Youth Doing Business

The Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) is a youth start-up support programme intended to stimulate the establishment and growth of youth-owned businesses, promote digital skills,

grow the economy and foster job creation.

Eligibility criteria

In line with National Youth Policy, the YCF will be providing support to youth start-up businesses/enterprises that meet the following criteria:

• Are between the age of 18 to 35 years.

• Registered with CIPC and be prepared to register with SARS & UIF.

• 100% South African owned.

• Are adequately involved in the day-to-day operation and management of the business with at least one or more of the members being full-time employees of the company, especially the majority shareholder or essential personnel/applicant.

• Prepared to participate in Business Development Support and mentorship (pre and post).

• Commercially viable, sustainable and feasible business idea.

Exclusions

The following transactions will NOT be considered:

• Funding towards a debt owed by the applicant with another lending institution.

• Activities that have already been funded by other government departments or parastatals.

• Government and SOE officials are excluded.

• Fall within the gambling, pyramid sales schemes, loan shark and operating illegal activities etc., as guided by credit policy and grant policies.

• Have a record of fraud and corruption.

• Where the owner/applicant is an un-rehabilitated insolvent.

Additional information

• Funding queries can be directed to YCF Hotline on 012 748 9600 or email: helpline@sefa.org.za

• Upon receipt of the applications, they will be reviewed and completed applications subjected to due diligence exercises by sefa for consideration.

• Follow-ups will be made with small enterprises whose funding applications are incomplete to submit the outstanding information.

• Small enterprises that require non-financial support are referred to Seda for further handling.

How to apply

To submit your application, register your profile on the sefa portal at https://sefa.finfind.co.za. Download the checklist below for guidance.

• Check list

Download the brochure below:

youth-challenge-fund-brochure.pdf

 

LINK: http://www.dsbd.gov.za/programme/youth-challenge-fund

SOURCE: DSBD

 

LINK: http://www.dsbd.gov.za/programme/youth-challenge-fund

Youth Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund

The Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund is the principal grant facility to support the implementation of the Jobs for Youth in Africa Strategy (2016-2025). Managed by the Bank’s Human Capital, Youth and Skills Development Department, the Trust Fund aims to mobilize resources from donors to support the growth of the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Africa and create jobs for its youth. With a primary focus on entrepreneurship in sectors where most Africans earn their living, the Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund targets gender disparities in economic opportunities by prioritizing women entrepreneurs. The Trust Fund seeks to scale interventions outlined in the Jobs for Youth in Africa Strategy through grant disbursement, empowering youth-led start-ups, and micro, small, and medium enterprises across the formal and informal economy.

Funded by contributions from the Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, Norway, and Sweden, the Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund has mobilised approximately $42.2 million. The period of implementation extends to 31 December 2025, to align with the Jobs for Youth in Africa Strategy.

Inormation on African Development Bank projects: MapAfrica

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Contact

For more information, please contact yei@afdb.org.

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Useful links

Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund News/Press Releases 

 SOURCE: AfDB

LINK: https://www.afdb.org/en/topics-and-sectors/initiatives-partnerships/jobs-for-youth-in-africa/the-youth-entrepreneurship-and-innovation-multi-donor-trust-fundhttps://www.afdb.org/en/topics-and-sectors/initiatives-partnerships/jobs-for-youth-in-africa/the-youth-entrepreneurship-and-innovation-multi-donor-trust-fund

More opportunity for online businesses to grow in South Africa

Nov 07, 2025

We are launching the Google Growth Initiative for South African Businesses

Kristy Grant

Head of B2B Marketing, SSA

It is no secret that education and funding are the top priorities for entrepreneurs. To equip South African businesses with both, for a limited time, we are launching the Digital Growth Initiative, which offers three free programs related to digital marketing and ads optimization training, ad credits, and grant opportunities. We will accept applications from eligible South African online platforms, such as certain e-commerce or travel and booking websites, application developers, and online businesses.

Training in advanced digital marketing

Digital marketing is a rapidly developing sphere where online businesses need on-going up-skilling. The new Ads Academy, hosted with Upskill, will support this continuing education and is a bootcamp style training focused on ads optimization and digital marketing for eligible online platforms, mobile app developers, and online businesses. The curriculums focus on platform and app marketing strategies and business growth techniques and it is accompanied with personalised mentorship to help businesses implement effective campaigns and improve market performance . Experienced industry experts will share practical insights on business growth and technical skills development, while industry leaders will share real-world success stories and teach innovative approaches. Participants will be encouraged to immediately apply the key concepts they learn through interactive learning formats, including with the use of Google Ads credits.

