Women entrepreneurs across South Africa are encouraged to apply for grant funding, access bespoke training programmes, and access to valuable networking and mentorship opportunities.

For a second year running, Visa, the global digital payments leader, in partnership with Absa, one of Africa’s largest diversified financial service providers, is rolling out its global advocacy programme, She’s Next, across South Africa – and entries are now open.

According to the 2022 GEM SA survey, although women’s involvement in entrepreneurship showed a healthy increase from 9.5% to 13.5% in 2023, men’s involvement showed a greater increase, from 11.1% to 19.9%. Some 21.5% of women have had to close their businesses in South Africa due to a lack of finance and too often women face prejudice in the working world compared to men, securing fewer opportunities to grow their businesses to success.

To remove some of these obstacles and meet the needs of women entrepreneurs, the She’s Next initiative is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for women-led businesses through access to grant funding, tailored training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. In South Africa, recent reports reveal just how much support women entrepreneurs need in the country and while just over half of businesses are run by men, women frequently have smaller businesses and struggle with receiving the same opportunities as men to scale.

“Visa is committed to helping women develop and excel in business. Through She’s Next, we aim to encourage and enable even more participation of women in driving the economy, in line with our goal to digitally enable as many small businesses around the world as possible, while also creating a supportive environment in which they can grow and thrive,” said Lineshree Moodley, Country Head at Visa South Africa.

Eligible, women entrepreneurs from all industries and sectors in South Africa, are encouraged to apply for a chance to win a share of over R1 million worth of grant funding. In addition to the monetary prizes, the programme includes training and capacity building sessions curated by Visa and Absa.

The She’s Next programme has seen remarkable success in other regions. In South Africa, the 2024 competition recognised innovative women-led businesses across various sectors, awarding significant grants and mentorship opportunities. The overall winner, Mahlatse Mamaila of InoBiodiesel, received a R400,000 grant to advance her green energy solutions.

“We’re proud to partner with Visa for the second year of the She’s Next programme, which is dedicated to unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs in South Africa. These business owners are key to driving inclusive economic growth and job creation. By addressing the persistent barriers they face and providing the right tools, funding, and support, we are helping to build stronger, more resilient businesses. Empowering women isn’t just good for society, it’s vital for South Africa’s economic future,” said Dr. Steven Zwane, Managing Executive: Group Corporate Citizenship at Absa.

Visa has digitally empowered over 16 million small and micro businesses (SMBs) globally, surpassing its 2020 goal to digitise 50 million SMBs. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the Visa Foundation has committed $1 million to support SMB-focused organisations through grants and impact investments. These initiatives prioritise training, support services, and access to capital — with a strong focus on gender inclusivity and diversity. The She’s Next programme will build on this momentum, expanding both reach and impact.

“She’s Next continues to champion growth and resilience of female entrepreneurs, empowering them to scale their businesses and drive economic impact and we’re excited to see which businesses excel in the competition this year,” Moodley concludes.

To learn more and apply for She’s Next, applicants must submit a short application form via https://www.visa.co.za/run-your-business/she-is-next.html with details about their business. Applications open until 30 July, with the winner set to be announced in September 2025, winners will be announced will be confirmed, later in the year.

JA (Junior Achievement)  South Africa and Absa Group have marked the  successful continuation of their partnership at the launch of the second year of the JA Company of the year program (previously known as  Enterprise Program Plus EP+). The JA Company Program is JA’s flagship initiative that equips high school learners with essential entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work readiness skills.

The partnership that kicked off last year reaffirms both organisations’ commitment to empowering youth through practical, hands-on learning that transforms classroom concepts into real-world business ventures. With over 1,000 Grade 10 – 11 learners expected to participate once again, the 2025 cohort will experience an enhanced curriculum and deeper mentorship, culminating in the prestigious JA South Africa Company of the Year (COY) competition. The partnership launch took place at Ponelopele Oracle High School in Kaalfontein, which saw two learners  who took part in last year’s program participate in the Girls in leadership training program in Ghana earlier this year.

