Strengthening Ecosystem Collaboration at the ECDC Stakeholder Engagement
Collaboration and inclusive economic growth took centre stage at the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) Stakeholder Engagement held in Gqeberha.
A Shared Commitment to Inclusive Economic Growth
Collaboration and inclusive economic growth took centre stage at the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) Stakeholder Engagement held in Gqeberha.
The session brought together key stakeholders from across the province to explore opportunities for stronger partnerships, coordinated action, and greater impact in supporting businesses across the Eastern Cape.
Pictured at the engagement were ECDC Acting CEO, Lionel Billings CA(SA), and Propella Head, Masakhane Mlamla, reflecting the shared commitment between ecosystem stakeholders to strengthen enterprise development and economic participation in the province.
Addressing Fragmentation in the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
Contributing to the stakeholder engagements, Propella’s Masa Mlamla emphasised the need to address fragmentation within the province’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.
He highlighted that improving coordination among ecosystem players is essential to strengthening support for entrepreneurs, increasing efficiency, and ensuring that businesses can better access the resources, networks, and opportunities they need to grow.
Advancing Ecosystem Weaving Through the IYBA-SEED Project
This message aligns strongly with the work Propella is championing through the IYBA-SEED Project Ecosystem Weaving Initiative in the Eastern Cape, with the Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council (ECSECC)convening in the province.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening ecosystem collaboration and supporting entrepreneurial growth by encouraging stakeholders to work together more intentionally and effectively.
Through ecosystem weaving, Propella continues to contribute to building a more connected, inclusive, and responsive entrepreneurship support environment across the Eastern Cape.
Image sourced: ECDC
Unlocking Opportunities for Collaboration
Reflecting on the session, Propella welcomed ECDC’s strategic direction and the opportunity to identify potential collaborations across sectors.
These partnerships are vital in driving meaningful and sustainable impact, particularly in supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening local businesses, and contributing to inclusive economic development across the province.
Building a More Connected Eastern Cape Ecosystem
The ECDC Stakeholder Engagement served as an important platform for dialogue, alignment, and collective action.
As Propella continues its work within the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem, we remain committed to collaborating with partners who share the vision of building a stronger, more inclusive, and better-connected Eastern Cape economy.
Together, we can strengthen the ecosystem, support entrepreneurs, and drive sustainable growth across the province.