A two-week training program for women entrepreneurs opened in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Tuesday, Xinhua reported. More than 60 participants were recruited to strengthen business skills and explore new cooperation opportunities. About 100 representatives from Chinese and South African business, education and media sectors attended the opening ceremony, together with the trainees.
The South Africa workshop is part of the Global Female Entrepreneurs Empowerment Program (GFEEP). Beijing Foreign Studies University leads the capacity-building initiative.
Speakers at the Women Entrepreneurs Program Opening
Former African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma spoke at the event. She thanked China for organizing the training and stressed the importance of women’s participation in Africa’s development. Dlamini-Zuma said countries cannot realize their full potential without fully tapping women’s talent and capabilities.
She encouraged the trainees to seize the opportunity to learn from China’s development experience and strengthen their businesses.
“We have to build the Africa we want,” Dlamini-Zuma said.
Xu Jianhao, general manager of China Construction Bank’s Johannesburg branch, said China-Africa economic and trade cooperation holds enormous potential. The branch supported the workshop. Xu said it offers abundant opportunities for entrepreneurs.
“Women’s economic power is playing an increasingly vital role in this process,” Xu said.
Business Links for Women Entrepreneurs in South Africa
Wei Dongze is secretary-general of the South Africa-China Economic and Trade Association. He said stronger links between Chinese companies and South African businesses could deepen mutual understanding. They could also open up more opportunities for cooperation.
Wei said the association welcomes South African businesses, including women-led enterprises, to engage with its members. He said they could explore partnerships based on trust, mutual benefit and shared growth. Similar efforts to back women founders are under way elsewhere, as with the WeRise Network in Ghana.
Alumni Share Their Experience
Three South African women entrepreneurs who had attended GFEEP training programs in China shared their experiences at the ceremony. They said the training deepened their understanding of business management and commercial cooperation. It also helped them expand their business networks and explore new partnerships. Research on access to finance for women founders is also under way, as with CONAF’s planned barometer in Romania.
The Women Entrepreneurs Program in Numbers
- Length: two weeks, opening Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, in Johannesburg.
- Trainees: more than 60 participants recruited.
- Opening ceremony: about 100 representatives from Chinese and South African business, education and media sectors, together with trainees.
- Alumni speakers: three South African women entrepreneurs who attended earlier GFEEP programs in China.
- Supporter: China Construction Bank’s Johannesburg branch.
Where the Program Fits
The South Africa workshop forms part of GFEEP’s Africa-focused training initiative. That initiative has been incorporated into the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027). It was also selected as a featured program of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
Women entrepreneurs in other regions report different priorities, such as workforce challenges over capital.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Global Female Entrepreneurs Empowerment Program?
It is a capacity-building initiative led by Beijing Foreign Studies University. The Johannesburg workshop is part of its Africa-focused training initiative.
How many women are taking part?
More than 60 participants were recruited for the two-week training program, which opened on Tuesday.
Who spoke at the opening ceremony?
Speakers included former African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, China Construction Bank’s Xu Jianhao and Wei Dongze of the South Africa-China Economic and Trade Association.
How does the program fit into wider China-Africa plans?
The initiative has been incorporated into the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027) and selected as a featured program of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
