Empowering 20 Youthful Business Innovators: Liquid Intelligent Technologies Ignites South Africa's Digital Legacy
In a significant stride to combat youth unemployment, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a business of the global Cassava Technologies Group, has successfully completed its Youth Tech Entrepreneurship Programme in South Africa. The year-long initiative, operating in the Eastern Cape and North West Provinces, aims to equip young people with advanced digital skills and entrepreneurial support.
### Key Features of the Programme
The programme offers comprehensive training in artificial intelligence (AI) and software development, accredited by MICTSETA. Participants also receive pre-incubation support, including business skills development, to help translate innovative ideas into commercially viable enterprises.
### Impact
Twenty young entrepreneurs recently graduated from the programme, showcasing its capacity to train and empower youth in tech entrepreneurship. The winning start-up, ProLink, a digital platform connecting users with verified contractors in Mthatha, secured R100,000 in seed funding and a 12-month business support package. ProLink has already created two new jobs since its launch, demonstrating direct employment impact.
Alumni of the programme have gained influence beyond local business, with one graduate, Okuhle Badli, COO of Otomex Innovations and founder of Nhanha Technologies, appointed Co-Chair for AI, Digital Innovation, Education, and Future of Work for Y20 South Africa 2025. This appointment showcases the programme’s role in elevating youth voices on a global stage.
### Broader Significance
Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies in South Africa and Botswana, emphasised the programme's importance, stating that it is about *empowering Africa’s youth to not just participate in the digital future, but actively shape it* through future-ready skills and innovation addressing real-world challenges.
In summary, the Youth Tech Entrepreneurship Programme has made a tangible impact on reducing youth unemployment by nurturing digital and entrepreneurial skills, fostering innovative start-ups, creating jobs, and promoting youth leadership in South Africa’s tech ecosystem. The programme's commitment to equipping young people with technical and business skills for the digital future underscores its firm belief in ensuring South Africa's youth can contribute meaningfully to the empowerment of themselves and their communities during Youth Month.
- The Youth Tech Entrepreneurship Programme, operated by Liquid Intelligent Technologies, focuses on education and self-development through comprehensive training in software development, artificial intelligence, and business skills development – areas essential for shaping the digital future.
- Alumni of the programme have made significant strides in both local and global societies, with one graduate, Okuhle Badli, appointed Co-Chair for AI, Digital Innovation, Education, and Future of Work for Y20 South Africa 2025, showcasing the programme's role in elevating youth voices on a global stage and fostering personal growth.
- By equipping young people with advanced digital skills and entrepreneurial support, the Youth Tech Entrepreneurship Programme has created opportunities for personal and economic growth, as demonstrated by the success of ProLink, a winning start-up that has already created two new jobs since its launch.