Providing Ad Credits to enhance a business's digital presence

The newly available Ad Credits Program is aimed at boosting innovation in South Africa's digital ecosystem. By giving businesses credits that they can use to advertise their businesses, the program will help businesses boost their ability to reach specific audiences, expand into new markets and compete more effectively. This will also free up funds for the participants to invest in other growth needs, such as product innovation and team development. Credits can be used on ad formats, such as Search Text Ads and Universal App Campaigns, to boost user acquisition and brand exposure.

Allocating Grants to support growth

Sometimes it’s the small things, such as getting a new laptop, registering with an industry body, or buying a software subscription, that can make a big difference. We are launching Grant Opportunities, administered by Thundafund, so that South African businesses can make strategic investments to unlock new revenue streams, improve service delivery, and increase competitiveness.

To learn more about the programs, eligibility criteria, terms and timings and apply please visit the website.

Posted in:

• Google News
• Grow with Google
• Small Business

SOURCE: Africa Blog

LINK: https://blog.google/intl/en-africa/more-opportunity-for-online-businesses-to-grow-in-south-africa/

Youth In Business

New R12 500 Youth Support Grant Opens Doors for South African Entrepreneurs

Published

5 months ago

on August 16, 2025

By zaghrah

Sourced: X {https://x.com/Nomatterwhat012/status/1956376043800940545}

 

A fresh opportunity for young South Africans

 

The national government has unveiled a once-off R12 500 Youth Support Grant, aimed at empowering unemployed South Africans aged 18 to 35. The grant seeks to break down economic barriers, helping young people launch businesses, pursue vocational training, or develop impactful community projects.

 

Applications officially open on Friday, 15 August 2025, and the program is strictly for youth not currently receiving other state financial support. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and SASSA, with the goal of fostering grassroots development and creating pathways to self-sufficiency.

 

Who is eligible?

 

To qualify, applicants must:

 

• Be a South African citizen aged 18–35

   

• Not receive any other government grants

   

• Provide:

   

  • Valid South African ID

  • Proof of residence

  • Current bank account details

     

Those planning to use the grant for business purposes are encouraged to submit a short business plan showing potential income or job creation.

 

How to apply

 

The application process is designed to be straightforward:

 

1. Prepare your documents – ID, proof of residence, and banking information

    

2. Visit official websites – gov.za, nyda.gov.za, sassa.gov.za

    

3. Register and verify – Create an online profile and confirm contact details

    

4. Complete and submit – Fill out the form and upload supporting documents

    

5. Track your application – Monitor progress online or via SASSA helplines

    

For applicants with limited internet access, community centres and youth agencies will provide in-person support, including help with forms and refining project or business proposals.

 

Stay alert to scams

 

The NYDA has issued a warning to only use official channels. A spokesperson said:

“This grant offers young South Africans a real opportunity to kickstart a business or access training. We encourage early preparation and vigilance against fraud.”

 

Why this matters

 

With youth unemployment remaining a significant challenge in South Africa, the R12 500 grant represents a concrete step toward giving young people the tools they need to succeed. By supporting small businesses, vocational skills, and community projects, the initiative hopes to spark economic participation at a local level and create lasting impact.

 

For more information and updates, applicants should regularly check official government platforms, or contact the NYDA and SASSA helplines.

 

Are you planning to apply for the Youth Support Grant? Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out via WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.

 

{Source: MSN}

 

LINK: https://www.joburgetc.com/news/south-africa-youth-support-grant-2025/

Christianity In Africa

Africa Bible commentary second edition commissioned to address 'theological anemia' and equip the African Church

By CDI Staff May 26, 2025 03:56 EDT 3 mins read

Rev. Dr. Jean Libom Li Likeng, newly elected president of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA), leads a prayer of commissioning for the second edition of the Africa Bible Commentary during the 13th AEA General Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. Christian Daily International

The second edition of the Africa Bible Commentary (ABC) was officially commissioned on May 23 in the final sessions of the 13th General Assembly of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA), marking a significant milestone in African theological scholarship. Leaders emphasized that the commentary is fully African-owned and crafted to meet the spiritual and contextual needs of the African Church.

 

The original Africa Bible Commentary, first published in 2006, was hailed as a landmark resource—the first of its kind for the continent. This revised and updated edition, developed over nearly eight years, has expanded its contextual relevance and depth, offering richer exegetical and theological engagement with Scripture through an African lens.

 

“The Africa Bible Commentary is your project,” said Professor Elizabeth Mburu, a member of the editorial team and Langham Literature’s Regional Coordinator for Africa. “It is supported by many partners, but it is owned by the AEA. It is a resource owned by Africa, by us and for us.”

 

The updated edition now includes 122 contextual articles—almost double the number from the first edition—addressing issues ranging from social media and ministry to persecution, disability, gender, pastoral family life, and digital ethics. Importantly, 21 of the 53 new authors are women. The revised commentary also features a more robust editorial framework that reflects a three-dimensional interpretive approach: the world behind the text (historical background), the world of the text (literary structure and message), and the world in front of the text (reader context).

