Introducing TrailblazeHER: Empowering Women in Tech in South Africa

Telkom FutureMakers has proudly marked its ten-year milestone by launching TrailblazeHER, a dynamic three-month Women-in-Tech Enablement Accelerator aimed at scaling black women-owned technology businesses in South Africa’s digital economy. This program signifies a focused effort to elevate the talents and enterprises led by women in the tech sector, aligning with Telkom’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusivity and innovation.

A Decade of Support for South African MSMEs

For the past decade, Telkom FutureMakers has been instrumental in supporting black-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). By focusing on building sustainable business models and unlocking access to markets, Telkom has played a pivotal role in transforming the micro-entrepreneurial landscape in an increasingly digital world. TrailblazeHER is the next step in this evolution, specifically designed to accelerate high-potential women-led tech businesses.

Program Features and Benefits

The TrailblazeHER program will extend support to 10 black women-owned suppliers within Telkom’s value chain through a well-rounded approach that includes:

• Executive leadership coaching to enhance business acumen and strategic thinking.
• Specialized technical mentorship tailored for the technology sector.
• Structured business development initiatives.

Participants will also benefit from:

• Supplier-readiness support.
• Extensive networking opportunities.
• Direct engagement with potential markets and investors.

Tshepo Phetla, Executive of Business Development at Telkom FutureMakers, emphasizes that the initiative aims to grow the digital economy by fostering high-growth, black-owned enterprises that generate meaningful employment opportunities and sustained economic value.

Collaboration for Inclusive Growth

The TrailblazeHER accelerator is a collaborative effort involving The Innovation Hub and SAICA Enterprise Development (SAICA ED). The partnership seeks to create a robust ecosystem of innovation, incubation, and enterprise support.

• The Innovation Hub serves as a premium technology innovation center funded by the Gauteng Provincial Government, dedicated to advancing incubation and enterprise development across various sectors, including green, digital, and bio-economies.

• SAICA ED, a trusted partner of FutureMakers, offers crucial mentorship in business, finance, and governance, which contributes to strengthening enterprise sustainability.

Elevating Women Entrepreneurs in the Digital Economy

As South Africa’s digital landscape evolves, ensuring increased access for women entrepreneurs becomes essential—not just as a social priority but as a business necessity. TrailblazeHER underscores Telkom’s commitment to empowering women who are at the forefront of shaping the nation’s digital future through targeted capability development and collaborative partnerships.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to collaboration, empowerment, and inclusive growth,” concludes Phetla, reaffirming that digital transformation should benefit both established businesses and emerging innovators.

Meet the TrailblazeHER 2026 Cohort

The inaugural TrailblazeHER cohort features ten inspiring black women entrepreneurs:

• 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

Conclusion: A Catalyst for Change

TrailblazeHER is not just an accelerator; it is a crucial catalyst for change in the South African digital economy, empowering women to lead, innovate, and contribute to a more inclusive and competitive industry landscape.

Embrace the future of technology and innovation. Learn more about how programs like Telkom FutureMakers are shaping the landscape for black women entrepreneurs and helping to build a sustainable digital economy in South Africa.