The State of South African Small Business 2025 report by Xero found that 45% of small businesses identified technology as one of the most valuable contributors to their success over the past year. 

However, a staggering 38% struggle with the skills needed to adopt new tech, and another 35% battle with integration issues. Considering that tech tools are only as good as the people using them, 40% aim to hire new team members in the next year. Yet without access to an affordable, scalable pipeline of tech talent, these plans can fall flat. 

“Beyond providing a tangible view into the opportunities and challenges that small businesses face, we hope to inspire action and collaboration across the small business ecosystem by supporting their ambitions and priorities,” says Colin Timmis, Xero South Africa Country Manager. 

CAPACIT’s solutions aren’t assumptions, they are backed by data. 

The State of South African Small Business 2025 report by Xero revealed that while small businesses are eager to embrace tools like cloud technology and AI, many are held back by a lack of internal expertise and capacity. 

With 58% of businesses affirming that cloud tools revolutionize their financial management, and a significant 46% recognizing AI’s invaluable role in automating manual tasks, the report clearly outlines the tangible benefits of technology. Yet, it also reveals a critical challenge: a concerning 38% of SMMEs cite a shortage of tech skills and resources as a major barrier to fully leveraging their growth. 

This verified data directly reinforces CAPACITI’s focus to connect SMMEs with work-ready tech talent, precisely trained to meet these real and documented needs identified in the report.  

CAPACITI’s tech talent pipeline is a direct response to SMME’s direct needs. By equipping and placing digitally skilled talent within SMMEs, CAPACITI enables small businesses to adopt technology confidently, improve operations, and accelerate growth. 

SMMEs can partner with CAPACITI to elevate their tech team 

CAPACITI, understands that for South African SMMEs to supercharge their growth, they need digitally skilled individuals who can harness the power of tech. The shortage of tech skills should not hold small businesses back. With a robust talent acquisition and development methodology, we’ve immersed talent capable of new and emerging technologies into SMMEs across the country and the results are yielding positive returns; business scalability, increased ROI and quality service and product output are some of the core impacts our SMME partners share as impact.” said Kelly Maroon, CAPACITI Head of Talent.

CAPACITI is committed to driving youth employment and SMME growth in ways that are mutually beneficial. By unlocking access to the right digital skills and capabilities, CAPACITI fosters purposeful partnerships that match skilled tech talent to help growing businesses create meaningful, long-term impact. 

CAPACITI, is dedicated to bridging the tech talent gap and connecting visionary businesses with the right expertise to drive innovation, streamline operations, and unlock their full potential. 

To truly capitalize on the opportunities highlighted in the Xero report and confidently navigate future challenges, South Africa’s SMMEs can strategically partner with CAPACITI to access tech talent that will drive their innovation and growth. 

To collaborate with CAPACITI, email talent@capaciti.org.za