Share of R1.5m in prizes up for grabs in DBSA Youth Challenge

Are you between the ages of 18 and 35 and have an innovative development idea that addresses South Africa’s infrastructural needs across various sectors?

Then, you could stand to win a share of R1.5-million in prize money in the DBSA Youth Challenge.

Entries for the competition close on 31 August and must be original, relevant to society, scalable and feasible. Submissions can also be posted to DBSA, PO Box 1234, Halfway House, 1685, Midrand.

Submissions for the challenge must address one or more of the infrastructure development needs within the DBSA’s core sectors which are: energy, water, transport, information and communications technology (ICT) and the social sector which includes health, education and housing.

Entries for the DBSA Youth Challenge will close on 31 August

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) explained in a statement Thursday last week (18 July) that the competition is aimed at getting young people in South Africa to come up with solutions to some of the country’s infrastructural challenges.

The DBSA said it sees the competition as an opportunity for young people to “have a voice” and participate in the economy, and by doing so, bring them from the margins to the centre.

The development finance institution believes that with technology making it possible to change the way services are delivered, there is room for more young people to get involved in finding more innovative solutions to infrastructure problems that will directly influence their future.

DBSA head of communication and marketing Sebolelo Matsotso said as development practitioners, the institution partners with stakeholders to co-produce impactful development solutions.

“Through initiatives such as the DBSA Youth Challenge, we look forward to working more closely with a segment of our society that is the foundation for our country’s future,” added Matsotso.

The top 10 finalists of the competition will have an opportunity to promote their ideas and network with potential sponsors before the three winners are announced at a gala event later in the year.

Featured image: rawpixel via Pixabay