YOUTH BIZ FEST 2026 SET TO IGNITE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THERESAPARK!

A wave of youthful ambition is gathering momentum in Pretoria as local Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) Impact Youth Desk SA prepares to host Youth Biz Fest 2026 on 27 June 2026, a one-day entrepreneurship and empowerment event aimed at transforming ideas into opportunities for thousands of young people.

The event, put together by visionaries, co-founders – Kgopotso Mokone and Brenda Dhlamini – working to empower young South Africans through skills development, mentorship, and economic opportunities, promises to be more than just another community gathering.

Kgopotso Mokone, part of the event organisers, describe it as a platform where innovation, skills development, and networking will converge to give young entrepreneurs practical tools to navigate an increasingly competitive economy.

Through workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions, and industry networking sessions, attendees will gain direct access to professionals, funders, and businesses that can help shape their futures.

For many young people in Pretoria, especially those struggling with unemployment and limited access to opportunities, the festival arrives at a crucial time.

South Africa continues to battle one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world, leaving many graduates and school leavers searching for pathways into business and sustainable careers.

Impact Youth Desk SA believes entrepreneurship can become one of the strongest solutions to this challenge.

Founded as a youth-led initiative, Impact Youth Desk SA focuses on entrepreneurship, empowerment, youth development, and skills training.

The organisation has steadily built a reputation for creating community-based programs that connect young people to resources and mentorship opportunities often out of reach for disadvantaged communities.

Youth Biz Fest 2026 is expected to attract more than 2 000 participants, bringing together aspiring entrepreneurs, creatives, students, small businesses, and industry leaders under one roof.

Organisers say the event’s vision extends beyond motivation speeches and inspirational conversations.

Instead, the focus is on practical engagement, giving young people real exposure to markets, business support systems, and funding opportunities.

One of the unique aspects of this year’s event is its dual-purpose model.

While entrepreneurship workshops and core skills sessions will remain free for attendees, entertainment activities at the festival will generate income to support other Impact Youth Desk SA programs across Pretoria.

According to Mokone, the approach is designed to ensure accessibility while helping sustain long-term youth development initiatives.

“This is about creating a cycle of empowerment,” he explained.

“Young people should not be excluded from opportunities because of financial barriers. At the same time, community programs need sustainable funding to continue making a difference.”

The event has already attracted several notable partners and sponsors who share the organisation’s commitment to youth empowerment. These include Small Enterprise Development and Financial Agency, the Department of Social Development, Wonderpark Mall, Dignity Pads, RK Events Management, MFR Studio & Fashion Studios and Kgosi FM.

The growing list of collaborators reflects increasing recognition of the need to invest in young people through entrepreneurship and skills development.

Organisers say more sponsorship and partnership opportunities remain open, with each contribution helping to expand the reach and impact of the festival.

“Our commitment is to the youth,” Mokone indicated.

“Whether we receive political backing or not, the work must continue because young people need opportunities now.”

As preparations continue, excitement is steadily building around Youth Biz Fest 2026.

In a country where unemployment and social challenges continue to weigh heavily on the youth, initiatives such as Youth Biz Fest 2026 serve as reminders that community-driven solutions can still open doors, inspire ambition, and create hope for a more empowered generation.

The Impact Youth Desk SA comprise a team of dedicated 15 executive members with new recruits in marketing with different portfolios, from different professions – law students, senior business analysts, pedagogical, construction project managers and QS, lieutenant Connell, and business people, even aspiring politicians who bring different skill sets into the mix.

Some are unemployed ansd some straight from high school but “we’ve recruited them, giving them needed work experience on voluntary basis.

“Everyone is actually selflessly volunteering,” explained Mokone.

“We also encourage those who need industry work experience to reach out and we’ll give them the platform to gain that experience to be job ready, particularly students and unemployed graduates.”

For sponsorship and partnership inquiries, contact Impact Youth Desk SA.

Nkiri Mmotla Community Engagement Officer – 0815487182 and Kgopotso Mokone Chairperson – 0671362495