Business
Cisco and ForgeX Empower Female Entrepreneurs with New EDGE Centre in Johannesburg
Cisco Launches ForgeX EDGE Centre in Johannesburg to Empower Female Entrepreneurs
Robin-Leigh Chetty | 25th November 2024
Cisco, in collaboration with ForgeX, has unveiled its 8th EDGE Centre in South Africa, located in Johannesburg. This initiative aims to foster innovation and provide vital support to female-led small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) and entrepreneurs, marking a significant milestone in Cisco’s ongoing Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) programme.
A Hub for Female-Led Innovation
The Johannesburg EDGE Centre is designed to equip female entrepreneurs with state-of-the-art connectivity and collaboration tools. Supported by ForgeX, the centre offers access to training, enablement resources, and cutting-edge Cisco technology.
The EDGE Centre initiative aligns with Cisco’s broader efforts to promote gender equality in technology, including WomHub, South Africa’s first female-led STEM incubator.
“Our shared vision with ForgeX is to create a network of certified Cisco partners delivering innovative solutions to South Africa’s market,” said Conrad Steyn, Country Digital Acceleration leader at Cisco South Africa.
Key Highlights of the New EDGE Centre
- State-of-the-Art Technology:
Local businesses gain access to Cisco’s advanced digital tools and global expertise. - Training Opportunities:
The Cisco Networking Academy, a global IT-skills-to-jobs initiative, offers courses in digital literacy, skills development, and cybersecurity certifications. - Economic Impact:
Since the first EDGE Centre launched in 2019, Cisco has formed 200 local SMME partnerships and created over 100 jobs. - Focus on Gender Equality:
In Cisco’s 2024 fiscal year, 61% of the 154,000 trained students were female, emphasizing a commitment to inclusivity.
Building South Africa’s Digital Economy
The EDGE Centre is part of a larger mission to grow South Africa’s digital economy, projected to contribute nearly 20% of the nation’s GDP by 2028. This aligns with the government’s focus on creating an inclusive, resilient economic landscape.
Martine Solomon, ForgeX’s executive director, emphasized:
“Our hands-on approach, combined with Cisco’s expertise, builds a robust support structure for entrepreneurs and youth, driving local innovation and economic growth.”
A Proven Commitment to Skills Development
Cisco’s Networking Academy has been a cornerstone of digital skills development in South Africa since 1998. Over 411,000 students have been trained, with the academy playing a critical role in equipping South Africans with market-ready IT skills.
A Future of Opportunity
The Cisco ForgeX EDGE Centre in Johannesburg represents a transformative step in empowering female-led SMMEs and fostering innovation in South Africa. As Cisco continues to collaborate with ForgeX and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, the EDGE Centre initiative promises to strengthen the country’s digital economy, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth.
For more information about the new EDGE Centre, visit Cisco’s official site.
