Telkom FutureMakers Rolls Out TrailblazeHER to Accelerate Black Women-Led Tech Businesses

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In a welcome move outside the usual Women’s Month window, Telkom has launched TrailblazeHER, a dedicated accelerator aimed at scaling high-potential Black women-owned technology companies in South Africa.

The three-month programme, run by Telkom FutureMakers in partnership with The Innovation Hub and SAICA Enterprise Development, has selected 10 promising Black women entrepreneurs. These participants will receive intensive support including executive leadership coaching, specialised technical mentorship, business development training, supplier-readiness assistance, and direct access to networks, markets, and investors.

Speaking on the initiative, Tshepo Phetla, Executive for Business Development at Telkom, said the programme builds on a decade of work supporting Black-owned MSMEs. “TrailblazeHER takes this commitment further by focusing specifically on women-led tech businesses that have strong growth potential,” he explained. “We want to give them the tools, networks, and opportunities that have traditionally been harder to access.”

The selected cohort for 2026 includes:

• The Collective Pride – Sharzia Rolls
• Kamva Innovations – Zodumo Precious Ngqasa
• Morou Wa Basadi – Lineo Elisa Sibisi
• Technology Infrastructure Architects – Boitumelo Mkhwebane
• Mpete Business Concepts (Pty) Ltd – Linneth Ngoakwana Mpete
• Nonku Ntshona & Associates Quantity Surveyors (Pty) Ltd – Nonku Ntshona
• Mknock Knock (Pty) Ltd – Sarah Lidzhade
• Black Elegance Group (Pty) Ltd – Simone Julies
• Nyawo Company – Thobile Nyawo
• NSTP Trading & Projects (Pty) Ltd – Sphokazi Ngwenya

Rather than being a generic accelerator, TrailblazeHER is structured to deliver practical, enterprise-level support. Participants will benefit from structured mentorship in business, finance, and governance, while also gaining exposure to Telkom’s ecosystem and broader market opportunities.

Telkom described the programme as “a catalyst for change” that seeks to strengthen female leadership in the digital economy and create more inclusive growth. By investing in these women entrepreneurs now, the company hopes to help build sustainable, job-creating tech businesses that can compete at a higher level.

The launch of TrailblazeHER well ahead of Women’s Month sends a positive signal, that meaningful support for women in tech doesn’t need to be limited to one month of the year. If the 2026 cohort succeeds, it could pave the way for even stronger editions in the future.