South Africa is set to strengthen support for women-owned businesses through a new programme designed to help established enterprises expand, improve their operations and access new markets.
The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) and Nedbank have partnered to launch the Nedbank–AWIEF Women Enterprise Growth and Export Programme, a 12-month business and enterprise supplier development initiative targeting established South African small businesses that are at least 51% owned by black women.
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The programme forms part of a three-year partnership between the two organisations and will support 75 women-owned small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs), with 25 businesses selected for each annual cohort. The initiative builds on the relationship between Nedbank and AWIEF, which has included the implementation of the AWIEF Growth Accelerator and investment-readiness programme in South Africa since 2018.
The programme is aimed at growth-stage businesses that are already generating revenue and serving customers, but have the potential to increase production, improve distribution, supply larger buyers and expand into regional and international markets.
Participating companies will receive practical support covering business growth, financial and investment readiness, product and supplier development, market access, export preparation, coaching and technical mentoring. The programme will also create opportunities for participants to connect with potential buyers, investors, finance providers, mentors and other women entrepreneurs.
Businesses will additionally receive support to explore opportunities linked to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), including potential business-to-business contracts, joint ventures and co-production partnerships.
Eligible businesses must be legally registered and operating in South Africa, be at least 51% owned by black women under the applicable B-BBEE framework, and qualify as an Exempted Micro Enterprise or Qualifying Small Enterprise. Applicants must also be post-revenue businesses producing, manufacturing, processing, assembling, packaging, formulating or distributing physical products.
The programme is open to businesses operating in sectors including agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, construction, renewable energy, personal protective equipment, cleaning and hygiene, textiles and apparel, beauty and wellness, hospitality and tourism, design and craft, and the circular economy.
Applications for the 2026 cohort of 25 businesses are open until 7 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. South Africa Standard Time. Selected businesses will undergo screening during September and October before the official programme launch at the AWIEF2026 Conference and Exhibition in Cape Town on 10–11 November.
The programme will then run from November 2026 through October 2027, providing participants with continuous support and progress monitoring focused on business growth, job creation, market access and progress toward individual development goals.
The partnership reflects growing efforts to strengthen women’s participation in entrepreneurship, trade and economic development while helping South African businesses move from local growth toward regional and international markets.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2026 cohort of 25 businesses are open until 7 September 2026 at 11:59 SAST.
Eligible businesses can submit their applications online through the official application portal:
Apply for the Nedbank–AWIEF Women Enterprise Growth and Export Programme
Only applications submitted through the official online application link will be considered.
