Black-owned FinTech businesses in South Africa are at the forefront of digital innovation, playing a pivotal role in inclusive economic growth. However, unlocking their full potential requires targeted support and investment to fast-track their growth and development.
To address this, the Sanlam Group ESD Accelerator Programme – a collaboration between the Sanlam Foundation and Edge Growth – offers an 18-month strategic platform to help early-stage FinTech entrepreneurs scale effectively and access market opportunities. The programme delivers high-impact support at zero cost with only eight hours of commitment per month.
What is the Sanlam Group ESD Accelerator Programme?
This accelerator programme is aimed at offering black-owned FinTech entrepreneurs access to the following:
- Coaching and Strategic Support: Hands-on workshops and one-on-one mentoring by tech entrepreneurs.
- Master Classes: Run by business growth experts.
- Market Access: Opportunities to test and pitch solutions to leading corporates.
- Grant Funding: Eligibility for funding to support business growth.
The structured approach has proven impactful, with former participants experiencing a 40% average revenue growth during their time in the programme.
Success story: Vuso Technology
One notable success story has been Vuso Technology, an ERP solutions provider founded by brothers Sipho and Sifiso Mavuso. As a 100% black-owned business, Vuso Technology overcame initial market challenges through its participation in the programme in 2023.
With support from the Sanlam ESD Accelerator Programme, the company:
- Enhanced its branding with a new logo and website.
- Secured operational support, including a R25,000 inverter subsidy.
- Earned a significant three-year private contract.
The company is now preparing to become Oracle-certified, plans to double its workforce, and is committed to developing local skills to expand its impact further.
Eligibility for the programme
To participate in this programme, businesses should meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 51% black-owned.
- Operate within the FinTech sector.
- Have scalable solutions ideally suited for the insurance industry.
- Be post-revenue with a solid operational foundation.
- Commit to the full 18-month programme duration.
How to apply
Interested entrepreneurs should send an email to Yonela Ntshakaza at yntshakaza@edgegrowth.com by 01 August 2025. Use “Insurance Accelerator Programme” as the subject line, and include:
- A brief motivation highlighting why you want to participate in the programme.
- An overview of your business.
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