Ramaphosa Rallies Women Economic Empowerment
President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled vital policy measures aimed at expanding female ownership and financial independence at the Union Buildings earlier today, 9 August 2026.
Delivering his National Women’s Day address, Ramaphosa stressed that genuine national freedom requires equal economic standing for all women. He confirmed that public procurement channels will intentionally prioritise female-owned enterprises.
Ramaphosa further reiterated that state spending must actively build sustainable female entrepreneurs and break historical corporate barriers.
“We are opening public procurement to women-owned businesses, so that what (the) government spends helps to build women entrepreneurs,” he said.
Through the strategic Women Economic Assembly initiative, the president highlighted that the government continues to integrate female suppliers directly into major industrial value chains.
He emphasised that access to commercial credit, financial markets, and formal land ownership remains essential for rural and urban women alike.
“A woman who is skilled, who earns her own income and who enjoys good health is a woman able to determine the course of her own life,” said the president.
Addressing the educational landscape, Ramaphosa encouraged young women to aggressively enter science, technology, engineering, and artisanal trades.
He concluded that empowering female entrepreneurs directly guarantees long-term national prosperity and economic growth.
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