During the launch, JA South Africa outlined the Company of the Year theme for calling for   ACT!: Action for Climate Transformation”, a theme that seeks to  challenge learners to imagine and build AI-driven, sustainable solutions that addresses environmental and societal challenge, with a specific focus on Innovation & Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Financial Technology, Digital Media & Creation, Renewable Energy, and Circular Economy & Sustainability, as they explore businesses in the six categories.

As with last year, learners will compete provincially before the top teams advance to the national finals in Gauteng.

“We are excited to see this impactful partnership with Absa Group grow from strength to strength. In year two, we are not only scaling the program’s reach but deepening its impact in life-changing ways. We’ve witnessed shy learners evolve into confident presenters, their pitches transforming from hesitant beginnings to polished business cases that impressed judges at provincial, national, and even regional levels. For some, this program sparks a passion for entrepreneurship that reawakened their love for learning—and revealed leadership and problem-solving abilities previously hidden in the traditional classroom. From boarding their first flight to getting their first passport, the exposure and inspiration these young people gain is truly priceless. These are not just student companies; they are launching pads for dreams’’ says Nelo Spies, Executive Director of Junior Achievement South Africa.

The second-year rollout will expand to more schools across South Africa’s nine provinces, offering learners enhanced opportunities to receive mentorship from Absa Group professionals and industry experts. Participants will also benefit from practical business exposure through site visits, guest lectures, and increased access to digital resources.

“For Absa Group, empowering youth through entrepreneurship education is not a once-off investment – it’s a sustained commitment to shaping South Africa’s future. We believe in the stories and dreams of every learner who steps into this programme. By building on the success of our first year, we’re doubling down on our mission to enable young people to take ownership of their economic futures’, says Dr. Steven Zwane, Managing Executive of Corporate Citizenship at Absa. “

This year the partnership will also highlight the journeys of the learners as they share how they are building thriving communities as they showcase how they grow their project companies.

The Absa Run Your City Series is back, bringing together thousands of runners for an electrifying 10 km road race across five major South African cities including Gqeberha, Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, and Johannesburg. Kicking off in Gqeberha on Sunday, April 13, 2025, the series marks its third consecutive year, solidifying its place as a premier running event in the country.

In a boost for runners, Absa customers and Rewards members will enjoy 30% cash back on their race entry when paying with an Absa card, an incentive that aligns with the bank’s mission to promote physical well-being and reward customer loyalty. More than just a race, the Absa Run Your City Series continues to drive community upliftment, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to social impact, health, and inclusivity in every stride.

As part of Absa’s brand promise, “Your Story Matters,” the Run Your City Series encourages runners, joggers, and spectators to contribute to the spirit of community and personal achievement, by taking to the streets of their city. Absa invites employees, customers, and community members to participate in its Strava initiative, where for every kilometre logged by a Team Absa member in 2025, Absa will pledge a R1 donation to support local community welfare and positive change.

“We are thrilled to announce the return of the Absa Run Your City Series for the third year running,” said Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorships at Absa. “The overwhelming support from our participants and partners speaks volumes about the importance of promoting an active lifestyle while making a tangible difference in our communities and as a result the tickets have sold out.”

The 2024 edition of the series raised R1.5 million, which was dedicated to establishing sustainable food gardens in primary schools across five provinces. In collaboration with Urban Harvest, Absa’s initiative equipped schools with the tools and training necessary for cultivating herbs and vegetables, fostering experiential learning, and promoting environmental awareness among students and educators alike.

The Absa Run Your City Series 2025 Schedule:

• 13 April 2025: Absa Run Your City Gqeberha 10K
• 11 May 2025: Absa Run Your City Cape Town 10K
• 13 July 2025: Absa Run Your City Durban 10K
• 24 August 2025: Absa Run Your City Tshwane 10K
• September 2025: Absa Run Your City Johannesburg 10K

Pre-Race Activities in Gqeberha: The Absa Run Your City Gqeberha 10K event will feature a City Clean-Up on Saturday, 6 April, and a series of exciting activities leading up to the race:

• Friday, 11 April: Race Pack Collection at the Boardwalk Mall + PUMA Nitro Run
• Saturday, 12 April: Absa City Clean-Up (08:30 – 10:00) + Race Pack Collection at the Boardwalk Mall

Participants and their families will also enjoy several key branded moments during the race pack collection at the Boardwalk Mall, including personalisation of running t-shirts and the opportunity to explore the latest running gear from PUMA.

