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The report on Township Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: The Entrepreneurs Lived Experiences by the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) offers a fresh perspective on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs in South Africa's townships. This report highlights the distinct nature of township ecosystems from the perspective of the entrepreneur, which had been largely overlooked in previous studies

September 3, 2024

Township Entrepreneurial Ecosystem The Entrepreneurs Lived Experiences

The report on Township Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: The Entrepreneurs Lived Experiences by the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) offers a fresh perspective on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs in South Africa’s townships. This report highlights the distinct nature of township ecosystems from the perspective of the entrepreneur, which had been largely overlooked in previous studies

Boitshoko Shoke

In South Africa, Women's Month serves as a time to reflect on the achievements and struggles of women across the nation. It is a month dedicated to celebrating the incredible resilience, strength, and determination of women who are shaping the future. Among these trailblazers are the women entrepreneurs who, despite facing significant economic challenges, continue to strive for success in the business world.

August 29, 2024

The Inspiring Journey of a Female Entrepreneur in South Africa.

In South Africa, Women’s Month serves as a time to reflect on the achievements and struggles of women across the nation. It is a month dedicated to celebrating the incredible resilience, strength, and determination of women who are shaping the future. Among these trailblazers are the women entrepreneurs who, despite facing significant economic challenges, continue to strive for success in the business world.

Tsakani Nkombyane

With the job market looking more like an arid desert, where do we turn? The answer might lie in an unexpected oasis of the educational landscape: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. These institutions are more than just schools. They are potentially the engine rooms of innovation and job creation that South Africa desperately needs. Let me explain why.

August 29, 2024

Can TVETs Turn the Tide on Unemployment?

With the job market looking more like an arid desert, where do we turn? The answer might lie in an unexpected oasis of the educational landscape: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. These institutions are more than just schools. They are potentially the engine rooms of innovation and job creation that South Africa desperately needs. Let me explain why.

Boitshoko Shoke

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions play a crucial role in equipping individuals with the essential skills needed to drive industrial development in developing countries. Their significance is increasingly acknowledged, especially in the context of the Just Energy Transition and the shift towards a Green Economy. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has highlighted this in its strategy,

August 27, 2024

Ecosystem Mapping of Innovation Entrepreneurship at South African TVET’s

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions play a crucial role in equipping individuals with the essential skills needed to drive industrial development in developing countries. Their significance is increasingly acknowledged, especially in the context of the Just Energy Transition and the shift towards a Green Economy. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has highlighted this in its strategy, “Transforming Technical and Vocational Education and Training for Successful Just Transitions.” In this evolving landscape, TVET institutions are expected to be at the forefront, providing the new and necessary skills that will enable a workforce capable of thriving in a green economy and fostering entrepreneurship to harness emerging market opportunities.

Boitshoko Shoke

We can all agree, that there is no cogent argument one can reasonably make to justify the exclusion of half of our workforce from meaningfully contributing to the economy when there’s a commercial demand for this talent. The participation of women and them comprehensively receiving support is necessary. All organisations doing this work must be commended and their work amplified. We however must fight against the temptation of haphazardly putting together interventions that achieve the bare minimum but demand maximum exposure. It’s a disservice to the participants and to us as implementing agents or sponsors. This is not a big game hunting sport.

August 26, 2024

Promotion Over Platforming: Women in a Content-Hungry Reality

We can all agree, that there is no cogent argument one can reasonably make to justify the exclusion of half of our workforce from meaningfully contributing to the economy when there’s a commercial demand for this talent. The participation of women and them comprehensively receiving support is necessary. All organisations doing this work must be commended and their work amplified. We however must fight against the temptation of haphazardly putting together interventions that achieve the bare minimum but demand maximum exposure. It’s a disservice to the participants and to us as implementing agents or sponsors. This is not a big game hunting sport.

