Phuthi Mosia

A pioneering South African social entrepreneur who transformed women's economic empowerment through innovative microfinance initiatives

Phuthi Mosia (born 1972) is a visionary South African business leader whose work has empowered thousands of women through financial inclusion. As founder of Sesco Microfinance in 2002, she created a groundbreaking model combining microloans with business training and mentorship. Her programs have provided over ZAR 1 billion in funding to women entrepreneurs, with a 98% repayment rate. Mosia's approach emphasizes community-driven solutions, using mobile banking technology to reach rural areas inaccessible to traditional banks.

Her 2015 initiative Women in Business Network connects 15,000+ women across 10 provinces, providing access to markets and supply chains. Mosia's advocacy led to the 2018 South African Women's Economic Empowerment Charter, mandating corporate gender targets. Her TED Talk "How to Build a Billion-Dollar Business with 100 Women" has been viewed over 2 million times.

Mosia's 2020 book Weaving Wealth: A Story of Entrepreneurship and Transformation details her journey. Despite challenges like the 2020 pandemic crisis, her organizations maintained 90% client retention through digital upskilling programs. Her work has been recognized by the UN Women's Empowerment Principles and the African Business Awards.