ITC SheTrades and Visa have launched an initiative to boost women and youth-led businesses in Kenya and South Africa, expanding their support across sub-Saharan Africa.
This move marks an expansion of their successful collaborations in the Gulf and Asia-Pacific regions, now extending their impact to sub-Saharan Africa.
According to ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton, “By combining ITC SheTrades global network and technical expertise with Visa’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, we are providing women and young people in Kenya and South Africa with the resources and support they need to succeed in today’s competitive economy.”
The newly unveiled programme will focus on equipping women and youth entrepreneurs with essential digital, financial, and entrepreneurial skills.
By leveraging Visa’s expertise in digital payments and financial literacy, along with ITC SheTrades’ proven track record in empowering women in trade, the initiative aims to close the gender gap in entrepreneurship and improve access to new markets.
A key feature of the programme is the integration of participants into the She’s Next alumni network and the broader SheTrades community. This will enable entrepreneurs to benefit from structured peer learning opportunities, sustained engagement, and ongoing mentorship.
The creation of a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem is central to the programme’s mission, helping women and youth overcome barriers commonly faced in business expansion and sustainability.
Participants will gain access to a series of practical workshops, mentorship sessions, networking events, and digital tools designed to enhance business management, marketing, and financial planning.
The programme will also facilitate connections with investors, policymakers, and established business leaders, opening doors to funding and partnership opportunities.
Visa’s Senior Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa, Aida Diarra, added, “Our expanded partnership with ITC SheTrades demonstrates our ongoing dedication to fostering inclusive economic growth across Africa. By investing in women and youth, we are investing in the future prosperity of the continent.”
The programme is expected to contribute to job creation, economic resilience, and the advancement of women and youth-led enterprises across sub-Saharan Africa.
Applications for the first cohort will open in August 2025, with ongoing opportunities for engagement and support through the SheTrades and She’s Next platforms.
