Johannesburg — South African Breweries (SAB), in partnership with Henley Business School Africa, has launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship and supporting small retailers across the country.
The programme, called Retailer University, is designed to equip local retailers with essential business skills, strategic insight and practical tools to help them build sustainable and competitive businesses.
The initiative reflects SAB’s broader commitment to supporting South Africa’s small business ecosystem by promoting enterprise development, job creation and long-term economic growth. The programme will run over 12 months and combines structured in-person learning with practical assignments and mentorship.
According to SAB, the curriculum will focus on key business areas such as financial management, operational efficiency, marketing strategy and leadership development.
Participants will also benefit from mentorship and peer networking, allowing them to apply their learning directly to their businesses and improve performance in their communities.
“Retailers are the backbone of South Africa’s beer economy and vital anchors in the communities they serve,” said Zoleka Lisa, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at SAB.
“They create employment, enable local economic participation and contribute to social cohesion. Through Retailer University, SAB is investing directly in the people who power our industry.”
Henley Business School Africa, part of the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, is responsible for designing and delivering the academic content of the programme. The business school is known for its internationally accredited executive education programmes and has operated in Africa for more than three decades.
Linda Buckley, Pro-Dean for Teaching and Learning at Henley Business School Africa, said the programme aims to empower entrepreneurs to build stronger and more resilient businesses.
“We are proud to partner with SAB on an initiative that strengthens the backbone of local economies. By equipping retailers with practical tools and leadership confidence, we are supporting sustainable businesses that drive economic participation and long-term community impact.”
The first cohort of 30 retailers from across South Africa began the programme in February 2026, with training sessions taking place at Henley Business School Africa’s campus in Johannesburg.
SAB says the programme is part of its broader efforts to build a more inclusive retail sector and strengthen the country’s beer economy, which supports more than 250,000 jobs across South Africa.
Through initiatives like Retailer University, the company hopes to empower local entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, create employment opportunities and contribute to stronger local economies.
