South Africa’s National Youth Development Agency launched a 2.5 billion rand National Youth Fund to back young entrepreneurs and target job creation, announcing the plan at the Youth Investment Indaba in Johannesburg on Oct. 31, 2025. With youth unemployment above 45 percent, the fund aims to move past small grants and finance larger projects in sectors such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. The agency said it will seek capital from local and international partners over the next three years and pair financing with training and mentorship to build skills.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile endorsed the effort and urged cooperation to ease barriers like access to markets and finance. Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile pledged support and said the province would work with the NYDA and National Treasury on agile, accountable structures to speed funding, while encouraging private co-investment through blended finance. Other speakers outlined ways to grow youth-led firms and promote inclusive growth. The NYDA said it will track results across provinces as the fund rolls out, with goals to cut joblessness, expand productive businesses, and support economic recovery.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile endorsed the effort and urged cooperation to ease barriers like access to markets and finance. Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile pledged support and said the province would work with the NYDA and National Treasury on agile, accountable structures to speed funding, while encouraging private co-investment through blended finance. Other speakers outlined ways to grow youth-led firms and promote inclusive growth. The NYDA said it will track results across provinces as the fund rolls out, with goals to cut joblessness, expand productive businesses, and support economic recovery.
