The Small Enterprise Finance Agency

Established in April 2012, The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) is a key entity in South Africa's economic development landscape. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), sefa's mandate is to foster the establishment, survival, and growth of SMMEs and co-operatives. It aims to be a leading catalyst for the development of sustainable enterprises through the provision of direct loans, wholesale funding to intermediaries, and credit guarantees. The agency's mission is to expand access to finance for SMMEs, particularly those in underserved areas or owned by historically disadvantaged individuals, thereby contributing to job creation, economic growth, and poverty alleviation.