Organised by University of Mpumalanga (UMP) through its Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator (CEFRI), in partnership with the Young African Entrepreneurs Institute (YAEI) and ABSA, the initiative aims to equip young people with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to develop and scale sustainable businesses.
Over fifteen UMPCFERI Studentpreneurs participated in the ABSA-YAEI 2025 Youth Entrepreneurship Tour, where they pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to secure mentorship, funding, and market access.
UMP Dean of Students, Dr Paul Maminza, encouraged participants to be bold in pursuing their ambitions on the first day of the event. “The journey of entrepreneurship is not without its challenges, but it is through these challenges that resilience, creativity, and true innovation are born. Platforms like this tour are vital because they give young people the opportunity to turn ideas into solutions that can transform communities,” he said.
On the second day of the event, YAEI Chief Executive Officer, Mr Risuna Maluleke, outlined the programme’s national impact. “Over the years, we have empowered more than 3 000 young people across nine provinces with business skills, mentorship, funding opportunities of up to R100 000, and access to markets,” he said. “We are here to inspire you to take that first step, to believe that your ideas matter, and to give you the tools to make them a reality.”
Mr Ismael May, Chief Executive Officer of Young African Intelligent Student, urged participants to embrace networking. “Business success is not only about what you know, but who you know,” he said. “Build relationships that can help you open doors, expand your thinking, and access opportunities you never imagined.”
Pitches at the event ranged from technology-driven solutions to community-based enterprises, reflecting the creativity and determination of the region’s youth
CFERI Director, Melody Chiume, YAEI Chief Executive Officer, Mr Risuna Maluleke, UMP Executive Director: Operations, Mr Richard Flame and Zinhle Raziya from Absa.
Financial Inclusion Symposium Highlights Access to Funding
The second day of the event focused on the Financial Inclusion Symposium, which explored how access to finance can transform small businesses. UMP Executive Director: Operations, Mr Richard Flame, emphasised the role of financial literacy in sustaining entrepreneurial ventures.
“We can equip our young people with great ideas and entrepreneurial skills, but without financial knowledge and access to capital, these ideas risk not seeing the light of day. This event is a foundation for future collaborations that will create an ecosystem enabling sustainable development.”
The Hon. Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Raesetja Jane Sithole, called for greater investment in youth-led businesses and for removing barriers that limit their growth.
“Our young entrepreneurs are the future employers and job creators of this country. We must do everything we can to ensure they have the resources, networks, and support they need to succeed.”
She stressed the value of resilience in entrepreneurship: “You must be ready to fail but fail forward. Every setback is a lesson; every challenge is an opportunity to refine your vision.”
CFERI Director, Prof Kanayo Ogujiuba, YAEI Chief Executive Officer, Mr Risuna Maluleke, Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Raesetja Jane Sithole and UMP Executive Director: Operations, Mr Richard Flame.
Ms Sithole encouraged participants to focus on impact beyond profit. “Entrepreneurship is not only about making a profit, it is about creating solutions that uplift communities, address unemployment, and stimulate local economies.”
She also emphasised collaboration. “Work together, share resources, and build partnerships. The challenges facing our country are too big for one person to solve alone. But together, we can create sustainable change.”
Highlighting the government’s role in strengthening entrepreneurship ecosystems, she added: “We are working to ensure that policies, funding opportunities, and business development programmes are accessible and effective for young people. But you, as entrepreneurs, must also take ownership of your journey.”
The symposium included panel discussions and Q&A sessions where participants engaged directly with industry leaders and policy-makers, gaining insights into funding models, investment readiness, and strategies for market access.
The two-day programme brought together young entrepreneurs from across Mpumalanga, including UMPCFERI Studentpreneurss, who presented their innovations, networked with industry experts, and gained practical tools for business growth.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by JB Creatives. Copyright @UMP