Amanda’s story: technology, innovation, and business transformation

Amanda Noholoza’s company, AMANDA N Projects and PMO Services, leverages her passion for digital technologies and her project management expertise to drive meaningful impact for South African businesses. By helping other businesses to thrive, she’s creating a ripple effect of impact on communities and economies. Here, she shares reflections from her entrepreneurial journey and how our trainings supported her to access funding to scale her business.

“Amanda N Projects and PMO Services was born out of my background in project management across industries such as research, mining, government, and aviation. We specialise in Project Management Office (PMO) consulting, Microsoft Cloud solutions, AI, analytics, and cybersecurity. More recently, we have expanded into waste management, developing solutions that integrate and automate waste management processes. This is particularly exciting because it combines my passion for technology with creating meaningful impact in communities. 

Becoming an entrepreneur was a deliberate response to the opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. I wanted to help businesses, big and small, scale through relevant, agile, and automated solutions. My vision was to bring the same systems and efficiencies enjoyed by corporates into the hands of small and medium-sized enterprises, empowering them to grow and compete in the digital age.

My journey with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women began in 2023 through the Road to Growth programme, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. I was at a point where I wanted to formalise my business, put proper systems in place, and build a foundation for sustainable growth. From there, I went on to join Road to Leadership and Road to Finance, which means I’ve now been on this journey with the Foundation for three years. Each programme has built on the other and played a vital role in shaping who I am as an entrepreneur today. 

The Foundation’s partnerships, particularly with DHL and other organisations, were instrumental in the Road to Finance programme. They helped prepare me to pitch my business to potential investors, manage funding responsibly, and refine my business model so that it was both scalable and sustainable. This support gave me the confidence to step into spaces I previously found intimidating and to present myself and my business with clarity and purpose.

The Road to Finance programme came at a turning point. A long-term contract of mine had just ended, and I needed to scale my business. I knew that to secure funding, I had to refine my business case and ensure I was investor-ready. The training helped me solidify my vision, strengthen my pitch, and ultimately secure funding. With this support, I have developed a waste management solution powered by IoT and AI, commercialised our services, and positioned my business for long-term growth. 

For me, programmes like Road to Finance are more than training, they are lifelines. They equip women like me with the confidence, tools, and networks to grow businesses that create jobs, transform communities, and strengthen economies. Supporting women entrepreneurs is not just about inclusion; it’s about unlocking the full potential of our societies.

This success has had ripple effects. For my family, it has meant more balance and stability. For my staff, particularly young women, it has created job opportunities and space for growth. For my community, it has enabled me to start building solutions that address real-world challenges, such as waste and water management, while promoting digital inclusion. 

Looking ahead, my vision is to see by business recognised as a digital enabler across industries in South Africa and beyond. I want us to become a hub of innovation; a place where AI and technology solutions are developed rapidly, reliably, and in ways that drive sustainable growth.”