Absa reaffirms its commitment to fostering youth entrepreneurship in South Africa by delivering innovative business support solutions. Grounded in the belief that growth unlocks potential, this initiative is dedicated to equipping young South Africans with the skills and opportunities needed to build sustainable businesses and drive economic progress.
In collaboration with the Allan Gray Centre for African Entrepreneurship, Absa hosted the Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Dialogue on 19 February at The Forum in Bryanston. This event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore innovative solutions that advance youth entrepreneurship. Among the distinguished speakers was Dr. Steven Zwane, Absa’s Managing Executive: Corporate Citizenship, who emphasized the bank’s dedication to empowering young business leaders.
At Absa, we believe in the power of growth, inclusion, and the untold stories of young entrepreneurs. We are committed to helping the next generation dream big, learn passionately, create intentionally, and take action today to build a successful tomorrow—so they can proudly say, “I GREW IT.”
This commitment is backed by tangible action. Through a strategic investment of R319 million, Absa has positively impacted over 250,000 individuals, fostering financial inclusion and entrepreneurship. Our entrepreneurship development strategy focuses on:
Cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset – Inspiring and equipping youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become innovators and problem solvers.
Providing entrepreneurship education & experiential learning – Supporting youth in high schools, higher education institutions, and training programmes, as well as those not in employment, education, or training (NEET).
Supporting microenterprises – Assisting young entrepreneurs and women-led businesses in formalizing and scaling their enterprises.
Beyond entrepreneurship, Absa remains committed to promoting financial inclusion through impactful initiatives:
📌 Financial literacy training, reaching approximately 183,000 individuals.
📌 “I Grew It” initiative, engaging nearly 1 million viewers in 2024.
📌 Innovative funding solutions, tailored to the needs of young entrepreneurs.
Our efforts are creating long-term, measurable impact:
🔹 4,800 entrepreneurs supported and approximately 3,700 jobs created.
🔹 23,000 young people upskilled through the ReadyToWork initiative.
🔹 61,000 volunteer hours contributed by 7,600 dedicated Absa employees.
With youth unemployment in South Africa at a staggering 45%, Absa is taking decisive action to support entrepreneurship as a key driver of job creation and economic resilience. Understanding the unique challenges young entrepreneurs face, we provide tailored financial solutions, expert guidance, and strategic partnerships to help them succeed.
“Now more than ever, it is vital to invest in the dreams and aspirations of our youth,” says Dr. Steven Zwane, Absa Managing Executive: Corporate Citizenship. “By providing financial solutions and expertise designed specifically for young entrepreneurs, we are not only empowering individuals but also driving broader economic growth across South Africa and the continent. Every entrepreneurial journey has the potential to inspire, and we want to be part of those success stories.”
At Absa, youth entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of our mission to be “an active force for good in everything we do.” We are steadfast in our commitment to empowering the youth of South Africa, recognising that their success is integral to the country’s economic growth and resilience.
We believe in the power of young entrepreneurs to shape the future, and we are dedicated to equipping them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. Because when young people succeed, we all succeed.
Your story matters. Your dreams, your future, and your potential are worth investing in.
