The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Rand Water Foundation (RWF) have jointly issued a Call for Expression of Interest for the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Entrepreneurial Training Programme. This initiative targets youth-owned Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and businesses seeking to enter, grow, and compete in the water sector.
Programme Objectives and Vision
The RWF is advancing its vision of becoming a National WASH Centre of Excellence, creating opportunities that drive both community impact and economic participation. The Entrepreneurial Training focuses on expanding access to clean water, delivering dignified sanitation, improving water quality, and promoting hygiene practices. At the same time, it unlocks enterprise opportunities by positioning SMEs as service delivery partners in the water sector.
What the Programme Offers
The RWF/NEF WASH Entrepreneurial Training Programme is designed to:
- Equip youth-owned SMEs with accredited WASH training and technical skills
- Provide enterprise support, market access, and funding pathways
- Enable businesses to enter, grow, and compete in the water sector
This initiative aims to build competitive, scalable, and investment-ready suppliers, deepen localisation in infrastructure projects, and increase meaningful Black enterprise participation in the water sector.
Eligibility Criteria
South African youth (aged 18–35 years) and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Eligible applicants must be:
- Black-owned businesses operating or aspiring to operate in the water and sanitation sector
- Based in rural or semi-urban Gauteng
- Have no criminal record
How to Apply
If you meet the criteria, you are encouraged to submit the following documents:
- Business profile
- Business plan or proposal
- Valid business registration certificate or proof of registration
- Tax clearance certificate
- Stamped bank letter confirming account details
- Management accounts (income and expenditure), if available
Related opportunity: Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) South Africa | Apply Now
Submission Details
Email your complete application to: washapplications@nefcorp.co.za
Closing Date: 19 June 2026 at 12:00
Please note: Should you not receive any response within 30 days from the closing date, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful. No incomplete applications will be considered.
Building Sustainable Businesses
This programme is a direct follow-up to the NEF and RWF webinar held in March, which saw strong engagement from prospective applicants. The initiative focuses on building sustainable businesses and driving inclusive participation in the water sector. Successful applicants will gain the skills and support needed to enter the water value chain as competitive, scalable, and investment-ready suppliers.
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