The MTN SA Foundation has launched the fifth edition of its Women in Digital Business Challenge, an initiative aimed at supporting black women-owned ICT and digital businesses in South Africa.

The latest edition was launched yesterday as MTN seeks to increase the participation of women entrepreneurs in the country’s digital economy while supporting businesses with the capacity to create jobs and promote innovation.

The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the EBL Institute of Business and Technology, Datacomb Development Hub and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).

Through the initiative, participating women-owned enterprises receive a combination of funding and targeted business support intended to help them establish and maintain sustainable businesses.

Support available under the programme includes tailored business-development assistance, mentorship and skills training. Entrepreneurs will also have opportunities to gain market access and expand their businesses.

The Women in Digital Business Challenge has supported 40 businesses since it was introduced in 2022. According to the programme’s reported outcomes, the businesses collectively created or sustained 173 jobs and generated more than R14.7 million in revenue.

MTN said supporting women entrepreneurs is important to promoting inclusive economic growth, creating jobs and increasing participation in South Africa’s digital economy.

The initiative is also designed to help women-owned businesses contribute to local economies while developing solutions that address needs within their communities.

Source: TechAfricaNews