South African Women Are Rewriting the Rules of Entrepreneurship – 57% of South African women identify as entrepreneurs

In boardrooms, bustling kitchens, factory floors, and virtual meeting rooms, South African women are quietly (or boldly) reshaping the country’s business landscape. According to new research from Mastercard, 57% of South African women identify as entrepreneurs, far outpacing the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) regional average of 51%.

These women aren’t just running businesses; they’re powering households, communities, and the economy at large. But while the passion and talent are there, many still face one stubborn barrier: funding.

Gugu Mjadu, Executive General Manager: Marketing at Business Partners Limited, has seen this first-hand.
“Too many women-led businesses are underfunded and underserved, often because traditional financiers haven’t adapted their models to women’s unique realities,” she explains. “Many bootstrap their ventures in the early days, holding off on applying for finance. By the time they do, it can be harder for financiers to assess their applications. Others are working in male-dominated industries or taking the reins of legacy businesses born in challenging times.”

Shifting the Money Lens
Business Partners Limited is one financier working to change this narrative. In the 2025 financial year, the company directed 43.6% of its total disbursements to women-owned businesses — a significant jump from 31.2% the year before. This isn’t just a numbers game. For Mjadu and her team, it’s about tailoring funding solutions and non-financial support to unlock untapped potential.

“When you invest in women-led businesses, the benefits multiply,” she says. “It’s about financial literacy, job creation, and community upliftment — all of which feed into a stronger, more inclusive economy.”

From Family Roots to Industry Growth
One woman bringing this vision to life is Sibusisiwe Zethu Buthelezi. Her father founded Human Scale Printers in the late 1980s, and she recently stepped in to lead the KwaZulu-Natal company into a bold new chapter. With R3.3 million in asset finance from Business Partners Limited, Sibusisiwe expanded into the packaging sector, moved into a 1 700m² factory in Durban’s Prospecton industrial area, and earned ISO accreditation.

That’s not just a feather in the cap — it’s a passport to new markets and higher standards. The growth has already created jobs for 10 people.
“Women like Sibusisiwe are redefining what it means to be an entrepreneur in South Africa,” says Mjadu. “They’re taking businesses that survived against all odds and turning them into competitive, future-ready enterprises.”

More Than Numbers on a Balance Sheet
For Business Partners Limited, funding women is as much about people as it is about profit.
“We look beyond the spreadsheets,” Mjadu says. “We focus on the vision, the long-term potential, and the ripple effect their success will have on families and communities.”

The Road Ahead
As Women’s Month shines a spotlight on female leadership, Mjadu is clear: South Africa has the talent, but still needs more intentional support.
“This is about equity — and smart economics,” she says. “Women entrepreneurs have already proven they can build thriving businesses. With the right access to funding, markets, and networks, they can scale their ventures and create legacies that inspire generations.”

From corner shops to corporate giants, women are changing the face of entrepreneurship in South Africa. The next step? Making sure the playing field is truly level.