Visa, in partnership with Absa, has officially opened applications for the 2025 She’s Next South Africa programme an initiative aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs with grant funding, mentorship, business training, and networking opportunities.
Qualified women-led businesses can compete for a share of over ZAR 1 million (~USD 55,000) in grants. The top prizes are allocated as follows:
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1st place: R400,000
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2nd place: R250,000
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3rd place: R170,000
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Social impact winner: R170,000
Beyond funding, selected applicants gain access to tailored business training, mentorship, and networking support, all co-developed by Visa and Absa.
Despite gains women’s entrepreneurship in South Africa rose from 9.5% in 2022 to 13.5% in 2023 male entrepreneurship still outpaces it significantly. Approximately 21.5% of women-led businesses have closed due to lack of finance, and women often face systemic bias in accessing growth resources.
Visa’s Country Head South Africa, Lineshree Moodley, affirmed the initiative’s mission:
“Visa is committed to helping women develop and excel in business… Through She’s Next, we aim to encourage even more participation of women in driving the economy.”
Dr Steven Zwane, Managing Executive: Group Corporate Citizenship at Absa, added:
“By addressing the persistent barriers women 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.”
The She’s Next programme debuted in South Africa in 2024, rewarding innovative women-led enterprises across sectors. InoBiodiesel, led by Mahlatse Mamaila, was the 2024 overall winner, securing the R400,000 grand prize to expand her green energy venture.
Globally, Visa has empowered over 16 million SMBs digitally and exceeded its target of 50 million digitally enabled small businesses by 2020. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the Visa Foundation has committed USD 1 million in grants and impact investments to support women‑inclusive entrepreneurship programmes—underscoring the growing importance of She’s Next locally.
How to Apply
Eligible women entrepreneurs:
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Must be over 18
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Must operate businesses in South Africa
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Must legally reside in the country overall
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May apply across industries, provided their business is women‑owned and has been operating for at least one year before the competition’s start date (July 22, 2024 for previous round).
She’s Next 2025 highlights Visa and Absa’s commitment to closing the gender opportunity gap in South Africa’s SMB ecosystem. By providing capital and capacity-building support, the initiative aims to unlock the potential of women entrepreneurs boosting innovation, job creation, and inclusive economic growth across the country.
Applications for She’s Next 2025 close 30 July 2025. Winners will be announced in September 2025. To apply, business owners must submit a short form via Visa’s South Africa portal.
For more information and to apply, female business owners can visit the Visa South Africa She’s Next website.
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