As part of Proudly Developing’s ongoing commitment to advancing enterprise and supplier development (ESD) in South Africa, our team attended the Nedbank Top Empowerment Conference 2025 at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Under the theme “Empowerment through Bold Transformation,” the event brought together influential leaders from business, government, and civil society to explore how inclusive growth in South Africa can be driven through collaboration, innovation, and intentional empowerment.
The discussions throughout the conference echoed many of the principles that guide our work at Proudly Developing, from strengthening SME capacity to creating measurable, long-term impact for corporate funders. What stood out most were the practical insights that bridge policy with implementation and vision with action.
Below, we share five key takeaways that not only captured the spirit of the event but also reflect how we translate these ideas into practice across our ESD programmes.
Moving Beyond Compliance: Purpose-Led Innovation for Lasting Impact
A recurring theme was that transformation must move beyond compliance to become purpose-driven. True empowerment lies in embedding transformation into a business’s DNA, its systems, culture, and leadership approach.
At Proudly Developing, this philosophy informs how we design enterprise and supplier development programmes that go beyond scorecard results. We help corporates and SMEs turn intent into impact, creating measurable growth, strengthened supply chains, and empowered local enterprises.
Youth as Catalysts of Change: Investing in Lifelong Learning
Speakers highlighted that youth empowerment remains a cornerstone of sustainable transformation. Investing in young people’s curiosity, adaptability, and lifelong learning not only builds resilience but also fosters innovation within the economy.
In our own programmes, we integrate youth capacity-building through mentorship, digital up skilling, and practical learning pathways, enabling SMEs to nurture future ready teams that sustain growth long after programme completion.
Skills Over Degrees: The Importance of Adaptability and Continuous Curiosity
The conference underscored the growing need for skills-based advancement rather than traditional credentialism. Agility, curiosity, and problem-solving are increasingly seen as key indicators of future success.
At Proudly Developing, we apply this thinking by tailoring skills-transfer sessions and development plans to match real business needs. By prioritising hands-on capability building, we help SMEs remain adaptable and competitive in dynamic markets.
Supporting Brilliance: Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships and Black-Owned Businesses
Collaboration emerged as a defining factor for transformation. Effective public-private partnerships ensure that support systems reach the businesses that need them most, particularly black-owned and township-based enterprises.
Our work continues to build on this insight. Proudly Developing actively connects corporate funders, local suppliers, and government initiatives to expand access to resources, infrastructure, and funding. These partnerships have proven essential to scaling sustainable impact.
Intentional ESD and Skills Development: Aligning with Broader Empowerment Objectives
The event closed with a strong call for intentionality in ESD, aligning initiatives with broader social outcomes such as gender equity, disability inclusion, and supplier diversity.
We’ve embedded this principle in our own work by developing ESD strategies that balance compliance with authentic empowerment. Each project is designed to deliver tangible results, measurable growth for SMEs and meaningful contribution to South Africa’s broader transformation agenda.
Conclusion
The Nedbank Top Empowerment Conference 2025 reinforced a truth we hold at Proudly Developing: empowerment is not a once-off project, it’s bold transformation in motion.
As we take these insights forward, our focus remains on strengthening enterprise and supplier development strategies that deliver real economic participation and inclusive progress across South Africa.
We extend our gratitude to Nedbank, Topco Media, and the speakers who continue to champion transformation with purpose and collaboration.
Let’s continue the conversation! Share your perspectives on ESD, transformation, and inclusive growth in South Africa below.