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Opportunity Issue 103

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  • South africa
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  • Wwwglobalafricanetworkcom
  • Samsung
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Opportunity magazine is a niche business-to-business publication that explores various investment opportunities within Southern Africa’s economic sectors. The publication is endorsed by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI).

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Samsung recommits to scarce skills development and job creation Samsung's impactful Equity Equivalent Investment Programme is gathering speed, as Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Operations and Innovation and Corporate Affairs, explains. Please outline the main goals of the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP). Samsung’s long-standing partnership and collaboration with the South African government as well as possible future opportunities for growth and further investment include the landmark R280- million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), which is already celebrating more than three years of sustained success. Launched in May 2019 in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), and with the support of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), this 10-year programme is projected to have a measurable impact on job creation, ICT skills development and a contribution of nearly R1-billion to the South African economy at large. On a recent visit to South Africa, a Samsung Global delegation recommitted to aligning the company’s goals with the National Development Plan (2030) and making a measurable difference in the lives of black South Africans from previously disadvantaged communities. How does the EEIP align with national development goals and Samsung’s goals relating to corporate social investment? Samsung’s EEIP programme is aligned to the dtic’s Black Industrialists Programme through e-waste recycling, enterprise development and capacitybuilding in ICT as well as beneficiation, which has seen an investment in two black female-owned entities which now operate in the full value chain of e-waste. It also has a strong focus on enterprise development and capacity-building in ICT through scarce skills development. 48 | www.opportunityonline.co.za

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Samsung’s focus and alignment to the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 has played a critical role in the success that has been achieved thus far. The company is looking forward to building on this momentum by enhancing its focus on entrepreneurship, job creation and technical skills development to make a measurable difference in the lives of black South Africans from previously disadvantaged communities. Inspired by the transformative power of economic investment that took South Korea from one of the poorest countries in the world to one of the most successful economies, Samsung Electronics South Africa has made incredible strides forward in its long-term vision for the country. This is reflected in the company’s continued investment locally coupled with its Level 1 BBBEE Rating, which is aligned with Samsung’s dedication to remain an active contributor to the future of the South African economy and strong supporter of economic transformation. South Korea is bidding to host World Expo 2030 in Busan, what could this mean for Samsung? On his recent visit to South Africa, Samsung Global CEO Mr Jong-Hee Han had discussions with the South African government on South Korea’s Busan World Expo 2030 bid with the view of getting support locally for the bid. The Expo is a perfect fit with Samsung’s vision of uplifting humanity through technology and innovation. Samsung believes the World Expo being hosted in Busan would be the perfect platform to share its technological advancements and how it views technology as the main catalyst for an eco-friendly and green future in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Ultimately, as part of a global community, these ongoing collaborations are designed to make a difference to all people. Who is Samsung partnering with on this EEIP programme? Samsung has partnered with the dtic, the sponsor of the programme, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), ICT Sector Council, the relevant Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and various other government departments. What has so far been achieved? On SME Development: A R93-million investment contribution has been made with the bulk of the investment channelled into enterprise development and black industrialisation to support black-owned and women-owned enterprises. The beneficiaries were part of a rigorous selection criteria to ensure that they could maximise the capital needed for business operations and future growth. Access to supply chain is a critical component and support through in-warranty volumes for its accredited service centre programme. Further support to e-waste companies includes access to e-waste volumes from Samsung warehouses and its network of service centres. On ICT Skills Development: Samsung is developing Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills in partnership with a number of institutions of higher learning in South Africa. The Samsung Engineering Academy programme focuses on providing South _________________ Launched globally in 2010, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a unique competition that encourages innovative thinking, creative problem-solving and teamwork to nurture social innovation ideas that address the community's most pressing problems ________________ African youth with artisanal and electronics skills as well as coding, software development, IOT and artificial intelligence skills through the Samsung Innovation Campus programme. Additionally, Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition is where learners in grades 10 and 11 are encouraged to solve social issues in their communities across the country. Please give examples of success stories. With environmental sustainability being one of the major focus areas for Samsung, two black women-owned e-waste businesses were created. With ICT skills development essential to combating youth unemployment, two software development enterprises were supported. In addition, to provide marginalised communities with better access to electronic repair services and encourage a culture of entrepreneurship, two accredited service centres were created. What are the next steps for the EEIP? Are there plans to expand? As Samsung enters its second phase of EEIP, the investment in the socio-economic development of South Africa and its people will remain as one of the main focus areas. Expansion of the programme to provinces beyond the initial focus areas that included Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, the roll-out will now extend to other under-privileged provinces such as the Eastern Cape, Free State and Limpopo in an effort to improve reach and impact. Partners to the programme, which in essence are black SMEs, will be selected from these provinces. Through its investment, the Samsung EEIP aims to deliver measurable impact and a lasting legacy. Does Samsung have an over-arching goal with regard to training in the ICT sector? Through a well-considered and integrated approach, Samsung partnered with universities and SETA-accredited training providers to train 1 440 software developers and accredited technicians to enhance their prospects of securing employment, starting their own businesses and further training. To date, 450 unemployed youth have been trained. This addresses a key need in the South African ICT sector and has resulted in a marked increase in female software developer graduates. Increasing female representation in ICT training is ultimately www.opportunityonline.co.za | 49

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