Empowering Youth Entrepreneurs: GNU's Bold Move To Boost International Trade
- The Government of National Unity (GNU) is throwing its full support behind an ambitious effort to empower young entrepreneurs in international trade.
- Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition Andrew Whitfield emphasized the department's commitment to fostering balanced trade and leveling the playing field for young exporters.
- Whitfield revealed that specialized training programs are being developed to enhance the export readiness of young entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills they need to compete globally.
- SA Youth Trade Association President Luyolo Dwesi highlighted the importance of meaningful youth participation in trade initiatives, urging a focus on creating opportunities for the next generation.
Gqeberha — Picture this: a group of young, ambitious South African entrepreneurs stepping onto the global stage, armed with the tools and knowledge to compete on equal footing with seasoned traders. That’s exactly what’s happening thanks to a newly formed network designed to empower and uplift the next generation of business leaders.
This initiative, still in its early stages, aims to provide a solid foundation for young entrepreneurs by hosting capacity-building webinars and offering mentorship opportunities. It’s a bold move to ensure that South Africa’s youth are not just participants but leaders in the global trade arena.
GNU Stands Firm Behind Youth Empowerment
This groundbreaking effort is being led by the South African Youth Trade Association (SAYTA) in partnership with the International Trade Institute of Southern Africa (ITRISA). Together, they’re creating a virtual workshop series focused on the theme, "Empowering and Creating a Conducive Environment for an Inclusive and Sustainable Trade through Meaningful Youth Participation."
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The Government of National Unity (GNU) has thrown its full support behind this initiative. During a virtual session held on August 28, Trade, Industry, and Competition Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield delivered a powerful keynote address, underscoring the importance of equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed in international markets.
Whitfield explained that his department’s approach to sustainable trade revolves around giving young entrepreneurs the platforms they need to make their mark globally. "Through supporting youth participation on platforms that connect them with international buyers, the DTIC aims to promote balanced trade. This ensures that youth-led businesses can compete fairly and sustainably on the global stage, contributing to equitable trade," Whitfield said.
"Our strategic initiative focuses on improving market access and trade facilitation for youth-led businesses. We’re actively supporting participation in international trade missions and fairs, where export-ready entrepreneurs can showcase their innovative products to a global audience."
Whitfield also announced that the DTIC is rolling out specialized training programs designed to boost the export readiness of young entrepreneurs. He emphasized the importance of leveraging existing trade agreements to create opportunities for South African businesses. "The future of Africa’s export-led growth and intercontinental trade is intrinsically linked to Africa’s youth," he said.
Building Capacity for Tomorrow’s Leaders
In an exclusive interview with Briefly News, SAYTA President Luyolo Dwesi explained that this initiative was born out of the African Union Assemblies’ adoption of key protocols impacting the continental free trade area. These protocols prioritize empowering women and youth in trade, promoting sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development, and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
Dwesi stressed the importance of meaningful youth participation in driving economic growth and addressing pressing issues like unemployment, inequality, poverty, and crime. "SAYTA believes that when young people are given a voice, they can influence and shape the services that matter most to them. This not only ensures that programs are appropriate and responsive but also saves time and energy in the long term," he said.
"Capacity-building is crucial for increasing the ability of youth to engage in trade. National and regional trade-supporting institutions can provide enhanced services to young entrepreneurs, such as trade-related information on market access issues and trade opportunities."
Dwesi pointed out that South Africa is home to a large youth population, yet youth unemployment and inequality remain significant challenges. Despite making up a substantial portion of the country’s population, South African youth still face significant barriers to participating in cross-border trade and trade governance matters across the continent.
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"Youth-specific barriers in trade include power dynamics and business networks based on age; lack of access to assets and finance; limited access to trade-related or market information; limited trade-related education or skills; and administrative and unfair regulatory frameworks."
Calling for Greater Youth Representation in Leadership
In related news, Briefly News reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s second term has sparked hope among the youth for greater inclusion in policy and reform decision-making processes. The youth are eager to have a seat at the table, shaping the policies that will define their future.
As Dwesi noted, "The inclusion of youth leaders in cabinet discussions is not just a matter of representation—it’s about ensuring that the voices of those who will inherit the nation’s future are heard loud and clear." This call for greater youth involvement underscores the urgent need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to governance and economic development.