Zinhle Mncube

South Africa has distinguished itself as a leader in supporting women-owned businesses and providing formal backing for women entrepreneurs. According to the latest Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE), South Africa achieved a score of 54.9, ranking just behind Botswana, which leads with a score of 56.3. This places South Africa as the second highest in Africa for both the proportion of women-owned businesses and the level of formal support available to female entrepreneurs. This is attributed to factors such as increased access to education, government support programmes, and a growing awareness of women's economic empowerment. However, gender gap in entrepreneurship still persist as South African women’s total early stage entrepreneurial activity is sitting on an average of 16% compared to 19% for men.  

August 15, 2024

Invest in Her: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in South Africa

South Africa has distinguished itself as a leader in supporting women-owned businesses and providing formal backing for women entrepreneurs. According to the latest Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE), South Africa achieved a score of 54.9, ranking just behind Botswana, which leads with a score of 56.3. This places South Africa as the second highest in Africa for both the proportion of women-owned businesses and the level of formal support available to female entrepreneurs. This is attributed to factors such as increased access to education, government support programmes, and a growing awareness of women’s economic empowerment. However, gender gap in entrepreneurship still persist as South African women’s total early stage entrepreneurial activity is sitting on an average of 16% compared to 19% for men.  

Mahlatse Tolamo

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The report on Township Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: The Entrepreneurs Lived Experiences by the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) offers a fresh perspective on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs in South Africa's townships. This report highlights the distinct nature of township ecosystems from the perspective of the entrepreneur, which had been largely overlooked in previous studies

September 3, 2024

Township Entrepreneurial Ecosystem The Entrepreneurs Lived Experiences

The report on Township Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: The Entrepreneurs Lived Experiences by the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) offers a fresh perspective on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs in South Africa’s townships. This report highlights the distinct nature of township ecosystems from the perspective of the entrepreneur, which had been largely overlooked in previous studies

Boitshoko Shoke

In South Africa, Women's Month serves as a time to reflect on the achievements and struggles of women across the nation. It is a month dedicated to celebrating the incredible resilience, strength, and determination of women who are shaping the future. Among these trailblazers are the women entrepreneurs who, despite facing significant economic challenges, continue to strive for success in the business world.

August 29, 2024

The Inspiring Journey of a Female Entrepreneur in South Africa.

In South Africa, Women’s Month serves as a time to reflect on the achievements and struggles of women across the nation. It is a month dedicated to celebrating the incredible resilience, strength, and determination of women who are shaping the future. Among these trailblazers are the women entrepreneurs who, despite facing significant economic challenges, continue to strive for success in the business world.

Tsakani Nkombyane

With the job market looking more like an arid desert, where do we turn? The answer might lie in an unexpected oasis of the educational landscape: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. These institutions are more than just schools. They are potentially the engine rooms of innovation and job creation that South Africa desperately needs. Let me explain why.

August 29, 2024

Can TVETs Turn the Tide on Unemployment?

With the job market looking more like an arid desert, where do we turn? The answer might lie in an unexpected oasis of the educational landscape: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. These institutions are more than just schools. They are potentially the engine rooms of innovation and job creation that South Africa desperately needs. Let me explain why.

Boitshoko Shoke

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions play a crucial role in equipping individuals with the essential skills needed to drive industrial development in developing countries. Their significance is increasingly acknowledged, especially in the context of the Just Energy Transition and the shift towards a Green Economy. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has highlighted this in its strategy,

August 27, 2024

Ecosystem Mapping of Innovation Entrepreneurship at South African TVET’s

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions play a crucial role in equipping individuals with the essential skills needed to drive industrial development in developing countries. Their significance is increasingly acknowledged, especially in the context of the Just Energy Transition and the shift towards a Green Economy. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has highlighted this in its strategy, “Transforming Technical and Vocational Education and Training for Successful Just Transitions.” In this evolving landscape, TVET institutions are expected to be at the forefront, providing the new and necessary skills that will enable a workforce capable of thriving in a green economy and fostering entrepreneurship to harness emerging market opportunities.

