Nedbank has partnered with the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) to launch a new programme aimed at helping women-owned businesses in South Africa grow, access new markets and expand into export markets.
The Nedbank–AWIEF Women Enterprise Growth and Export Programme is a 12-month business development initiative targeting established South African businesses that are at least 51% owned by black women.
The programme builds on the partnership between Nedbank and AWIEF, which dates back to 2018 and has included initiatives supporting women entrepreneurs through business growth and investment readiness programmes.
Programme to support 75 women-owned businesses
Under the new three-year partnership, 75 women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) will receive support, with 25 businesses selected for each annual cohort.
The programme is specifically designed for growth-stage, product-based businesses that are already generating revenue and are looking to increase production, strengthen their operations, access larger buyers and expand into new markets.
Participants will receive practical support in areas including business growth, finance, product development, market access and export readiness.
The initiative will also help participating businesses explore opportunities across Africa, including those linked to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Who can apply?
Applications are open to businesses that meet the programme’s eligibility requirements. Applicants must:
Be legally registered and operating in South Africa.
Be at least 51% owned by black women under the B-BBEE Act.
Qualify as an Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME) or Qualifying Small Enterprise (QSE).
Be post-revenue and currently serving paying customers.
Be product-based, including businesses involved in manufacturing, processing, packaging, assembling or distributing physical products.
Have ambitions to expand nationally, regionally, across Africa or internationally.
Operate within one of the programme’s priority sectors.
Commit to the full 12-month programme.
Priority sectors
The programme is open to businesses operating in sectors including agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, construction, renewable energy, cleaning and hygiene, textiles and apparel, beauty and personal care, hospitality and tourism, design and craft, and the circular economy.
What will selected businesses receive?
The 25 businesses selected for the 2026 cohort will receive tailored support aimed at helping them become more competitive and investment-ready.
Support will include business diagnostics and development plans, coaching and technical mentoring, product and supplier readiness, market access, finance and investment preparation, export support, networking and buyer linkages.
Entrepreneurs will also have opportunities to explore regional trade partnerships, including potential B2B contracts, joint ventures and co-production opportunities.
Selected participants will receive access to the AWIEF2026 Conference and Exhibition, scheduled for 10–11 November 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
The programme itself will run from November 2026 to October 2027.
Applications close September 7
Women entrepreneurs interested in applying for the 2026 cohort have until September 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. South Africa Standard Time (SAST) to submit their applications.
Only 25 businesses will be selected for the first cohort.
The official programme launch will take place during the AWIEF2026 Conference in Cape Town, where selected entrepreneurs will also participate in a two-day bootcamp.
The initiative provides an important opportunity for established women-owned businesses to move beyond survival and position themselves for larger markets, stronger supply chains, investment readiness and
export-Led growth.
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