Minister Stella Tembisa Ndabeni launches R897m Imbali For Her programme for women entrepreneurs

Minister of Small Business Development Stella Tembisa Ndabeni officially launched the Imbali For Her programme on 15 May 2026 in Kimberley, Northern Cape. The programme represents a R897-million investment in women’s enterprise development and is expected to support approximately 975 women-owned enterprises across South Africa.

Imbali For Her is a dedicated women’s enterprise development initiative aimed at advancing women’s economic participation and enterprise growth. The launch took place at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre.

The event was attended by dignitaries from national, provincial and local government, alongside private sector leaders.

Imbali For Her is the first fully integrated SEDFA support initiative that combines financial assistance with non-financial support interventions including business development training, mentorship, entrepreneurship support and market access facilitation.

Delivering the keynote address, Ndabeni described the programme as “a holistic empowerment approach designed to support women-owned enterprises across the entrepreneurial value chain.”

The programme followed extensive consultations with more than 4 500 women entrepreneurs across all nine provinces, whose contributions informed the design and structure of the initiative.

Imbali For Her is structured as a single, unified programme accessible to eligible women entrepreneurs across the country, with enhanced provisions to improve access for women with disabilities, rural women entrepreneurs and township-based enterprises.

Speaking during the launch, SEDFA interim board chairperson Patrick Makape said the programme focuses on enterprises that are at least 51% owned by black women, with the owner actively involved in day-to-day operations and holding a key leadership role within the business.

Eligible enterprises must be fully registered and compliant with South African legislative and regulatory requirements. The programme is open to enterprises operating across all sectors of the economy. Businesses operating in high-impact sectors with strong employment creation potential and community development impact may receive additional weighting during the assessment process.

The programme offers funding of up to R5 million per enterprise, depending on the stage of the business and the outcome of the viability assessment. Interest rates are structured at prime minus 3% per annum, while women-owned enterprises led by women with disabilities may qualify for funding at prime minus 5% per annum.

The programme reserves 50% of beneficiary slots for women entrepreneurs based in rural areas and townships, and 8% for enterprises owned by women with disabilities.

Beneficiaries will also receive tailored non-financial support including business development support, entrepreneurship training, mentorship and market access support.

Applications can be submitted online via the SEDFA website. Women entrepreneurs requiring assistance with applications may visit their nearest SEDFA branch office. Branch contact details can be found here.