Boitshoko Shoke

We can all agree, that there is no cogent argument one can reasonably make to justify the exclusion of half of our workforce from meaningfully contributing to the economy when there’s a commercial demand for this talent. The participation of women and them comprehensively receiving support is necessary. All organisations doing this work must be commended and their work amplified. We however must fight against the temptation of haphazardly putting together interventions that achieve the bare minimum but demand maximum exposure. It’s a disservice to the participants and to us as implementing agents or sponsors. This is not a big game hunting sport.

August 26, 2024

Promotion Over Platforming: Women in a Content-Hungry Reality

We can all agree, that there is no cogent argument one can reasonably make to justify the exclusion of half of our workforce from meaningfully contributing to the economy when there’s a commercial demand for this talent. The participation of women and them comprehensively receiving support is necessary. All organisations doing this work must be commended and their work amplified. We however must fight against the temptation of haphazardly putting together interventions that achieve the bare minimum but demand maximum exposure. It’s a disservice to the participants and to us as implementing agents or sponsors. This is not a big game hunting sport.

Zinhle Mncube

South Africa has distinguished itself as a leader in supporting women-owned businesses and providing formal backing for women entrepreneurs. According to the latest Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE), South Africa achieved a score of 54.9, ranking just behind Botswana, which leads with a score of 56.3. This places South Africa as the second highest in Africa for both the proportion of women-owned businesses and the level of formal support available to female entrepreneurs. This is attributed to factors such as increased access to education, government support programmes, and a growing awareness of women's economic empowerment. However, gender gap in entrepreneurship still persist as South African women’s total early stage entrepreneurial activity is sitting on an average of 16% compared to 19% for men.  

August 15, 2024

Invest in Her: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in South Africa

South Africa has distinguished itself as a leader in supporting women-owned businesses and providing formal backing for women entrepreneurs. According to the latest Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE), South Africa achieved a score of 54.9, ranking just behind Botswana, which leads with a score of 56.3. This places South Africa as the second highest in Africa for both the proportion of women-owned businesses and the level of formal support available to female entrepreneurs. This is attributed to factors such as increased access to education, government support programmes, and a growing awareness of women’s economic empowerment. However, gender gap in entrepreneurship still persist as South African women’s total early stage entrepreneurial activity is sitting on an average of 16% compared to 19% for men.  

Mahlatse Tolamo

In both the arenas of Olympic sports and the business world, the quest for perfection is a common thread. Every great entrepreneur, much like an Olympic athlete, is a fierce competitor. The entrepreneur comes up with an idea, tests the idea, refines it and then commercialises it, aiming to be the best in what they do. The core aim of every entrepreneur is to service its customers by providing a perfect product or service, then generate revenue from doing this and grow the business to greater heights. Entrepreneurs are perfectionists, waking up every day and thinking how they can improve, outsmart their competitors and have more clients desire their product, more than any other.

August 12, 2024

Perfecting your Art as an Entrepreneur

In both the arenas of Olympic sports and the business world, the quest for perfection is a common thread. Every great entrepreneur, much like an Olympic athlete, is a fierce competitor. The entrepreneur comes up with an idea, tests the idea, refines it and then commercialises it, aiming to be the best in what they do. The core aim of every entrepreneur is to service its customers by providing a perfect product or service, then generate revenue from doing this and grow the business to greater heights. Entrepreneurs are perfectionists, waking up every day and thinking how they can improve, outsmart their competitors and have more clients desire their product, more than any other.

Kizito Okechukwu

In South Africa there is a societal preference for secure jobs over entrepreneurial ventures. Entrepreneurship is also often seen as less desirable than government or corporate jobs, a sentiment which is pervasive nationwide. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report for 2022/2023, only 5% of South African adults expect to start a business in the next three years, one of the lowest rates among 49 participating economies. Additionally, nearly 60% of adults in South Africa fear failure, which deters them from starting a business. This mindset poses a significant obstacle to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial culture in townships, limiting innovation and economic diversification. This view is shared by Herrington and Kew in their study which also ranked South Africa as one of the lowest-performing countries in terms of entrepreneurship due to low support mechanisms, high transaction costs and poor access to credit.

