Youth Entrepreneurship Week

YAEI x Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Week (YEW) 2024: Empowering the Next Generation of South African Entrepreneurs

Following the introduction of the Youth Entrepreneurship Week (YEW) — a high-energy, action-packed program aligned with Global Entrepreneurship Week — we’re diving into three days brimming with unique experiences, essential insights, and unparalleled networking opportunities. YEW is the definitive event for young entrepreneurs eager to make their mark on South Africa’s economy. From the innovation challenge to expert-led symposiums and a market festival with a distinctly African flair, YEW is the place to be!

Here’s your day-by-day guide to the unforgettable lineup planned for YEW 2024:

Day 1: Setting the Stage for Innovation and Success

Venue: Wits Entrepreneurship Hub
Capacity: 60

Official Opening Ceremony
The energy kicks off strong with an inspiring welcome address from the Deputy Dean of Student Affairs at Wits, setting the tone for three days of innovation, insights, and impact. Keynote addresses, including one from the Minister of Science and Innovation, highlight the incredible power of youth innovation in tackling South Africa’s socio-economic challenges.

Next up, attendees will get a glimpse of impactful journeys from YAEI’s Emerging30 Innovators and experience the warmth and support from sponsors like Absa, whose leaders share their dedication to fueling entrepreneurial dreams.

Youth Innovation Challenge Finals
The morning excitement builds as we transition to the Youth Innovation Challenge Finals — a thrilling opportunity for our finalists to showcase their business ideas in a competitive, Shark Tank-like atmosphere. Each pitch session will highlight bold, new solutions to pressing issues and provide a stage for youth to take the spotlight with their innovative visions. Expert judges and stakeholders from industry and academia will evaluate each pitch, and finalists will gain invaluable insights from leaders and peers alike. This is the future of South African innovation in real-time!

Day 2: The YEW Symposium – Insightful Panels, Power-Packed Keynotes, and The Gala

Venue: Wits Entrepreneurship Hub (Morning & Afternoon), The Houghton Hotel (Evening)
Capacity: 450 for Gala Dinner

Day 2 is an immersive learning experience with keynotes, masterclasses, and expert panels led by some of the biggest names in South African business and government. Get ready to soak in practical knowledge and actionable tips to drive your business forward!

Symposium Sessions
We start with a keynote from the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, who will delve into how government support can unlock doors for young industrialists to drive job creation. This is followed by power-packed panels featuring CEOs from giants like MTN South Africa, Allan & Gill Gray Phil, Bathu Group, and Sasol. Each leader will share insights on business leadership, the role of systems and processes, and the opportunities in relationship banking that can set young entrepreneurs up for long-term success.

Masterclasses & Financial Empowerment
Throughout the day, attendees will gain hands-on insights into financial planning with industry experts like Ms. Anastacia Goodman and hear directly from the Minister of Small Business Development about government funding opportunities. Sessions on navigating procurement and success stories from past YAEI x Absa Enterprise Development participants add real-world context to fuel your growth.

Evening Gala Dinner: A Night to Celebrate
In the evening, put on your finest attire and join us at The Houghton Hotel for the YAEI x Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Gala. Enjoy a night of recognition, entertainment, and awards as the Deputy President himself shares words of encouragement and support. The evening will feature performances, a delicious dinner, and, of course, the Emerging30 Innovators Announcement. It’s a celebration of the incredible talent, resilience, and vision that South African youth bring to the entrepreneurial space.

Day 3: Proudly African Youth-Owned Market Festival – A Celebration of Youth Enterprise

Venue: Library Lawns, Wits Main-East Campus
Capacity: 1,500
Tickets: R100 (available at Webtickets & at the door)

On Day 3, join us for a vibrant festival experience at the Proudly African Youth-Owned Market Festival. This event is a feast for the senses, complete with live music, DJ sets, comedy, and a diverse array of youth-owned enterprises showcasing their unique products and services.

A Market with Purpose
More than just an event, this market serves as a fundraising initiative to support the future of YEW and reward emerging talent. The festival is an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to connect directly with consumers, corporate buyers, and government representatives eager to support local, youth-owned businesses. Attendees can explore and support a wide range of products, from fashion and accessories to innovative tech solutions and artisanal goods, all while enjoying the rich sounds of South African music and live performances.

Celebrating Youth, Empowering Dreams
The festival is a perfect conclusion to a week of inspiration, learning, and networking. Funds raised from ticket sales will go toward YEW’s initiatives, including potentially supporting upcoming artists or serving as an opening balance for YAEI x Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Program 2025.

Join Us in Celebrating Youth Entrepreneurship

YEW 2024 is more than just an event — it’s a movement. A movement dedicated to nurturing the potential of young South Africans, providing them with the resources, connections, and confidence they need to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities. Whether you’re a young entrepreneur, a mentor, an investor, or just passionate about supporting youth-led innovation, YEW offers something for everyone.

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to be part of South Africa’s premier youth entrepreneurship event. Join us as we shape the future, one innovation at a time.