UNIDO unlocks Quality Improvement and Access to Finance Opportunities for Essential Oil Producers in South Africa
Pretoria, South Africa – 25th November, 2025: The Global Quality and Standards Programme in South Africa, funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), is advancing the essential and vegetable oils industry to drive sustainable growth and capitalize on the country’s rich biodiversity. A webinar served as a bridging platform for key stakeholders within the essential and vegetable oils industry, from producers, government representatives and industry associations, including the Southern African Essential Oil Producers’ Association (SAEOPA), to understand how to access the technical and financial support available from the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) for product quality improvements to gain market access and accessing financial opportunities to increase production capacity, thereby enhancing market competitiveness.
Dr. Elsie Meintjies outlined the objectives of the Global Quality and Standards Programme South Africa project (GQSP-SA), emphasizing the importance of enhancing the quality of essential and vegetable oils produced in South Africa to gain market access. She stated, “We are the third most biologically diverse country globally, which presents a significant opportunity for supplying the oils produced for sustainable value-added products in the cosmetics, food and health sectors.” Dr. Meintjies also highlighted the financial challenges faced by producers and called for collaborative efforts to navigate these challenges effectively.
Ms. Mandisa Maseko from the SEDFA provided an overview of the agency’s offerings and detailed the various quality improvement services available which includes support for testing of the oils and developing quality management systems for certification. Mr. Zolisanani Ngxobongwana then elaborated on the financial support available through SEDFA, emphasizing the importance of thorough completion of the documentation needed for a successful application. He stated that “a complete and accurate application can significantly streamline your funding journey”. Mr. Ngxobongwana explained that the affordability assessment is a key part of the funding process, ensuring that businesses seek realistic and necessary amounts for their growth.
The interactive Q&A session provided participants with the opportunity to address specific concerns regarding testing and certification offerings and funding applications. Attendees sought clarity on various topics, from product testing to the potential of support for costs related to land preparation for planting crops to produce essential oils.
Ms. Karen Swanepoel, Executive Director of SAEOPA, concluded the session by emphasizing the importance of collaboration among industry players.
For more information, please contact Mr. Bernard Bau, B.Bau [at] unido.org