August 5, 2024

Lessons from the Igbo Tribe Amid a Culture of Job Security in South Africa

In South Africa there is a societal preference for secure jobs over entrepreneurial ventures. Entrepreneurship is also often seen as less desirable than government or corporate jobs, a sentiment which is pervasive nationwide. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report for 2022/2023, only 5% of South African adults expect to start a business in the next three years, one of the lowest rates among 49 participating economies. Additionally, nearly 60% of adults in South Africa fear failure, which deters them from starting a business. This mindset poses a significant obstacle to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial culture in townships, limiting innovation and economic diversification. This view is shared by Herrington and Kew in their study which also ranked South Africa as one of the lowest-performing countries in terms of entrepreneurship due to low support mechanisms, high transaction costs and poor access to credit.

Boitshoko Shoke

Faced with a daunting unemployment landscape in South Africa, where the youth unemployment rate (individuals aged 15-34 years) sits at a concerning 44.3% according to Stats SA 2024, many young South Africans with innovative ideas are taking charge by launching their own businesses. However, this path to success is not without hurdles. This July, during National Savings Month in South Africa, it's even more important to recognize how financial literacy empowers young people to build sustainable businesses.

July 30, 2024

Beyond the Hustle: Financial Literacy Fuels South Africa’s Youth-led Economic Engine

Faced with a daunting unemployment landscape in South Africa, where the youth unemployment rate (individuals aged 15-34 years) sits at a concerning 44.3% according to Stats SA 2024, many young South Africans with innovative ideas are taking charge by launching their own businesses. However, this path to success is not without hurdles. This July, during National Savings Month in South Africa, it’s even more important to recognize how financial literacy empowers young people to build sustainable businesses.

Ruth Maposa

The GEC+Africa 2024, hosted in South Africa, brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from across the globe to explore and advance Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This summary report encapsulates the event’s key discussions, insights, and outcomes, highlighting the dynamic interplay between innovation, policy, and financial strategies crucial for driving sustainable growth. With a focus on technological innovation, regional integration, and empowering female entrepreneurs, the GEC+Africa 2024 emphasized the importance of collaboration and inclusive practices in shaping Africa’s economic future. Explore the transformative events and sessions that defined this landmark gathering in our GEC+Africa 2024 Summary Report.

July 29, 2024

GEC+Africa 2024 Summary Report

The GEC+Africa 2024, hosted in South Africa, brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from across the globe to explore and advance Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This summary report encapsulates the event’s key discussions, insights, and outcomes, highlighting the dynamic interplay between innovation, policy, and financial strategies crucial for driving sustainable growth. With a focus on technological innovation, regional integration, and empowering female entrepreneurs, the GEC+Africa 2024 emphasized the importance of collaboration and inclusive practices in shaping Africa’s economic future. Explore the transformative events and sessions that defined this landmark gathering in our GEC+Africa 2024 Summary Report.

Boitshoko Shoke

The GEC+Africa 2024 report is an essential resource for understanding the current landscape and future potential of entrepreneurship in Africa. It highlights the challenges and opportunities within the SMME sector, offering a roadmap for stakeholders to drive sustainable growth and innovation. The report’s insights are crucial for policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, and other key players committed to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa.

July 26, 2024

GEC+Africa 2024 Report

The GEC+Africa 2024 report is an essential resource for understanding the current landscape and future potential of entrepreneurship in Africa. It highlights the challenges and opportunities within the SMME sector, offering a roadmap for stakeholders to drive sustainable growth and innovation. The report’s insights are crucial for policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, and other key players committed to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa.

Kizito Okechukwu

Entrepreneurs as Nation Builders photo 1

July 24, 2024

Entrepreneurs as Nation Builders

South Africa’s categorisation in its emerging status is true both in its spritely age (30 years is a toddler in nation years) and in its promise of economic growth. There are certain quarters that would insist our entrance into the BRICS countries is that of a small letter ‘s’, but we are nevertheless part of the collective as arguably the biggest economy in the continent. Historically, entrepreneurs have been one of the key thrusts in advancing economic and societal welfare in countries. There are obvious means in which entrepreneurship does this.

Zinhle Mncube