Sasol, the South African Supplier Diversity Council (SASDC), and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to launch Project Embrace — SASDC’s flagship supplier diversity initiative.
Through this project, the trio hope to fast-track the participation of Black-owned and diverse suppliers in South Africa’s mainstream economy, by enabling inclusive and sustainable value chains.
An example, is the Women in Green (WIG) Business Development Programme, which is designed to equip Black women entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and market access necessary to thrive in green economy sectors, including renewable energy, waste management, and green construction.
Rightwell Laxa, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Sasol, said “through Project Embrace and the WIG programme, we are empowering Black women and the youth, to lead and innovate in sustainable industries. This is about transforming markets and mindsets.”
The project promises to empower 30 women with strategic and technical skills, capacity building and market access, get strengthen supplier governance to over 1000 certified businesses owned by black women.
Gary Joseph, CEO of SASDC, added “we are proud to partner with Sasol and GIZ to bring Project Embrace to life. This initiative not only strengthens our vision of inclusive value chains but also creates meaningful, measurable impact where it matters most — at the intersection of transformation, sustainability, and enterprise growth.”