Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Southern Africa: EntreprenHER Programme

The EntreprenHER programme has brought about remarkable empowerment for women entrepreneurs in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. A total of 1,022 women completed the training in South Africa, 1,011 in Namibia, and 426 in Botswana. In order to facilitate networking and joint venture opportunities, 12 Business Improvement Groups were established in South Africa, and 60 such groups have been launched in Namibia.

Notwithstanding the programme’s achievements, small businesses continue to confront the considerable challenge of inadequate funding. In response, the programme’s new phase, as EntreprenHER, will expand its offerings to include grants or zero-interest loans for participants. This additional support will enable women entrepreneurs to invest in necessary equipment, staff, premises, and other essentials, thereby furthering their success.

Al Cook, the CEO ad interim of the De Beers Group, which has provided continuous support to the programme, emphasised the vital role played by women-owned micro-enterprises in the communities of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. He underscored the obstacles they face due to their informal nature, such as limited access to markets, finance, and skills.

In the upcoming years from 2024 to 2026, EntreprenHER aims to coach 1,500 women entrepreneurs and support their growth. In addition to enhancing their digital literacy skills, the programme will offer training in climate-smart agriculture techniques for those in the farming sector and introduce women to platforms like UN Women’s BuyFromWomen e-commerce service to expand their access to markets. There will also be a focus on supporting women in male-dominated sectors such as plumbing and construction.

Aleta Miller, UN Women’s Representative for the South Africa Multi-Country Office, highlighted the critical role that EntreprenHER plays in advancing gender equality under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She stressed the necessity of enabling women to fully and meaningfully participate in the economy in order to achieve gender equality by 2030.

In Botswana, the programme receives support from the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Culture. In Namibia, it is implemented with the assistance of the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare. Meanwhile, in South Africa, the programme has been implemented with the support of the Blouberg and Musina Local Municipalities.

During an EntreprenHER event in February, Botswana’s First Lady, Her Excellency Neo Masisi, expressed her praise for the programme, referring to it as a “gamechanger” in enhancing women’s active participation in the economies of the three countries. She lauded the programme for realizing dreams, building confidence, inspiring others, restoring hope, and unlocking the power of women.

The EntreprenHER programme is making significant strides in empowering women entrepreneurs across Southern Africa, and with continued support and commitment, it will undoubtedly drive positive change in the region.