Visa has recently unveiled the names of five distinguished African female entrepreneurs who have advanced to the final round of the She’s Next Programme, a strategic initiative crafted to bolster the growth and success of women entrepreneurs across the African continent.
This commendable programme is brought to life through a collaborative effort with Absa, with a focused mission to equip women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a comprehensive suite of resources, innovative tools, and dedicated mentorship to navigate and excel in the ever-evolving business landscape.
The She’s Next Programme is specifically designed to uplift women-owned small businesses by offering a blend of financial support, specialized training, and mentorship opportunities. The competition is fierce, and the finalists vying for the prestigious grand prize, which amounts to more than ZAR1 million (approximately US$56,000) in prize money, include InoBiodiesel, Moli & Mela, Diamond Days, eFama App, and HVAC Partners.
Lineshree Moodley, the country manager at Visa South Africa, expressed immense pride in unveiling this year’s finalists for the She’s Next Programme. She highlighted the finalists’ embodiment of entrepreneurial zeal and innovation, which are crucial for propelling Africa’s economic advancement.
Moodley further emphasized Visa’s dedication to nurturing women-owned enterprises by equipping them with essential tools and opportunities for success. The partnership with Absa has been pivotal in broadening the programme’s scope and enhancing its impact, and there is keen anticipation for the unfolding success stories of the finalists.
Moreover, the programme extends its support beyond the top five finalists. An additional 25 SMEs will have the opportunity to engage in a bespoke capacity-building and mentorship programme, meticulously designed in collaboration with Absa. This initiative aims to further empower women entrepreneurs, enabling them to elevate their businesses to new heights.
The anticipation builds as the announcement of the winner of the 2024 She’s Next programme is scheduled for September 19, marking a significant milestone in the journey of empowering women entrepreneurs across Africa.
