MTN South Africa Launches Fifth Women in Digital Business Challenge

South Africa’s MTN SA Foundation  has launched the fifth edition of its Women in Digital Business Challenge, targeting black women-owned ICT and digital businesses with business development support, mentorship, skills training and market access opportunities.

The latest edition of the programme was launched yesterday as MTN seeks to strengthen participation by women entrepreneurs in South Africa’s digital economy and support businesses with the potential to create jobs and drive innovation.

The initiative is being delivered in partnership with the EBL Institute of Business and Technology, Datacomb Development Hub and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). It combines funding with targeted business support designed to help participating women-owned enterprises build sustainable businesses.

The programme provides entrepreneurs with tailored business-development assistance, mentorship and skills development, while also creating opportunities to access markets and grow their businesses.

Since its launch in 2022, the Women in Digital Business Challenge has supported 40 businesses. The participating companies have collectively reported creating or sustaining 173 jobs and generating more than R14.7 million in revenue.

MTN said supporting women entrepreneurs is important to advancing inclusive economic growth, job creation and broader participation in South Africa’s digital economy. The programme is also positioned as a way to help women-owned businesses strengthen local economies and develop solutions within their communities.