Join Us in Celebrating Fitness and Community, on the streets of GQEBERHA: The Absa Run Your City Series is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of fitness, well-being, and community spirit. Lace up your running shoes and join thousands of enthusiastic participants as we work together towards a healthier, more vibrant South Africa.

For more information and to register for the series, visit RunYourCity.com.

Absa is proud to reaffirm its long-standing commitment to South Africa’s vibrant arts scene with the renewal of its partnership with the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK), one of the country’s most iconic cultural festivals. As a dedicated sponsor for 23 years, Absa continues to use this platform to empower artists, uplift communities, and celebrate creative excellence, ensuring that the arts remain a driving force for inspiration and growth across the nation.

Since its inception in 1995, KKNK has grown to become South Africa’s second-oldest national arts festival and the largest Afrikaans arts festival — a true beacon of creativity, culture, and expression. Each year, the festival transforms Oudtshoorn into a bustling hub of activity, attracting thousands of festival-goers for a week filled with music, theatre, visual arts, and more.

This year marks the 29th edition of KKNK, taking place from 1–6 April 2025. As always, Absa is committed to ensuring that the festival not only showcases incredible talent but also offers a space where stories come to life. With a variety of programs, performances, and cultural experiences, Absa continues to reaffirm its belief that every individual’s story deserves a stage.

Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Absa Head of Sponsorship, said: “We are deeply committed to investing in the arts by supporting initiatives like the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK). For 23 years, we have proudly been a steadfast sponsor of this festival, using it as a platform to uplift communities, celebrate artistic expression, and promote cultural diversity across the nation. Most importantly, KKNK allows us to unearth and nurture new talent, ensuring that the arts continue to thrive for future generations.”

A key highlight of the festival is the Absa Kuierkamer, the main hospitality hub, which will once again serve as a vibrant center for relaxation, connection, and entertainment. The Absa Kuierkamer will feature a dynamic daily program, including intimate My Story afternoon concerts, where musicians share their music and personal journeys with festival-goers.

Additionally, the Absa Rooibanksessies, hosted by the charismatic Hannes van Wyk, will bring together a different panel of popular personalities each day to share stories, insights, and future plans. These engaging sessions will offer attendees the chance to connect with their favorite public figures in an intimate setting.

As the sun sets, the Absa Kuierkamer will transform into an intimate venue for unplugged music sessions and dinner experiences, offering a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the arts in an unforgettable setting.

Absa’s support extends beyond the arts, with ongoing active force for good initiatives to empower communities. One notable example is the growth of the veggie gardens initiative in Oudtshoorn, where over 1000 children are able to receive meals cooked from the veggies grown in the gardens. Originally starting with just one garden, the number has now expanded to nearly four, thanks to Absa’s continued support. This is a testament to the meaningful impact the bank’s efforts have on the local community, reinforcing its broader mission to empower Africa’s future by fostering both literacy and inclusivity through sustainable projects.

Jabulile Nsibanyoni added: “Our brand promise, Your Story Matters, resonates deeply with initiatives like these veggie gardens, which highlight our commitment to being an active force for good in communities. It’s about making a lasting impact, one story at a time, and helping to build stronger relationships with our clients and stakeholders.”

In addition to the partnership, Absa ran a talent search for young performers to showcase their talents at the 2025 KKNK, with the support of radio partners. This call for talent was successful, and it has allowed young artists to become part of the Absa experience at the festival, further enriching the cultural offering.

The KKNK offers something for everyone, from stage productions and stand-up comedy to dance performances, children’s entertainment, visual arts, talks, book discussions, and more, spread throughout the town of Oudtshoorn. Absa invites the public to join in this celebration of South Africa’s rich artistic culture. Because, at the KKNK, every story deserves a stage.