Youth entrepreneurs step into the global arena at Export Expo
Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, speaking at the South African Export Symposium and Expo, said the strategy was designed to help the country move beyond its overreliance on a handful of traditional markets and commodities, creating a more balanced, resilient export base.
Image: Supplied
In a celebration of entrepreneurship and export potential, five youth-owned enterprises from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition's (dtic) Next Gen Exporter Incubation Programme are taking centre stage at the Export Expo, which runs from October 15-16, 2025, at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.
These innovative businesses are among 130 South African exporters showcasing their high-quality products and services to a global audience.
The Next Gen Exporter Incubation Programme, established as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the dtic and Universities South Africa (USAf), is aimed at fostering collaboration in promoting entrepreneurship among student and youth-owned businesses. With a focus on equipping young entrepreneurs with essential exporting skills, resources, and support, this 12-month intervention aims to develop the next wave of successful first-time exporters.
As these young entrepreneurs gather to showcase their talents, a myriad of opportunities emerges.
Muofhe Ratshikombo, the director of Oumie’s Grande, a manufacturer and supplier of fruits, vegetables, and condiments in Venda, Limpopo, is optimistic about the potential for her enterprise. “Through the Export Expo, we hope to expand our reach beyond South Africa. We currently supply retail stores in Gauteng and Limpopo and are in discussions with potential clients in Botswana, Nigeria, and Zambia. If these leads translate into actual transactions, we can grow our team beyond the four permanent employees we have now,” shared Ratshikombo.
Another entrepreneur, Prudence Maloka, founder of Rave About, a company that produces a range of high-quality chilli sauces, expressed her excitement about exploring export opportunities. “Being a part of the Next Gen Exporter Incubation Programme has been invaluable for us. We are looking to break into new markets and increase our presence across South Africa,” said Maloka, highlighting the passion that drives these young business owners.
Fortunate Maduwa, managing director of Maduwa Paint World, which manufactures paint, gamazine coating, and cleaning detergents, noted the fruitful connections made at the Expo. “We’ve already met potential clients from Botswana, Mozambique, and South Africa who are interested in partnerships. This exhibition has provided Maduwa Paint World with incredible exposure,” she remarked.
With its wide host of exhibitors spanning multiple sectors—including aerospace, agro-processing, manufacturing, medical and pharma, and more—the Expo aims not just to support these young businesses but also to profile South African exporters in key global markets.
The Youth-led businesses showcased at the Expo embody the innovation, resilience, and forward-thinking that define South Africa’s emerging entrepreneurial landscape, making their inclusion in an international dialogue on trade and entrepreneurship a significant milestone for the nation.
IOL