As South Africa celebrated Women’s Month in August this year, we have an opportunity to reflect on the powerful role women play in business and economic development. This year is particularly significant as South Africa hosts the G20 Presidency and engages with the Women 20 (W20) initiative, placing the spotlight on women entrepreneurs as essential drivers of inclusive growth (G20 W20, 2024).
Women are increasingly stepping into leadership and business ownership across South Africa, including sectors that were historically male dominated. Today, women own nearly 22% of businesses, with stronger representation in services and transport; however, there is lower representation in manufacturing, agriculture, and construction (PIC, 2023). Women also hold about 29% of top management roles, and in some mid-sized companies, they occupy 47% of senior management positions (Women’s Report, 2023). These businesses support millions of jobs and contribute significantly to the economy, generating around R175-billion annually (DTIC, 2023).
Women’s impact beyond entrepreneurship
Women’s influence goes beyond starting businesses. In corporate leadership, women hold 35% of CEO roles, 53% of CFO positions, and 57% of HR director roles, while in the public sector, women make up 45% of senior management (BWASA, 2022). Female labour force participation has grown from 50.9% to 55.8% over the past decade (Women’s Report, 2023).
Challenges facing women in business
Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Many women start businesses based on personal skills or passions, but without access to proper training, funding, markets, or networks, it is difficult to grow.
The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor South Africa (GEM SA, 2023) report highlights a notable gender gap in business growth: only 4.9% of women-owned businesses grow to employ 20 or more people, compared to 11.8% of men’s ventures. Women are also more likely to operate as solo-preneurs (4.9%) than men (1%), showing that while women are active in business creation, scaling and industrial integration remain challenges.
These challenges are particularly visible in manufacturing, a sector crucial to South Africa’s industrial growth and global trade ambitions. Manufacturing contributes roughly 11% of GDP and employs about 14% of the workforce, yet women remain underrepresented, especially in technical and craft roles.
In 2023, women held only 24.4% of trade positions, highlighting the need for targeted initiatives to ensure equitable participation (Women’s Report, 2023). Access to finance, technical training, mentorship, and integration into supply chains remains limited. Cultural and family responsibilities can further restrict time and mobility, making it harder for women to scale their businesses and take on leadership positions. Despite these obstacles, women continue to innovate and grow in niches such as jewellery manufacturing, agro-processing, and specialized industrial products.
W20 initiatives and global advocacy
The Women 20 (W20) initiative, part of the G20, focuses on advancing women’s economic empowerment globally. The W20 promotes access to finance for women-led businesses, encourages women to enter STEM and leadership roles, and works to remove barriers to trade and industrial participation.
For South Africa, these objectives are particularly important in manufacturing, where technical skills, innovation, and supply chain integration are essential. By connecting women entrepreneurs with training programs, networks, and global markets, W20 initiatives help them scale their businesses and compete internationally.
Government-led support and financing
South Africa has also implemented targeted programs to support women entrepreneurs, particularly in manufacturing. The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC) provides skills development, enterprise support, and market access programs for women in manufacturing, agro-processing, and export-oriented industries (DTIC, 2023). Complementing this, the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) offers start-up and expansion capital, along with guidance on regulatory compliance and accessing supply chains (NEF, 2024).
Blended finance programs, combining public and private investment, help women scale their businesses more efficiently. Policies such as B-BBEE incentivize corporate procurement from women-owned businesses, promote ownership and management participation, and create industrial opportunities that were previously difficult to access (Women’s Report, 2023). Together, these initiatives provide a strong foundation for women to grow their businesses and take leadership roles in manufacturing and beyond.
The OR Tambo SEZ: A model for women-led growth
The OR Tambo Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Gauteng demonstrates how infrastructure, policy, and training support can help women succeed in manufacturing and export-oriented industries. Strategically located near Africa’s busiest airport, the SEZ provides access to regional and international markets, supporting small, medium, and large enterprises alike (OR Tambo SEZ, 2025).
Women-owned businesses in the SEZ are increasingly integrating into supply chains, particularly in jewellery manufacturing, agro-processing, and niche manufacturing sectors. The SEZ provides skills training, business development support, and export readiness programs, equipping women with the tools and confidence to scale their operations and compete globally.
Looking ahead: Women driving growth
South Africa has an opportunity to accelerate industrial growth by empowering women in business. With access to finance, skills, mentorship, and market opportunities, women in manufacturing can scale businesses, take leadership roles, and contribute to the country’s global competitiveness. Women are not only creating jobs but they are bringing innovation, strengthening supply chains, and driving inclusive economic growth.
The message is clear: women are building businesses, shaping industries, and leading South Africa toward a more inclusive and prosperous economic future. With the right support, the possibilities are endless, and the next generation of women entrepreneurs will be key drivers of industrial and national growth.
For more information, please visit www.ortambosez.com
References
- PIC. (2023). Landscape of Women-Owned and Managed Businesses in South Africa. Johannesburg: Public Investment Corporation.
- GEM SA. (2023). Global Entrepreneurship Monitor South Africa Report.
- Women’s Report. (2023). The Current State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in South Africa. Johannesburg: Women’s Report.
- BWASA. (2022). South African Women in Leadership Census Report. Johannesburg: Business Women’s Association of South Africa.
- G20 Women 20 (W20). (2024). W20 Communiqué and Policy Recommendations. Rome: W20. https://w20italia.it
- NEF. (2024). Women Empowerment Fund. Johannesburg: National Empowerment Fund. https://www.nefcorp.co.za
- DTIC. (2023). Facts and Figures Publication. Pretoria: Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. https://www.thedtic.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/publication-Facts-and-Figures.pdf
- OR Tambo SEZ. (2025). Enterprise Development and Export Support Programs. Gauteng: OR Tambo SEZ. www.ortambosez.co.za
