New AI platform aims to connect South Africa’s fragmented SMME support system

A new AI-powered platform has been launched to bridge the gap between the billions invested in SMME development and the continuing struggle of small businesses.Rinku, meaning “link” or “connect,” is designed to bridge the gaps within the entrepreneurship ecosystem. The platform assesses the health of a business, identifies the challenges limiting its progress and connects the entrepreneur with the right mentors, development programmes, funding, and opportunities.South Africa has around three million small businesses and an extensive network of organisations supporting entrepreneurs. However, the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem remains one of the weakest in the world.The 2026 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor National Expert…