Online retailer and cloud computing provider Amazon and enterprise advisory firm WomHub have launched the Amazon Sustainable Sellers Incubator – a nine-month programme designed to empower 35 South African women-led manufacturing businesses to build sustainable, globally competitive enterprises.

The 35 participating women-led businesses, which were selected from across South Africa, will receive comprehensive training that integrates circular economy principles, sustainable product design, and eco-friendly practices alongside essential business and digital skills.

The programme's sustainability curriculum covers circular economy principles, ethical sourcing, sustainable packaging, purpose-driven branding and environmental-impact measurement.

This focus on environmental stewardship is complemented by comprehensive business development support, including training in financial management, marketing, quality control and e-commerce commercialisation, alongside one-on-one mentorship and access to patient capital, such as grant funding and low-interest loans, for sustainable growth, the organisations say.

“By empowering South African women entrepreneurs to build businesses rooted in environmental responsibility from day one, we are contributing to businesses' success and a more sustainable future that benefits communities and the planet.

“This incubator demonstrates our commitment to enabling the next generation of South African sellers to grow and compete globally,” says Amazon sub-Saharan Africa MD Robert Koen.

Additionally, access to co-working spaces and innovation hubs in Johannesburg, Cape Town and East London provides physical infrastructure for collaboration and growth.

Further, participants will also receive support to navigate Amazon's Seller Central information portal for guidance with account registration, optimised product listings, professional catalogue photography, brand registration, and Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) services, while maintaining their commitment to sustainable business practices.

The initiative is founded on the understanding that environmental responsibility and business growth are inseparable.

“Sustainability and profitability can go hand-in-hand. By equipping women entrepreneurs with both business acumen and environmental consciousness, we are building a new generation of South African brands that compete globally while protecting our planet for future generations,” says WomHub chief innovation officer and co-founder Naadiya Moosajee.

The announcement highlights the organisations' commitment to environmental stewardship and economic empowerment by positioning sustainability as a core driver of business success in the digital economy.