Is SME finance in South Africa expensive?

This was a subject which recently came up in a discussion with an industry stakeholder and is worth unpacking in some detail. In this blog post, we explain why the answer to the question is “Yes” … but also … “it’s complicated” In short, SME finance is expensive The reality is that there are some […]

The cost of bad debt on SA SMEs and how it hurts your working capital

One of the most critical — and often overlooked — components of managing your working capital is your ability to manage your debtors. For SMEs and growth businesses, revenue means very little until it converts into cash. You can have a strong order book, healthy margins on paper, and a growing client base — but […]

The Entrepreneur’s Capital Stack

Business jargon has a way of creeping into everyday conversation, especially in finance. Words like “Working capital”, “Trade Finance” or “venture capital” get used so often that we assume everyone knows what they mean, yet very few entrepreneurs have had them properly explained in a practical, real-world way. So let’s break it down simply. Imagine […]

Working Capital Trends – January 2026

2026 has kicked off on the front foot with a positive data point – sentiment among civil contractors, as measured by the FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index rose to a joint 11-year high in 2025Q4. The improvement in the business mood was supported by significantly better readings for activity growth and overall profitability. With business activity on […]

Working Capital Trends – December 2025

This monthly blog from Decusatio Working Capital Solutions tracks the key trends shaping how South Africa’s growth businesses access funding and raise capital. Our focus is on practical insights around working capital solutions, strategic fundraising and the funding structures available to entrepreneurs, founders and management teams looking to scale their businesses sustainably. As 2025 comes to an end, […]

IFC Partners with Lula to Create Jobs and Boost Small Business Growth in South Africa

In a boost for South African entrepreneurs looking for Working Capital, the International Finance Corporation has committed funding to our partners from Lula to increase access to finance and boost small business growth. According to a press release from 11 November: Johannesburg, South Africa, November 11, 2025 – To help create jobs and support the growth […]

Turn your won deal into Cashflow—Quick and Seamless

Congratulations—your business just closed a fantastic deal. It’s exciting, right? But then reality sets in: that shiny invoice won’t turn into usable cash overnight. As a growing South African business owner, you might be scratching your head, asking, “How do I bridge the gap between winning a deal and having the money in the bank?” Enter invoice […]