01
Access to finance
Limited access to affordable financing and investment capital continues to restrict business growth and innovation.
Our impact
Creating meaningful and lasting change
Impact is measured not only by the activities we undertake, but by the lasting value created through our work. Our goal is to contribute to systems that continue creating opportunity long after individual initiatives have concluded.
Understanding the opportunity gap
Unlocking Africa's greatest resource
Across every sector, women are building businesses, creating employment, leading organisations and developing innovative solutions. Yet many continue to encounter barriers that prevent them from fully participating in economic development.
02
Market access
Many enterprises struggle to connect with domestic, regional and international markets where they can expand sustainably.
03
Leadership opportunities
Women remain underrepresented in many leadership and decision-making positions across both public and private sectors.
04
Technology and innovation
Unequal access to digital technologies, innovation ecosystems and technical skills can slow enterprise growth and competitiveness.
05
Business development support
Many entrepreneurs require mentorship, professional development, advisory services and institutional support to scale successfully.
06
Strategic networks
Meaningful partnerships and professional networks often determine access to opportunities, investment and markets.
Our position
These challenges represent opportunities for collaboration. Rather than viewing them as limitations, we believe they can be addressed through strategic partnerships, knowledge sharing, institutional collaboration and long-term investment in people and enterprises. Our work focuses on strengthening the systems that create opportunity rather than simply responding to individual challenges.
Our approach to impact
Five principles that shape how we work
01
Creating opportunities
Every initiative should expand access to opportunities that enable women to lead, innovate, build enterprises and contribute to economic transformation.
02
Strengthening institutions
Strong institutions create sustainable development. We support collaboration that strengthens organisations, businesses and ecosystems capable of delivering long-term impact.
03
Building partnerships
Complex challenges require collective action. We bring together governments, development partners, businesses, financial institutions, academia and civil society to pursue shared solutions.
04
Promoting innovation
Innovation enables societies to respond to changing economic, social and environmental realities. We encourage creativity, research and technology-driven solutions that improve competitiveness and resilience.
05
Advancing sustainable development
Economic growth must create value that endures. Our work promotes inclusive, responsible and sustainable approaches that contribute to future generations.
Measuring success
Outcomes, not activities
HerNext evaluates its contribution through the outcomes it helps create:
- Expanded access to opportunities for women
- Stronger women-led enterprises
- Increased participation in leadership
- Greater collaboration across sectors
- Enhanced market access and trade opportunities
- Sustainable strategic partnerships
- Improved institutional capacity
- Contributions to inclusive economic transformation
Sustainable Development Goals
Contributing to global and African development priorities
Our programmes and partnerships align closely with five of the Sustainable Development Goals, while remaining committed to solutions that reflect Africa's own realities, priorities and ambitions.
SDG 5, Gender Equality
Supporting women's leadership, entrepreneurship and economic participation.
SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth
Promoting enterprise development, innovation and inclusive economic growth.
SDG 9, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Encouraging industrial development, value addition and technological innovation.
SDG 13, Climate Action
Promoting environmentally responsible business practices and sustainable development.
SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals
Strengthening collaboration between governments, development partners, businesses, academia and civil society.
Lasting impact is created when institutions strengthen systems rather than simply deliver activities.
HerNext perspective
Take the next step
Tell us what you are building
Our programmes are in development. Registering your interest tells us what to build, and puts you first in line when a cohort opens. It takes about ten minutes.