. The public participation process is crucial when municipalities develop their Local Economic Development (LED) strategies, therefore the needs and aspirations of the communities in the specific municipality should be prioritised. . The Economic Development Department (EDD) should ensure that Provincial Departments on Economic Development guide and advice municipalities on the development of their LEDs, as these need to be aligned with that of their respective Provincial Growth and Development Strategies, hence the over-utilisation of consultants by municipalities ought to be limited. . The Economic Development Department (EDD) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) should strengthen and reinforce their advocacy campaign in the provinces, focusing on education and awareness, on the funding facility to companies in distress. . Sector Education Training Authorities (SETAs) will be fulfilling a critical role in the training of employees, hence the Economic Development Department should ensure, with the Department of Higher Education and Training, that the training provided is applicable and relevant to the specific sector in which different SETAs operate.