Catalytic capital for lasting change.
The Fetola Foundation is an independent non-profit company that fosters job creation and thriving communities through sustainable, social and economic development initiatives.
A fund of funds and project aggregator
Across Africa, entrepreneurs and MSMEs are driving the growth, resilience, and innovation our economies need.
The Foundation stewards the allocation of catalytic capital to accelerate this progress, strengthening enterprise ecosystems, creating jobs, and advancing climate resilience. Capital is deployed through independent delivery partners under formal, arm’s-length agreements. This keeps governance and delivery separately accountable, while directing funding to high-impact initiatives that support youth, women, and historically marginalised entrepreneurs.
As an impact-first non-profit, the Foundation is designed to ensure that capital is deployed efficiently, responsibly, and toward long-term economic and social value across Africa.
Let’s build a billion better lives
Our long-term vision is to contribute to building a billion better lives across Africa through sustainable economic development and climate adaptation, at scale and in partnership.
We do not work in isolation. By combining strengths across sectors and countries, we magnify the impact and support generational change across the continent.
Let’s work together to unlock long‑term impact and build a better future for all.
A purpose-led team
Board of Directors
The Foundation is governed by a predominantly non-executive Board with expertise across finance, development, diplomacy, and enterprise growth.
The Board provides strategic oversight, governs capital allocation, risk and compliance, and ensures accountability. It operates independently from programme delivery.
Amb Raul de Luzenberger
An economist turned diplomat, Amb de Luzenberger began his career advising the Italian Treasury before pursuing academia and publishing extensively. Transitioning to the Economic Directorate of the European Commission and then as an EU diplomat, he served across Europe and Africa, fostering international relations and diplomatic initiatives.
Catherine Wijnberg
Catherine Wijnberg is a passionate entrepreneur with many years of experience across a range of sectors. As founder of Fetola, she has dedicated the past two decades to helping small businesses reach their full potential.
Dr Bernard Rey
Dr Bernard REY started his career in Agriculture Research for Development in Latin America and Africa, publishing extensively. He subsequentlly managed European development and international cooperation programs; he notably held senior posts in EU diplomatic missions in Africa and represented the European Commission in related international fora, with a consistent commitment to promoting Common Public Goods and Social Justice.
Dr Hajira Skaal
Dr Hajira Skaal, Fetola Alumni and winner of the prestigious SAB Foundation Tholoana Award is the Founder of Fitness Junction. She is a resilient and fearless business leader.
Dr Lucy Osborn
Dr. Lucy Osborn has many years’ experience working in community development and natural resource management in southern Africa.
Ingrid Olmesdahl
Ingrid Olmesdahl is a communications strategist with global experience in brand development and stakeholder engagement. She has held growth roles at leading tech agencies and Microsoft, and currently serves as AI Transformation Director, EMEA at Ogilvy.
Kantha Naicker
Kantha is a Professional Accountant (SA) with over 20 years of professional experience as an entrepreneur, and an accomplished business advisor of private listed firms and SMEs.
Contribute to lasting impact.
The Fetola Foundation is a registered not-for-profit foundation NPC 780/95. We work extensively with local and international foundations, philanthropic organisations, development finance institutions, corporates deploying ESD capital, and international development agencies.
Our financial and operational governance frameworks are designed for large, multi-partner programmes. Clear monitoring and evaluation methods, continual refinement to maximise the value of every rand deployed, and ongoing two-way feedback with our partners support long-term, value-adding relationships.
Our approach
How we work.
The Foundation allocates capital through a structured partner model designed for scale, efficiency, and accountability. Capital is deployed via organisations selected for their capability, reach, and delivery track record.
Each programme operates under defined governance frameworks, with clear performance criteria, reporting requirements, and oversight mechanisms.
Explore partnership opportunities with us.
For Funders & Partners
NPC 780/95 • PBO 930032001
- Transparent governance
- Independent capital allocation
- Fund-of-funds model
- Project aggregator
- High-impact deployment
- Economic development + climate adaptation
Partner with us
By partnering with innovative companies and organisations that share our vision, we’ve been able to multiply our impact.
What we support
The Foundation directs catalytic capital toward high-impact initiatives that strengthen enterprise ecosystems.
Our role is to ensure capital flows to initiatives that create sustainable economic participation and long-term value.
We focus on what creates the most durable change.
- PEnterprise
- PInclusion
- PClimate
- PYouth & women
We focus on
- SME growth and enterprise development
- Financial inclusion and investment readiness
- Youth, women, and historically marginalised entrepreneurs
- Climate resilience, circular economy, and green sector innovation
This approach enables
- Scalable delivery across sectors and geographies
- Disciplined capital allocation
- Strong governance and independent oversight
- Measurable, evidence-based outcomes
*The Foundation does not implement programmes directly.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the Fetola Foundation?
An independent non-profit that stewards and allocates catalytic capital to support enterprise development and inclusive economic growth.
Does the Foundation run programmes?
No. Programmes are delivered by independent partners under formal arm’s-length agreements.
What does the Foundation do?
It governs capital allocation, provides oversight, and ensures accountability across delivery partners.
How is it governed?
Through an independent, non-executive Board with fiduciary oversight.
Who does the Foundation partner with?
Local and international foundations, philanthropic organisations, development finance institutions, corporates deploying ESD capital and international development agencies.
What is the Foundation’s structure?
The Fetola Foundation is an NPC 780/95; PBO 930032001.
Still have questions or need help?
No worries! Send us an email at info@fetolafoundation.org
* The Fetola Foundation is legally and operationally independent from Fetola (Pty) Ltd. The Foundation governs and allocates capital; whilst programme implementation is carried out by Fetola (Pty) Ltd and other independent delivery partners under formal, arm’s-length agreements. While the organisations share a legacy and ecosystem alignment, they operate under distinct mandates and governance structures.
Our Partners
Old friends and new collaborators
By partnering with innovative companies and organisations that share our vision we’ve been able to multiply our impact.
