SA’s top businesswomen vie for MTN’s R1 million prizes

• The 2024 edition of MTN’s Women in Digital Business Challenge has launched.
• R1 million is up for grabs, split among the top ten best business ideas.
• 20 Women entrepreneurs in South Africa have been vetted and shortlisted for the competition.

The third yearly MTN Women in Digital Business Challenge has opened, giving an opportunity for another 10 South African women to win meaningful funds for their businesses as well as support from the big yellow telecom group.

The first edition of the programme launched in 2022, and every year since it has grown with 10 women entrepreneurs winning R100 000 each year.

2024’s edition of the event will be no different, and MTN says it has vetted and chosen 20 finalists to take part in this year’s programme, which will run for the next six months and offer a chance for the women to grow their businesses sustainably.

Selected from women who have already participated in MTN sponsored business development programmes, each of the ten finalists will receive R100 000,” says MTN SA Foundation General Manager, Arthur Mukhuvha in a release sent to us.

“The prize money will be used for working capital, business development, purchasing tangible assets, investing in business technology hardware, software or IP, and technical and soft skills training.”

The 10 winners will be appointed business coaches and experts after they receive their winnings in order to ensure the investment is used in the most effective and meaningful way possible.

“In this way, MTN believes that the women, their businesses and the communities in which they operate and serve will benefit,” the company says.

Every year since its first launch, MTN has held the Women in Digital Business competition to drive the growth of women in tech, as well as women in STEM fields.

“We believe that STEM-qualified women can excel within the science and tech sectors. By supporting talented women through the Women in Digital Business Challenge, we believe that we will be empowering women to play more leading roles in the economy. In addition, because many of these businesses are focused on meeting community needs, women can play a vital role in helping address the skills and employment issues that our nation faces,” adds Mukhuvha.

“During 2023 MTN also formalised a partnership with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) by both parties signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU).  This  showcases the commitment of the public and private sector institutions to work together, develop and empower the youth and henceforth create opportunities for our youth and women to be able to participate in the mainstream economy. “

This year, MTN says, the challenge was also open to women-owned businesses from the NYDA, with four of their submissions making the top 10. The 20 finalists will compete in a two-day “pitching content” where they will get a chance to make it to the final 10, win the reward and make a difference for their digital business.

The ten final entrepreneurs will start a four-month mentorship journey and receive expert advice on growing their businesses and adopting marketing strategies. They will also receive help improving their financial and business management skills.  

“We are confident that, as previous finalists have shown, the ten graduates of the 2024 Challenge will use their skills and entrepreneurial flair to build their businesses and assist others in achieving their technical ambitions,” Mukhuvha concludes.

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