The Olympiad brought together students, policymakers, entrepreneurship support organisations and strategic partners on a collaborative platform focused on innovation, business development and leadership. The programme is designed to turn African youth-driven ideas into practical solutions and sustainable enterprises through structured engagement, mentorship opportunities and access to innovation support networks.
“The role of universities is not only to produce graduates, but to create opportunities, partnerships and innovation ecosystems that empower young people to shape a different Africa,” said UMP Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa.
A key highlight of the Olympiad was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Mpumalanga Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator (UMPCEFERI) and the Young African Entrepreneurs Institute (YAEI), aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship development, youth empowerment and innovation collaboration across Africa.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of YAEI, Mr Risuna Maluleke, described the partnership as a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for young entrepreneurs and student innovators. The agreement will extend beyond the Olympiad to include student and staff exchange programmes, joint research initiatives, capacity-building activities and broader continental partnership development.
“The agreement represents a declaration of shared intent to strengthen entrepreneurship development, expand access to opportunities and support student innovators,” said Mr Maluleke, encouraging students to adopt solution-driven thinking in addressing societal challenges.
Forging sustainable collaboration
The StartUpAfrica Innovation Olympiad is currently implemented in 47 African countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, and provides structured platforms for idea development, mentorship, investor engagement and cross-border collaboration.
President and Chief Executive Officer of StartUpAfrica, Mr Erastus Mong’are, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting and connecting young innovators across the continent.
He said sustained collaboration between institutions is key to building strong innovation pipelines and expanding opportunities for African youth.
The event formed part of ongoing efforts by UMP to strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems and equip young Africans with the skills, networks and support needed to contribute meaningfully to the continent’s future economy.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by JB Creative Cinema. Copyright © UMP.