Mpumalanga-based, women-led small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) Samanjalo has unlocked international grants to scale its operations through support from the UK’s JET Deal Accelerator Programme.

Through the programme, Samanjalo received tailored technical assistance in the form of strategic business advisory support and access to international investor networks, helping the company strengthen its investment readiness and attract private capital to support its next phase of growth.

Currently in its pilot phase, Samanjalo is advancing the circular economy by converting mineral waste material into low-carbon construction materials.

Using geotechnology, the company transforms waste material into cement that is then used to manufacture stock, hollow and maxi bricks for a range of applications, including residential housing, commercial developments, schools and community facilities.

According to Samanjalo founder and CEO Prudence Simelane, the business is driven by a commitment to address two pressing challenges facing Mpumalanga: pollution and unemployment.

“We believe waste can be part of the solution. By converting coal mining waste into sustainable construction products, we are helping to create a healthier environment while giving new value to materials that would otherwise be discarded. We are also committed to creating opportunities for young people by hiring local talent and transferring knowledge.”

A recent Growth Gateway report, 'Blueprint for Scaling SMMEs in Mpumalanga', noted that SMEs are expected to create 90% of new jobs and contribute 40% to GDP by 2030. However, women entrepreneurs remain under-represented and continue to face significant barriers, including limited access to finance, business networks, and time poverty driven by household responsibilities.

“Working with our partners to support a just energy transition that unlocks alternative economic sectors, while advancing gender inclusion, remains our commitment. That is why we are proud to support SMEs like Samanjalo, a small, women-led enterprise that is playing an active role in the circular economy and has already created 11 local jobs for young people,” says acting British High Commissioner to South Africa Lisa Weedon.

Samanjalo is aiming to strengthen its operations through investment in new equipment, the introduction of a paving product line, expanded production capacity and dedicated transport.