Since 2017, we’ve been working in partnership with UN Women and local governments to support and develop female micro-entrepreneurs across Botswana, Namibia and South Africa through a dedicated training and mentorship programme - EntreprenHer.
Whilst diamonds are forever, diamond mines are not. Supporting economic diversification beyond mining within our partner countries is a vital pillar of our Building Forever strategy. Research consistently shows that investing in women-owned businesses in particular, delivers a multiplier effect that makes it a powerful engine for socio-economic development. Yet women entrepreneurs often face barriers when establishing and growing their businesses, including a lack of access to finance and networks.
Helping transform lives: the EntreprenHER programme
Originally called AWOME (Accelerating Women Owned Micro-Enterprises), the programme supported over 2,500 entrepreneurs by the end of 2023. Since being rebranded as EntreprenHer, the programme was extended in 2024 for a further three years, with the aim of supporting a further 1,500 entrepreneurs.
The programme provides networking, business and life skills training and, most importantly, ongoing mentoring. The aim is to support businesses to grow, in turn creating more jobs, regular wages and a wider range of businesses, helping local communities to thrive. We’re taking a holistic approach, upskilling and equipping local trainers to ensure EntreprenHer will endure long into the future.
Access to finance has been ranked a key barrier to growth by past participants, so we are starting to roll out small grants and loans available for eligible businesses. We’re also increasingly targeting digital literacy. The breadth of micro-entrepreneurs who EntreprenHer has supported include children’s entertainers, fashion designers, diesel mechanics, florists and farmers.
Gaone Mabalane, Botswana
When Gaone Mabalane started her Little Saviours Academy primary school in Gaborone, Botswana with six learners in 2017, she didn’t anticipate the challenges that lay ahead. With support from EntreprenHER she now runs a successful business.
“The COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions brought the business to a halt, and we had to close our doors in 2020 for two years. I was finding it quite hard to retain my employees. I was timid and found running disciplinary processes nerve-wracking. During the EntreprenHER training we were taught how to manage employees and ensure mutual respect, which really boosted my confidence. I learned that I need to be firm, fair and have healthy boundaries.
Today I can directly see the impact EntreprenHER has had on my business. We have 274 learners and 50 employees, and the school has grown by three grades. My employees are now registered with the Department of Labour.
I was also able to connect with like-minded women, some of whom are now our catering, uniform designing and embroidering suppliers. Networking with fellow participants goes a long way in providing a fresh perspective on one’s business and allowing for a great exchange of ideas.
My plan for the business is to open a high school and we are in the process of bidding for a suitable site. It’s ambitious, but I am hopeful that we’ll be successful. I am a woman who empowers other women and I intend on hiring more women.”
Ngoakoana Seleka, Founder, Thabosilakhu Empire, South Africa
Ngoakoana Seleka has had an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. In 2013 she took the plunge and started her own food and beverage business in Blouberg, South Africa.
“Before joining the EntreprenHER programme in 2019, my business operations were quite informal. I didn't keep records or track stock properly, which made it difficult to understand my financial position. I was just happy to make a living. EntreprenHER offered a turning point. It provided me with essential training on record-keeping, financial management and strategic planning.
One of the most significant changes was my approach to marketing. Before EntreprenHER, my business was not on social media. Now it’s a crucial part of my business strategy and where I get most of my customers. Additionally, I have introduced uniforms for my staff and improved the visibility of my shop with clear signage, making it recognisable from afar.
This shift in strategy and business model has helped me triple my income since 2018. I went from running the business alone to employing two permanent employees and five casual staff members who assist with big orders and events.
The support and mentorship provided by EntreprenHER was and is still invaluable. The mentors regularly checked in with us, offering guidance and support even after the training had ended. This continuous support helped me stay on track and apply what I had learned to my business. Now I am excited about the future.”
Selma Hamutati, Founder, SNH Investment, Namibia
Selma Hamutati is harnessing the power of the sun. In a field dominated by men, she is breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. In 2022, intrigued by the potential of green energy and inspired by the widespread use of solar power in rural areas, Selma registered her business, SNH Investment CC. She then enrolled in a course to learn about solar installation and maintenance.
"When I'm just standing on top of the roof, connecting the panels, I feel so good," she says. "I'm always very excited when I'm installing solar equipment."
Selma's journey hasn't been without challenges. She credits the EntreprenHER programme, which she joined in 2019, with helping her navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. The programme taught her the importance of business registration, marketing, and networking with other entrepreneurs. "It was eye-opening for me," she reflects. "From there, I didn’t know other people. Now I have connected with people."
Watch the videos below to learn more about EntreprenHER’s impact