In a landmark collaboration aimed at championing the success of women-owned small businesses, global payments technology leader Visa has announced its partnership with Absa for the 2024 She’s Next programme. She’s Next is a global advocacy initiative dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs through funding, training, and mentorship, transcending traditional business paradigms to foster meaningful societal impact.

Through this strategic alliance, Visa and Absa are poised to lead the charge in empowering women entrepreneurs throughout South Africa, steadfast in their commitment to driving both business excellence and positive societal change. The collaboration seeks to expand the reach and offerings in digital payments, with a specific emphasis on empowering women entrepreneurs within the burgeoning youth market and bolstering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“We are proud to once again bring our successful ‘She’s Next’ global programme to Africa. As the number of female entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa continues to increase, Visa, together with our partners, is broadening the reach of the She’s Next initiative to empower more women entrepreneurs in the region. As a business that recognises the potential of women entrepreneurs, we endeavour to provide them with practical insights and valuable tools necessary for the growth and advancement of their businesses,” emphasised Lineshree Moodley, Country Manager of Visa South Africa.

Visa’s commitment to empowering small and micro-businesses (SMBs) globally has already borne fruit, with 16 million SMBs digitally empowered worldwide, surpassing its multi-year goal set in 2020. Furthermore, the Visa Foundation has allocated $1 million in funding to organizations across Sub-Saharan Africa supporting SMBs, with a keen focus on gender inclusivity and diversity. The She’s Next programme in Sub-Saharan Africa builds upon this foundation, extending the reach and impact of Visa’s initiatives.

Steven Zwane, Absa’s Managing Executive of Corporate Citizenship says, “We are incredibly excited to be part of the 2024 She’s Next program, championing the success of women entrepreneurs. This partnership represents a natural extension and continuation of the substantial work that Absa has embarked upon to comprehensively understand the unique needs of women-owned small businesses, and ultimately, to help them succeed. Through Absa and Visa’s joint efforts, we hope to make a meaningful, tangible impact in society”.

She’s Next stands as a testament to the transformative power of empowering women in business, offering tangible support including grants, coaching memberships, and strategic partnerships. This year, the programme will span across five countries in Africa, including South Africa, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking significant strides in advancing opportunities for women entrepreneurs across the continent.