Investments
Quick links
We provide debt funding to established small to medium businesses (SMEs) who struggle to obtain funding through traditional credit providers. Our loans range from R10 million to R80 million and can be used to fund equipment, business growth and expansion, working capital and acquisitions. Through our funding we aim to help SMEs in the agro-processing and manufacturing sectors grow and contribute to our country’s economic growth and development.
*We do not fund start-ups.
Sanlam Investments is administering the full end-to-end fund management process on behalf of the Eskom Pension and Provident Fund.
Funding for South African majority black-owned SMEs in the agro-processing & manufacturing sector
Our early roots
“For the past 12 years, we’ve been supporting the progress made towards the NDP’s 2030 goal of prioritising job creation, eliminating poverty, reducing inequality and growing an inclusive economy”.
– Vukile Themba-Mketo
Portfolio Manager for the South African SME Debt Fund at Sanlam Investments
Vukile Themba-Mketo, portfolio manager for the SA SME Debt Fund, talks about the role of SMEs in our economy.
Harvest a steady income
If you’re a small to medium enterprise in the agro-processing and manufacturing sectors, we can help you with your funding needs and help you grow your business. Our deep understanding of the SME landscape – combined with our streamlined loan application process – results in speedy funding solutions that are customised to your specific cash flow and business needs. This ensures you get the right type of funding that makes the most sustainable difference to your business.
Does your business:
- Have a track record of profitability?
- Have at least a three-year trading history? Note: We do not fund start-ups.
- Show stability with high growth potential, and the ability to repay the debt?
- Show measurable job opportunities created?
- Employ at least 70% South Africans?
Note: We prioritise black-owned SMEs as well as those who operate within the manufacturing and agro-processing sectors.
- Most recent management accounts
- Annual financial statements for the last three years
- Business plan or information memorandum, if applicable.
- Your shareholder structure
- CVs of the management team and shareholders.
Exclusions
Please note that we do not fund start-ups or SMEs involved in primary agriculture, primary mining, gambling, speculative property (including direct property), retail of alcoholic beverages and derivatives used for speculation.
Note: We do not provide grant funding or equity funding.
We support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals as well as South Africa’s National Development Plan
- Decent employment through inclusive growth
- A skilled and capable workforce to support an inclusive growth path
Meet our Fund Manager
Vukile Themba-Mketo
Portfolio Manager for the South African SME Debt Fund at Sanlam Investments
“I’m very passionate about SMEs and the role that they have to play in building and transforming our economy and creating a legacy of wealth for all South Africans.”
These sectors have the ability to create a number of jobs, making the SME Debt Fund a worthy invest
Meet the Deputy Chief Investment Officer
Phathutshedzo Mabogo
Deputy Chief Investment Officer at Eskom Pension & Provident Fund
“At the EPPF, we are excited about unlocking the potential of SMEs in South Africa, particularly those in the agro-processing and manufacturing sectors. These sectors have the ability to create a number of jobs, making the SME Debt Fund a worthy investment and key to driving economic growth.”
“It’s not where you start, but how high you aim, that matters for success.”
– Nelson Mandela
