Finance · South Africa
How SME Lending is Changing in South Africa
Moneyweb · 2026/02/02
Summary
In South Africa, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) lending is changing rapidly. The market has become more competitive and rules around lending have gotten stricter. Technology is playing a bigger role, making the loan process faster and more efficient. Despite these advances, human experience, good judgement, and strong relationships between lenders and businesses are still very important. This balance helps ensure that loans are sustainable and beneficial for both parties. For SME owners, this means more options and potentially easier access to funding, but it’s still important to build trust and communicate clearly with lenders. Understanding the evolving landscape can help businesses make better decisions when seeking finance.
OnABudget takeaway: For small business owners, new tech can make getting loans faster, but building solid relationships with lenders remains key to securing funding. Investors should watch for companies that blend tech and personal touch for better loan performance.