South Africa’s MTN SA Foundation has launched the fifth edition of its Women in Digital Business Challenge, expanding support for black women-owned ICT and digital businesses across the country.
The programme provides participating entrepreneurs with business development support, mentorship, skills training, funding and opportunities to access new markets. The initiative is designed to help women-owned businesses strengthen their operations, grow sustainably and contribute to innovation within South Africa’s digital economy.
The latest edition is being delivered in partnership with the EBL Institute of Business and Technology, Datacomb Development Hub and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).
Through the programme, entrepreneurs receive tailored business-development assistance alongside mentorship and skills development. Market access opportunities are also intended to help participating businesses expand their customer base and strengthen their commercial prospects.
Since the Women in Digital Business Challenge was launched in 2022, the programme has supported 40 businesses. According to MTN, the participating companies have collectively created or sustained 173 jobs and generated more than R14.7 million in revenue.
The latest edition comes as South Africa continues to focus on increasing participation in the digital economy and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups.
MTN said supporting women entrepreneurs is important to inclusive economic growth, job creation and broader participation in the country’s digital economy.
By combining funding with practical business support, mentorship and market opportunities, the initiative aims to help women-owned ICT and digital enterprises build stronger businesses while developing solutions that can contribute to local economies and communities.
The programme also highlights the growing role of targeted entrepreneurship initiatives in strengthening South Africa’s technology sector and creating pathways for women to participate more actively in digital innovation.
