Saica ED expands enterprise development into the ICT sector

Saica Enterprise Development (Saica ED) has taken a significant step in advancing inclusive economic growth through its partnership in the ICT-focused Enterprise and Supplier Development initiative, the TrailblazeHER Programme - a Telkom-led initiative. This strategic collaboration marks Saica ED’s contribution to the digital landscape, demonstrating the adaptability and relevance of its Enterprise and Supplier Development model across diverse sectors, while reinforcing its commitment to transformation within the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise sector.

Issued by SAICA

6 May 2026

Saica ED expands enterprise development into the ICT sector

The TrailblazeHER Programme is a three-month pilot, led and funded by Telkom in partnership with Saica ED, targeting 10 women-led technology enterprises based in Gauteng. The programme aims to be a high-impact intervention, responding to persistent opportunity gaps faced by women entrepreneurs in the ICT sector, particularly in areas of market access and business scalability.

Advancing women-led participation in ICT

At its core, TrailblazeHER aims to strengthen the capacity of women-owned ICT businesses to participate meaningfully in South Africa’s rapidly evolving ICT space. Through structured Enterprise and Supplier Development support, delivered in partnership with Saica ED, the programme provides participating MSMEs with targeted inputs focused on refining business development strategies, supporting scalability, and positioning MSMEs for long-term sustainability.

Combining technical business support with exposure to industry networks and commercial opportunities, the programme seeks to enable women-led ICT MSMEs to move beyond survival-oriented operations towards growth-driven and competitive business models. This approach aligns with Saica ED’s broader enterprise and supplier development philosophy, which prioritises capability building, sound financial management, and measurable impact.

A strategic first for Saica ED in the ICT space

With an established track record of supporting MSMEs across multiple sectors, Saica ED’s role in the TrailblazeHER Programme represents a strategic extension of its Enterprise and Supplier Development expertise into the ICT space through partnership with Telkom.

The programme’s focus on ICT reflects the growing importance of digital MSMEs as drivers of innovation, job creation, and economic inclusion. Over the three-month pilot period, participating MSMEs are supported to enhance their business development strategies, strengthen market positioning, and increase visibility within relevant industry ecosystems. This structured engagement is designed to improve readiness for partnerships, funding opportunities, and integration into formal value chains.

Saica ED affirms that partnerships with well-designed development initiatives such as TrailblazeHER can respond to the evolving needs of MSMEs and women entrepreneurs.

Through this programme, Telkom and Saica ED continue to position MSMEs as active contributors to economic growth, innovation, and inclusive transformation.

SAICA is the professional home of #DifferenceMakers - A community of passionate accountants who are leaders in business, government, and the communities they serve. CA(SA); AGA(SA) and AT(SA).