Celebrating Women’s Month: Cleola Kunene a powerhouse driving SME growth and global market access

by Kelebogile Matlou

In the world of business and economic development, few names shine as brightly as Cleola Kunene. An award-winning start-up to scale-up investment and growth expert, Kunene has dedicated her career to empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and creating pathways for them to thrive locally and globally.

As Head of SME Development at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and a minority partner in a debt and equity fund, she plays a pivotal role in driving economic development solutions. Her work focuses on SME growth, funding access, international market opportunities, red tape reduction, and building strategic relationships through public-private partnerships.

Her leadership extends onto the world stage as G20 StartUp20 Deputy Chair for Trade and Market Access, where she champions trade inclusivity and global market access for emerging businesses. She also serves on multiple boards, including her role as Chairwoman and Independent Investment Committee Director for Edge Ventures.

Kunene’s exceptional contributions have earned her major accolades, including being named Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year at the Future Leaders Awards 2024 and a Mail & Guardian Women of Power winner in 2023.Her career journey is a blend of corporate leadership and entrepreneurial innovation.

Before her current role, she served as Head of SME, Strategic Initiative Incubation, and Customer Experience at the JSE, where she led organisational transformation and strategic business development. An entrepreneur at heart, Kunene co-founded Say Siyabonga, an e-commerce platform, and River Life, a water bottling company, as well as founding Blaq Circle Consulting.

Her corporate experience includes positions at MultiChoice, T-Systems, and Media24.Kunene’s educational background is equally impressive, holding an Executive Development qualification from DUKE Fuqua School of Business, an MBA from Henley Business School, a communications qualification from the University of Reunion Island, a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics, a Financial Accounting qualification from Tshwane University of Technology, and a postgraduate qualification from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).

As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, Cleola Kunene stands as a beacon of excellence breaking barriers, building businesses, and inspiring the next generation of women leaders. Her work is a testament to the transformative power of women in shaping inclusive economies and driving sustainable growth.