Enterprise and supplier development Against this backdrop, the ESD portfolio supports and empowers black and women‑owned SMMEs, focusing on market access, job creation, revenue growth and business sustainability. Through a suite of targeted programmes, the Foundation provides mentorship, specialised training, technical support and developmental funding that help entrepreneurs overcome structural barriers and position their businesses for growth. These initiatives also advance transformation within the Sanlam value chain. Sanlam supply chain‑aligned ESD programme The Sanlam group ESD programme – now in its 12th year – remains the Foundation’s flagship entrepreneurship initiative. The programme is designed to grow the participation and competitiveness of qualifying SMMEs within the formal economy. By strengthening these enterprises, the programme aims to drive inclusive growth, expand employment opportunities and build a more resilient supply chain for the group. Delivered in close partnership with specialist ESD implementation partners and in collaboration with Sanlam business units including Sanlam Fintech, SanlamConnect and Sanlam Retail Mass, the programme ensures that SMMEs receive targeted support aligned with their stage of development. This integrated approach enables the Foundation to respond to enterprise‑level needs while advancing Sanlam’s broader transformation commitments. In 2024, a comprehensive review of the programme was undertaken to refine its model and enhance its effectiveness. These improvements were introduced during 2025, strengthening both the developmental offering and the programme’s alignment with value‑chain requirements. Business development support to Fintech/InsureTech SMMEs Despite initial challenges, the programme successfully onboarded 10 black‑owned Fintech and InsureTech SMMEs, providing them with technical assistance and business development support tailored for early‑stage, high‑growth ventures. Business development support for financial planners The programme also onboarded 21 intermediaries, including franchisees and branch managers, ensuring that entrepreneurial support extends across the full spectrum of Sanlam’s distribution network. Specialist practice management training for financial advisors To strengthen the broader ecosystem supporting SMMEs, 26 financial advisors were onboarded into structured mentorships focused on practice management, operational efficiency and sustainable business growth. Continued support for ESD alumni SMMEs Alumni received additional development opportunities to help consolidate growth, strengthen resilience and deepen their integration into the Sanlam value chain. Two in-person bootcamps delivered in Johannesburg and Cape Town were attended by 34 alumni SMMEs from across diverse sectors. This programme is for programme alumni with a special focus on access to market and access to finance. Support delivered in 2025 included: Entrepreneurship is a critical engine of South Africa’s socio‑economic development, particularly for addressing unemployment, inequality and the need for more inclusive growth. In line with national B‑BBEE priorities, which emphasise the advancement of black‑ and women‑owned enterprises, the Sanlam Foundation plays a catalytic role in strengthening SMMEs that have the potential to drive sustainable economic participation. Our work in the entrepreneurship space is grounded in the belief that thriving small businesses create jobs, stimulate local economies and contribute to long‑term community resilience. Sanlam Foundation Annual Report 2025 18 About this report Sanlam Foundation social impact 2025 Message from the Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Message from the Head of the Sanlam Foundation Strategic aspirations Our theory of change Programmatic performance Monitoring and evaluation Income and expense report Group-wide social impact intent Our partners
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