New Digital Initiative to Support Alternative Livelihoods in South Africa’s Coal-Mining Communities
The new initiative will leverage educational technology to help entrepreneurs in coal-dependent communities build businesses and create jobs.
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (April 22, 2026) – Today, international nonprofit TechnoServe announced the launch of the Mpuma NOVA project, which aims to support entrepreneurship development in communities facing the energy transition. Funded by ClimateWorks Foundation, this digital initiative will help entrepreneurs in South Africa’s coal-producing regions build sustainable businesses and create alternative economic opportunities as the country transitions to a low-carbon economy.
“South Africa’s energy transition must be a people-centered transition,” said Pamela Chitenhe, Southern Africa regional director for TechnoServe. “Entrepreneurs have the drive and ideas to build new livelihoods, but they often lack access to the necessary business skills and support. Through this new project, we can reach them at scale with training that is flexible, relevant, and proven to improve business performance.”
Implemented using TechnoServe’s NOVA EdTech platform, the 15-month initiative will provide support to entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs in Mpumalanga Province, where coal mining and coal-fired power generation have long been major sources of employment. As coal-fired power plants and related energy facilities are phased out over time, the program aims to strengthen local economies by supporting entrepreneurs to start, stabilize, and grow businesses across a range of sectors.
The first cohort of entrepreneurs will begin online training in May 2026, with additional cohorts recruited on a rolling basis throughout the program period.
“Energy transitions are economic transitions at a fundamental level and must uplift communities who rely on fossil fuels for their livelihoods—only then will we see inclusive development and growth,” said Swithin Lui, Senior Program Manager of Just Transition at ClimateWorks Foundation. “We are proud to support this project that offers resources to emerging entrepreneurs in South Africa, as investing in local leaders sparks more resilient economies.”
The program will use a fully digital, two-tier training model delivered through entrepreneurs’ phones and other devices. Entrepreneurs will first participate in Tier 1 digital business training, covering core topics such as business foundations, cash flow management, and digital marketing. Those who demonstrate strong engagement will be able to progress to Tier 2 digital acceleration, which offers more advanced content focused on pricing strategies, e-commerce, and preparing for business growth.
Over the life of the project, TechnoServe aims to:
- Activate 1,000 entrepreneurs in Mpuma NOVA’s digital training, with at least 50% women participants
- Enable at least 70% of participants to adopt new business management practices
- Create or strengthen approximately 260 jobs in communities facing economic disruption from the energy transition
The initiative builds on TechnoServe’s long-standing experience in South Africa and on the strong performance of NOVA EdTech, which has already been deployed in multiple countries across Africa and Latin America.
“Digital learning is key to reaching and empowering entrepreneurs at scale,” said Bruno Vicenzi, program director of NOVA EdTech. “By pairing climate-focused investment with practical digital tools, we’re helping people build resilient businesses and shift away from extractive industries. It’s a real example of how innovation can support inclusive growth during the energy transition.”
As implementation begins, TechnoServe will continue engaging local stakeholders and exploring opportunities to expand the model through additional partnerships, including potential in-person components and scale-up to other energy-transition-affected regions.
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About TechnoServe
Founded in 1968, TechnoServe is a leader in harnessing the power of the private sector to help people lift themselves out of poverty for good. A nonprofit organization working in around 35 countries, TechnoServe partners with people to build a better future through regenerative farms, businesses, and markets that increase incomes. Our vision is a sustainable world where all people in low-income communities have the opportunity to prosper.
Twitter: @TechnoServe | Facebook: @TechnoServe | LinkedIn: @TechnoServe