Marking a decade of impact in advancing South Africa’s small business ecosystem, Telkom FutureMakers has launched TrailblazeHER, a three-month Women-in-Tech Enablement Accelerator designed to scale black women-owned technology enterprises within the digital economy.

Over the past 10 years, Telkom FutureMakers has supported black-owned micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to build sustainable businesses, unlock market access, and grow within an increasingly digital landscape. TrailblazeHER represents a focused next step, deepening this impact by accelerating high-potential women-led tech businesses.

The programme will support 10 black women-owned suppliers within Telkom’s value chain through a targeted blend of executive leadership coaching, specialised technical mentorship, and structured business development. Participants will also gain supplier-readiness support, access to networks, and opportunities to engage with markets and investors.

“Telkom FutureMakers’ mandate is to grow the digital economy by developing high-growth, black-owned enterprises that create meaningful jobs and long-term economic value,” says Tshepo Phetla, Executive: Business Development.

“By backing trailblazing women entrepreneurs, we are unlocking access to technology, networks, and opportunities that have historically been out of reach. TrailblazeHER reinforces our commitment to digital inclusion and the growth of sustainable, tech-driven enterprises in South Africa,” he adds.

Delivered in partnership with The Innovation Hub and SAICA Enterprise Development (SAICA ED), the programme brings together a strong ecosystem of innovation, incubation, and enterprise support.

The Innovation Hub, a subsidiary of the Gauteng Provincial Government, advances technology innovation through incubation and enterprise development across the green, digital, and bio-economies. SAICA ED, a long-standing FutureMakers partner, provides business, financial, and governance mentorship to strengthen enterprise sustainability.

As South Africa’s digital economy evolves, expanding access for women entrepreneurs is not only a social priority but a business imperative.

TrailblazeHER reflects Telkom’s ongoing commitment to enabling women who are shaping the country’s digital future- through access, partnerships, and targeted capability development.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to collaboration, empowerment, and inclusive growth, ensuring that digital transformation creates value for both established businesses and the next generation of innovators,” concludes Phetla.

TrailblazeHER is more than an accelerator; it is a catalyst for change, enabling women to lead, innovate, and shape a more inclusive and competitive digital economy for South Africa.

Meet the TrailblazeHER Cohort (2026)

• The Collective Pride – Sharzia Rolls
• Kamva Innovations – Zodumo Precious Ngqasa
• Morou Wa Basadi – Lineo Elisa Sibisi
• Technology Infrastructure Architects – Boitumelo Mkhwebane
• Mpete Business Concepts (Pty) Ltd – Linneth Ngoakwana Mpete
• Nonku Ntshona & Associates Quantity Surveyors (Pty) Ltd – Nonku Ntshona
• Mknock Knock (Pty) Ltd – Sarah Lidzhade
• Black Elegance Group (Pty) Ltd – Simone Julies
• Nyawo Company – Thobile Nyawo
• NSTP Trading & Projects (Pty) Ltd – Sphokazi Ngwenya