Judges look on as entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas.
University’s partnership with YAEI and Absa gives young entrepreneurs access to mentorship, funding and business networks
By Abba Armooh – abba.armooh@ul.ac.za
The University of Limpopo is strengthening its role in developing young entrepreneurs and turning innovative ideas into viable businesses through its partnership with the Young African Entrepreneurs Institute (YAEI) and Absa
The university’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and Business Development Unit hosted the 2026 Zenzele Youth Entrepreneurship Tour, bringing together young entrepreneurs, industry partners and government stakeholders.
The partnership is part of UL’s broader efforts to support innovation, commercialisation and entrepreneurship while creating opportunities for students, graduates and young entrepreneurs to access mentorship, funding and business development support.
The relationship between UL and YAEI has grown over the past three years. In 2024, a UL participant won the Zenzele Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge at national level. The university hosted the Limpopo leg of the programme in 2025 and returned as host for this year’s edition.
The continued role played by UL in the programme reflects the work of the TTO and Business Development Unit in creating an environment where innovation and entrepreneurship can develop.
The programme also received institutional support from Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof Richard Madadzhe, and Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Partnerships, Prof Marlise van Staden. Their support has helped strengthen the university’s focus on research commercialisation and entrepreneurship.
The 2026 programme began with visits to businesses run by some of the Top 10 finalists from the previous edition of the challenge. Among those visited was Dr Kweteps Creatives, an agro-processing business founded by Teboho Kwetepane and a graduate of the TTO incubation programme.
The visits showcased businesses that continue to receive support from the TTO and Business Development Unit beyond the competition, including mentorship, business development and innovation support.
Speaking during the programme, TTO Manager Thabo Lebelo said stronger links between universities and organisations supporting entrepreneurship were needed to help young businesses enter the market and grow.
Lebelo stated, “When organisations that support the formalisation of youth-owned micro-enterprises collaborate with colleges and universities, we bridge important gaps within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
He encouraged young entrepreneurs to remain resilient despite the challenges facing the economy.
The programme culminated in the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, where young entrepreneurs pitched their businesses before a provincial judging panel for an opportunity to represent Limpopo at the national finals in Johannesburg.
The event also included the Financial Inclusion Symposium and the Zenzele Entrepreneurship Skills Initiative (ZESI) Graduation. The sessions connected entrepreneurs with financial institutions, government departments, investors and business support organisations, while providing information on funding and enterprise development.
“When organisations that support the formalisation of youth-owned micro-enterprises collaborate with colleges and universities, we bridge important gaps within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
YAEI and Absa teams engage with Kweteps Creatives during a site visit, showcasing the journey from entrepreneurship support to a growing enterprise.
Limpopo’s Top 10 finalists
- Kgothatso Ntsoane – Nou Nou
- Onkemetse Samuel Mafela – Mineral Roots
- Liza Legodi – Liza’s Coffee
- Willie Nkhwashu – MikWill Design Engineering
- Tetelo Hamese – Ivy Brilliance-LMS
- Owam Ambe – BMC Organics
- Mathibela Maapola and Onthatile Mashakoe – Piquant Chilli Sauce
- Keratiliwe – Redolecence Waters
- John Mamabolo – Maamabola Aquaculture Ponics
- Hlanhla Machebe – Nguqa Big 5