As South Africa marks the 50th anniversary of the 1976 youth rebellion, Absa has created a new fund to help young entrepreneurs create businesses that can create jobs and support economic growth.
through this On the “All in This Youth Month” platform, Absa launched the Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund (AYEF), an initiative designed to help young South Africans transform ideas into businesses and businesses into sustainable sources of jobs and economic growth.
AYEF builds on Absa's broader commitment to youth development and economic inclusion. Over the past five years, the Bank has invested more than R639 million in community programmes, positively impacting 1.7 million people.
The fund is positioned as a response to the persistent barriers faced by young entrepreneurs, such as limited access to funding, networks, mentorship and markets. Ayef will provide grant-based funding, structured business support and access to Absa's enterprise network.
Unlike traditional funding models, it provides conditional grant funding with no repayment and no equity, ensuring that young entrepreneurs can scale their businesses without additional financial burden.
Although aspirations remain high among South Africa's youth, access to opportunity continues to fall short. Many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle to move from idea to viable business due to structural barriers in the economy.
Sydney Mbhele, Absa's group chief marketing and corporate affairs officer, said: “South Africa's youth have always led the way in shaping our country's future. But today, the biggest hurdle is not ambition, but access. With the launch of the Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund, we are sowing the seeds of change by providing capital and support to young entrepreneurs, helping them create businesses that create jobs and drive inclusive economic growth. It's not just about funding, it's about building an ecosystem where youth can succeed and in turn uplift others.”
The Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund is designed to support entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey, from early-stage ideas to growing enterprises.
Program participants will benefit from:
- phased grant fund linked to business milestones
- Tailored guidance and strategic support
- Financial Management and Governance Guidance
- Market access and customer development opportunities
The program will support young entrepreneurs nationally over 12 months, from early-stage ideas to growing businesses with the potential to create jobs and contribute to local economies.
The fund is delivered in partnership with the Tshiamo Foundation and is designed to create lasting impact through a voluntary “pay it forward” model, where supported entrepreneurs mentor and uplift future participants.
Absa continues to focus on the young South Africans who are already building businesses, creating opportunities and shaping the country's future, reinforcing one key insight: South Africa's youth are not waiting for opportunity; They are making it.
Absa Towers West was energized by this flagship event, which brought together youth, youth entrepreneurship partners, business leaders and policy makers to connect opportunity with ambition.
The event served as both a launchpad for the Fund and a practical demonstration of how collaboration across sectors can accelerate youth participation in the economy.
Applications for the Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund will open in August 2026, with further details to be shared via Absa’s digital and social platforms.
Young entrepreneurs can direct initial inquiries to: absayef@tshiamoimpact.com
About Absa Group Limited
Absa Group Limited (Absa Group) is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is one of Africa's largest diversified financial services groups.
Absa Group provides an integrated set of products and services in personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management and insurance.
Absa Group has majority stakes in banks in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania (Absa Bank Tanzania and National Bank of Commerce), Uganda and Zambia and has insurance operations in Kenya and South Africa. Absa also has offices in the People's Republic of China, Namibia, Nigeria and the United States, as well as technology assistance affiliates in the Czech Republic as well as securities firms in the United Kingdom and the United States.
For more information about Absa Group Limited, visit www.absa.africa.