Young innovators empowered through Absa and the Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship’s I Grew It campaign
Industry leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs united to ignite change and develop innovative solutions for the challenges facing the nation’s youth.
The Forum in Bryanston became a lively hub of ideas and innovation as Absa hosted its Youth Entrepreneurship Dialogue, in partnership with the Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship on February 19.
With youth unemployment hovering around 45%, the event aimed to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs in South Africa through the I Grew It campaign.
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The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and aspiring entrepreneurs to collaborate on dynamic solutions to promote youth entrepreneurship.
Absa’s managing executive of corporate citizenship Steven Zwane articulated the bank’s vision to drive economic resilience through youth empowerment. “Now more than ever, it is vital to invest in the dreams and aspirations of our youth. We believe in the power of growth, inclusion, and the stories waiting to be told. We’re empowering a generation to dream big, learn passionately, create intentionally, and start today to succeed tomorrow. So that they can proudly say that they ‘Grew It’.
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“Through our financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship strategy, we pathway youth into entrepreneurial action. We’re developing entrepreneurial mindsets, driving interest and, ultimately, encouraging the pursuit of entrepreneurial action.”
He added, by providing financial solutions and expertise specifically designed for young entrepreneurs, they are not only empowering individuals but also contributing to the broader economic development of the country and continent. “Every story and journey has the potential to inspire. We want to be part of those journeys.”
Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship director Phumlani Nkontwana shed light on the centre’s mission to build ecosystems that support young entrepreneurs.
Nkontwana stressed the significance of data and research in creating effective support frameworks, stating that understanding the unique challenges faced by young entrepreneurs is pivotal to fostering innovation and growth.
“This is not a once off event; it’s just the beginning. The aim is to create a series of platforms where young innovators can engage with support organisations and share valuable insights on the entrepreneurial landscape,” Nkontwana said.
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