About TECSA Foundation
Connecting grassroots enterprise to the wider economy.
The TECSA Foundation, or Township Economic Commission South Africa, is a South African non-profit company dedicated to empowering township and rural entrepreneurs and strengthening inclusive participation in the economy.
Founded by Soweto residents and local business leaders, TECSA was established around a simple but important idea:
Township and rural businesses should not remain at the margins of economic activity.
They should have the opportunity to become organised, sustainable, market-ready and connected to the wider economy.
TECSA therefore focuses on practical enterprise development, access to technology, market linkages, stakeholder partnerships and economic opportunities.
Our Purpose
TECSA exists to connect underserved entrepreneurs with practical support, institutional partners, economic opportunities and platforms that can contribute to sustainable enterprise development and inclusive economic growth.
Our work is centred on creating connections:
Entrepreneurs → Skills → Technology → Markets → Partnerships → Opportunity
Our Vision
To become a leading national gateway for township and rural entrepreneurs.
We envision a South Africa where township and rural entrepreneurs can access the resources, networks and opportunities required to participate meaningfully in the economy.
Our vision is to become a leading national gateway through which entrepreneurs access opportunity, skills, markets, technology, finance and strategic partnerships.
Our Mission
Our mission is to formalise, strengthen and scale grassroots enterprises while creating pathways for entrepreneurs to participate meaningfully in local, national, regional and global value chains.
TECSA's mandate is focused on practical economic empowerment.
We seek to:
- Support township, rural and micro-enterprises to become more formal, resilient and market-ready.
- Promote entrepreneurship education and practical business development.
- Support spaza shops and grassroots businesses with compliance, financial and operational development.
- Facilitate access to markets, procurement opportunities, technology and strategic partnerships.
- Promote local manufacturing, industrial development and township-based value chains.
- Create platforms for dialogue between entrepreneurs, government, business, civil society and community leadership.
- Strengthen the participation of women, youth and traditional/community leadership in economic development.
- Build pathways for Southern African and cross-border trade and enterprise cooperation.
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