 

Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter

 

Professor Nathan Chiroma, one of the editors, highlighted how this approach helps pastors and lay leaders alike make sense of the Bible while responding to present-day challenges. “These articles are meant to address the questions we are asking and help local pastors address contextual issues that under normal circumstances would not be addressed,” he said.

 

Professor Mburu emphasized the commentary’s theological fidelity and contextual awareness. “We did not allow our African contexts to override the biblical message,” she said. “Scripture is the final authority.”

 

The commentary draws on traditional African symbols, idioms, and proverbs to create interpretive bridges for readers, all while maintaining rigorous exegetical standards. “This edition exposes users to three worlds: the world behind the text, the world of the text, and the world in front of the text,” she said. “It ensures the Bible speaks to African realities without compromising its truth.”

 

Rev. Dr. Master Matlhaope, AEA General Secretary, presided over the commissioning ceremony. In his remarks, he recalled the vision of AEA’s first African General Secretary, Byang Kato, who warned that the African church suffered from “theological anemia.” Kato had called for the production of African-led theological resources to equip churches and leaders.

 

“This determination inspired pioneers to create the first Africa Bible Commentary, and the same commitment has driven the editorial team for this new edition,” said Matlhaope. “We pray that it will have a transformational impact across Africa.”

 

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In a symbolic act of blessing, newly elected AEA President Rev. Dr. Jean Libom Li Likeng led the assembly in prayer, dedicating the second edition to God and invoking his guidance for its distribution and use across the continent.

 

“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and pray for this remarkable resource,” Matlhaope added. “I wholeheartedly recommend this commentary for use in seminaries, personal devotions, and across our national alliances.”

 

The English edition is scheduled for official release in October 2025, with translations into French, Portuguese, and Swahili already underway. A post-publication celebration and wider launch are expected in Addis Ababa in 2026.

 

“The church of the future is in our hands,” Mburu said. “We have a responsibility to shape it—and the Africa Bible Commentary will help us do just that.”

 

 

SOURCE: Christian Daily International

 

LINK: https://www.christiandaily.com/news/africa-bible-commentary-second-edition-commissioned-to-address-theological-anemia-and-equip-the-african-church

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” —Malcolm X

 

 

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Informal Traders and Micro Enterprises Development Programme

Minister Ndabeni hands over equipment donations to micro and small businesses

This was part of the department's informal and micro enterprises development programme, which was specially designed to empower and develop informal traders to become skilled and adequately equipped to manage their businesses.

Monday, 16 June 2025, 09:56

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Minister of Small Business Develop-ment Stella Ndabeni speaking during the equipment handover. Photo: Loyiso Dyongman

KNYSNA NEWS - The minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni, led a delegation of senior officials from the Knysna Municipality and Garden Route District Municipality to hand over machinery and equipment to micro and informal traders in Khayalethu on Tuesday 10 June.

This was part of the department's informal and micro enterprises development programme, which was specially designed to empower and develop informal traders to become skilled and adequately equipped to manage their businesses. 

The Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (Sedfa) Knysna facilitated the process of the beneficiaries applying for the equipment.

The venue was fully packed by small business owners who came to obtain their equipment, while others came to listen to advice from the minister on how to develop their businesses.

Ndabeni advised them of many opportunities that her department has for them. "As small businesses, you must start forming corporations, work together and share ideas. When you work together, you can do more.

"We will support you, as you can see the equipment we have brought here. This is free of charge and you don't have to pay.

"But we need to see there is something you are trying to achieve, but are struggling because of having no resources. Business opportunities are grabbed by people from other countries. You have to think out of the box. We are always open to supporting small businesses."

She advised that people can start businesses by collecting discarded items that can be used and recycled. "You must see an opportunity to make a business when you see rubbish."

Cussidy Morrison, one the beneficiaries, the owner of Stoned Clothing Brand, said she is does her own designs. She received a laptop and a heat press machine. "It's awesome that I have received these two pieces of equipment and that they are going to help me with my business. I want to thank you for this as this will develop my business."

Yandiswa Magqibisa came to collect some equipment on behalf of her sister, Zukiswa. Zukiswa does grass cutting and maintenance on the N2. "She received two grass cutting machines. On behalf of my sister, I would like to thank Sedfa, the Knysna Municipality and the national department for doing this."Mayor Thando Matika expressed his gratitude for these donations. He said he was happy that the venue was full and people who had come out in their numbers even though they were not all beneficiaries. He said that they had come to listen to what was being shared was a positive sign.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’ 

 

SOURCE: 

 

 

LINK:  https://www.knysnaplettherald.com/News/Article/Local-News/minister-ndabeni-hands-over-equipment-donations-to-micro-and-small-businesses-202506161000