Five African female entrepreneurs have been named as finalists in Visa’s She’s Next Programme, an initiative focused on the empowerment of women entrepreneurs across the continent. In collaboration with Absa, the She’s Next Programme aims to equip women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with essential resources, tools, and mentorship to succeed in today’s ever-evolving business landscape.
The initiative supports women-owned SMEs through funding, training, and mentorship opportunities. The finalists, who will compete for a grand prize of over ZAR1 million (approximately US$56,000), include InoBiodiesel, Moli & Mela, Diamond Days, eFama App, and HVAC Partners.
“We are thrilled to announce this year’s She’s Next Programme finalists. These outstanding women embody the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation crucial to Africa’s economic growth,” said Lineshree Moodley, Visa South Africa’s country manager.
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“At Visa, we are dedicated to supporting women-led businesses by providing them with the necessary tools and opportunities for success. Our partnership with Absa has significantly expanded the programme’s reach, and we look forward to witnessing the inspiring journeys of our finalists.”
In addition to the top five finalists, another 25 SMEs will take part in a specialized capacity-building and mentorship programme, developed in partnership with Absa, to further empower women entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses. The winner of the 2024 She’s Next Programme will be revealed at a later date this month.
