Facebook to host one-day summit for young digital entrepreneurs in Joburg

Facebook is partnering with the Department of Small Business Development and Livity Africa to host Youth Enterprise Day, a one-day summit that aims to celebrate and catalyse youth entrepreneurship in South Africa.

In a press release Facebook said the event, to be hosted on June 24 at the Turbine Hall in Newtown, Johannesburg, will mix inspiration with learning by highlighting the stories of young South Africans who have built successful businesses using online tools.

The summit will highlight the stories of some of South Africa’s most successful youth-run businesses, followed by a series of workshops hosted by Facebook and Livity Africa that will give young entrepreneurs a crash course on how to use Facebook, Instagram and other digital tools to grow their businesses.

‘We’re passionate in developing young entrepreneurs, small businesses’

There will also be a line-up of inspirational talks; confirmed speakers and panelists include Rina Chunga of Rich Factory; Abed Tau of Tuta-Me; Nothando Moleketi of ReWare; Nadav Ossendryver of Latest Sightings; author and entrepreneur Musa Kalenga and Lelo Boyana from Just Curious/ Chica.co.za.

“We believe passionately in the development of young entrepreneurs and small businesses as a means of sparking economic growth and job creation in South Africa,” said Emilar Gandhi, public policy manager for South Africa at Facebook.

“Digital platforms such as Facebook and Instagram can help them (youth entrpreneurs) increase sales and brand awareness while also building loyal communities and business leads. We’re excited to spend a day hearing young entrepreneurs’ stories and sharing our ideas about how digital platforms can help them grow.”

Rina Modi, business development director at Livity Africa said South Africa’s fast-growing digital economy offers many exciting entrepreneurial opportunities for the youth.

“We’re excited to work with Facebook to connect young people with ideas about how they can capitalise on digital platforms to build great, sustainable businesses,” said Modi.