SAP Africa has entered into a strategic partnership with Innovate Durban to launch the 2024 Youth Innovation Challenge, a new initiative aimed at fostering creativity and entrepreneurship among young innovators in KwaZulu-Natal.
South African youth continue to battle high unemployment levels, with the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey finding that unemployment among 15 to 24 year-olds reached 60.8%, and among 25 to 34 year-olds standing at 41.7%.
The Youth Innovation Challenge seeks to empower young individuals by providing them with the platform, mentorship, and resources needed to transform their innovative ideas into viable business solutions.
Participants will tackle the pressing challenges faced by residents and businesses in the Greater Durban area, focusing on five key areas, namely: Climate Change (water scarcity and drought); Manufacturing/Engineering (microplastics); Urban Dwelling (infrastructure); Health/Science (communicable diseases); and Disaster Management (emergency preparedness). The initiative is open to participants aged 18 to 35 who reside in Durban, who can enter as individuals or as teams of up to six.
According to Kholiwe Makhohliso, Managing Director for Southern Africa at SAP, the partnership forms part of the company’s broader commitment to supporting economic development and growth in the region. “We are excited to work with Innovate Durban and the talented young innovators who will take part in the programme to develop new solutions to some of our most pressing challenges. As an organisation, we are proud to bring our global technology and business expertise to the programme as an extension of our commitment to investing in the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.”
By leveraging the expertise and support from SAP, along with contributions from eThekwini Municipality, TAFTA, Zutari and Adams & Adams, this initiative aims to cultivate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth in the city.
Through this collaboration Innovate Durban will facilitate workshops, mentorship sessions, and a culminating pitch competition where participants will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions or products.
As an organisation that focuses on building and sustaining an inclusive innovation ecosystem, Innovate Durban believes that innovation thrives when diverse perspectives and resources come together. Through this partnership, we aim to inspire, educate, and equip young innovators with the skills and confidence needed to tackle real-world challenges and drive meaningful impact.
The Youth Innovation Challenge is set to kick off in September 2024, with details on registration and participation scheduled to be announced soon via all Innovate Durban’s official communication channels.
