Financing female entrepreneurship in South Africa

Womvest, an organization dedicated to injecting finance facilities into women-led businesses, has recently partnered with Secha Capital, a South Africa-based private equity impact fund, to launch its impact-linked loan facility. The initiative, named Womvest Ventures, aims to provide short-term, flexible finance to women leaders in need. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Maya Burney, the founder of Womvest, discussed the organization's mission and the impact it aims to create in the investment ecosystem. Burney explained that Womvest functions as a network and community of women across the investment space, including entrepreneurs and investment professionals. The organization focuses on creating shared value through collaboration, mentorship, and connection. Womvest's mentorship program, led by co-founder Anastas Shoko, pairs young women with senior mentors in the investment sector to provide valuable guidance and support. The program aims to bridge the gap between experienced professionals looking to give back and junior women seeking mentorship. Womvest's partnership with Secha Capital marks a significant milestone for the organization. The impact-linked loan facility, seeded by women within the Womvest network, targets women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within Secha Capital's portfolio. The initiative serves as a testing ground to refine the instrument before scaling it to reach a broader audience of women-led SMEs. Burney expressed her intention to expand the program beyond Johannesburg and make an impact on a larger scale across the African continent. The success of the partnership with Secha Capital has paved the way for future collaborations and initiatives to support women entrepreneurs. Burney emphasized the importance of breaking down silos within the investment ecosystem, providing women investors and entrepreneurs with a platform to collaborate and expand their networks across sectors. She highlighted the need for an inclusive and diverse community to drive innovation and growth in the industry. Looking ahead, Womvest aims to continue its mission of empowering women in business and creating opportunities for female entrepreneurs to thrive. By leveraging partnerships and mentorship programs, the organization seeks to foster a supportive environment for women across the investment landscape. With a focus on sustainable and impact-driven initiatives, Womvest is poised to make a significant difference in the lives of women-led businesses in South Africa and beyond.