Technology is no longer a “nice to have” for small businesses – it is a growth multiplier. So says Kgomotso Lebele, Accenture South Africa – Country Managing Director. “In 2026, the most significant opportunity for South African SMEs lies in using technology to reinvent how they operate, serve customers and compete,” he shares. “Artificial intelligence (AI), in particular, is levelling the playing field. SMEs can now use AI to automate routine tasks, gain deeper insight from their data, personalise customer interactions and improve decision-making – at a fraction of the cost that would have been required just a few years ago.” He explains that cloud platforms, low-code tools and software-as-a-service models are making enterprise-grade capabilities accessible to even the smallest of businesses.
“From a South African perspective, technology also enables SMEs to transcend traditional constraints – whether that’s load shedding, geographic distance, limited access to skills, or capital pressure. Digital tools allow small businesses to operate more efficiently, reach new markets, and remain resilient in an increasingly volatile environment.”
Opportunities Also Bring Threats
Unfortunately, as more and more advancements in technology happen that bring opportunities, it also brings threats. So, what threats should SMEs prepare for? Lebele says that the most immediate threat is cybersecurity.
“While technology presents enormous upside, it also introduces new risks – and SMEs need to be deliberate about managing them. As businesses digitise, they expand their attack surface. Many SMEs underestimate how attractive they are to cybercriminals, particularly because they often lack robust security controls. Ransomware, data breaches and fraud are no longer risks reserved for large corporations.
He adds that entrepreneurs face another risk: their own eagerness. “Another risk is adopting technology without a clear strategy. We often see businesses investing in tools that don’t integrate, don’t scale, or don’t solve real problems. This can lead to wasted spend, frustrated employees and stalled transformation,” Lebele warns.
Additionally, technological advancements can cause a skills gap. “Technology evolves faster than people can naturally adapt, and without the right training and change management, even the best tools will fail to deliver value.”
Technology Adoption Amongst South African SMEs
Lebele notes that for South African SMEs, technology adoption in 2026 is less about digital transformation and more about reinvention. They face economic pressure, energy instability, global competition and changing customer expectations mean that standing still is no longer an option. “Technology enables SMEs to operate leaner, respond faster and scale smarter. It supports better cash flow management, improved supply chain visibility, more agile workforce models and stronger customer engagement. Importantly, it also enables SMEs to plug into global value chains, opening opportunities far beyond local markets.
“Businesses that do not modernise their technology foundations will struggle to remain competitive, compliant and relevant. In short, technology adoption is becoming a determinant of survival and growth for South African small businesses.”
Falling Behind is More Than Failing to Introduce New Technologies
Failing to introduce new technologies on time is only one of the mistakes that businesses sometimes make. Another is that they fail to see that technology continuously and frequently needs to be updated.
“One of the biggest mistakes business owners make is treating technology as a once-off purchase rather than a long-term capability,” he emphasises. “Buying software without redesigning processes, upskilling people or changing ways of working rarely delivers meaningful results.
“Another common mistake is leading with tools instead of outcomes. Businesses should start by asking, ‘What are we trying to improve, automate or reimagine?’ – not ‘Which technology should we buy?’”
Lebele shares that he also sees organisations underestimate the importance of change management and culture. Technology adoption fails when employees are not brought along on the journey, when leadership isn’t aligned, or when there is fear rather than excitement about change.
Many SMEs delay investing in security until something goes wrong. In today’s environment, security must be built in from the start, not bolted on later.
Technology Can Be A Competitive Advantage
Technology becomes a competitive advantage when it is used to differentiate, not just digitise. SMEs that leverage data and AI effectively can understand their customers better, respond to market shifts faster and make smarter decisions than competitors. “Modern digital platforms allow businesses to innovate quickly – launching new products, testing ideas and scaling successful ones without heavy upfront investment.”
As Lebele highlights his perspective that was formed over years at Accenture, the real advantage comes from continuous reinvention – where technology, people and processes evolve together. “SMEs that embed this mindset can adapt faster than larger organisations, turning their agility into a strategic strength. In a market as dynamic as South Africa’s, technology gives SMEs the ability not only to compete, but to outperform.”
