Key moments
On March 25, 2026, Telkom announced the launch of the TrailblazeHER program, aimed at empowering women in technology across South Africa. This initiative is part of Telkom’s broader commitment to enhance the digital economy by supporting black women-owned suppliers within its value chain.
The TrailblazeHER program will provide support to 10 black women-owned suppliers, offering a comprehensive three-month Women-in-Tech Enablement Accelerator. Participants will benefit from executive leadership coaching, technical mentorship, and business development support, all designed to deepen the impact of supporting black women-led tech businesses.
Telkom has a long-standing history of supporting black-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises for over a decade. This initiative aligns with Telkom’s mandate to grow the digital economy by developing high-growth, black-owned enterprises that create meaningful jobs and long-term economic value, as highlighted by Tshepo Phetla, a representative from Telkom.
In addition to its focus on women in tech, Telkom is also in the early stages of a large-scale 5G deployment. Currently, 5G device penetration is approaching 15% of Telkom’s user base, with approximately 2 million 5G devices connected to its network. This transition from 4G to 5G is expected to accelerate, as Telkom plans to invest further in mobile infrastructure and explore AI-powered use cases to attract and retain users.
Lunga Siyo, another spokesperson for Telkom, noted that South Africa is in a critical transition phase from 4G to 5G, with the company poised to enter a period of rapid expansion in its network capabilities. This technological advancement is expected to complement initiatives like TrailblazeHER, creating a more inclusive and competitive digital economy.
Telkom’s commitment to collaboration and empowerment is further emphasized in their partnership with The Innovation Hub and SAICA Enterprise Development, who are instrumental in delivering the TrailblazeHER program. This partnership reflects a shared vision of ensuring that digital transformation creates value for both established businesses and the next generation of innovators.
As the program unfolds, reactions from participants and industry stakeholders are anticipated, highlighting the potential for significant impact on the landscape of women in technology in South Africa. Telkom’s initiative is seen as a catalyst for change, enabling women to lead, innovate, and shape a more inclusive digital economy.
