South Africa Launches Export Program for Women Entrepreneurs

Seventy-five South African women entrepreneurs are getting a powerful boost to take their businesses global.

Nedbank has partnered with the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) to launch the Women Enterprise Growth and Export Programme. The initiative targets established businesses that are at least 51% owned by Black women and ready to scale beyond local markets.

The program runs for 12 months and focuses on practical growth support. Participants receive personalized coaching, product readiness training, and connections to buyers and finance providers who can help them expand.

Applications opened in August 2026 for the first cohort of 25 businesses. The program accepts product-based companies in sectors ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to beauty, textiles, and renewable energy.

To qualify, businesses must already be generating revenue and serving customers. They need to be registered as Exempted Micro Enterprises or Qualifying Small Enterprises under South African law.

The official launch happens November 10-11, 2026 at the AWIEF Conference in Cape Town. Selected entrepreneurs get free conference access, including travel and accommodation support for the two-day bootcamp.

The Ripple Effect

This program builds on eight years of partnership between Nedbank and AWIEF that has already helped dozens of women-owned businesses grow. By focusing on export readiness, it opens doors to African Continental Free Trade Area opportunities, potentially creating jobs and economic growth across multiple countries.

Participants also get support exploring joint ventures and co-production arrangements with regional partners. Regular progress reviews track not just business growth, but job creation and market expansion over the full year.

The three-year commitment means 75 businesses will graduate by 2029, each equipped to compete in larger markets and create lasting economic impact in their communities.

Applications close September 7, 2026, giving South African women entrepreneurs one month to apply for a program that could transform their businesses into continental success stories.