This year’s YOBAs are proudly supported by First National Bank (FNB) and WesBank as Gold Partner Sponsors. Their involvement reflects a deep commitment to supporting the entrepreneurial journey of young Africans.
Continuing a Legacy, Celebrating a Movement
“Our goal has always been to build a platform that honours and amplifies the incredible work being done by young entrepreneurs,” said Pat Mahlangu, Founder of the The YOBAs. “With each edition, the YOBAs grow stronger, becoming a movement that validates the vision, hustle, and resilience of Africa’s next generation of brand leaders.”
This year, the YOBAs have gone a step further by introducing two new Pan-African categories that will celebrate outstanding youth-owned brands from East Africa and the SADC region. This expansion marks a new chapter for the awards, cementing their role in showcasing African excellence beyond South Africa’s borders.
By opening the platform to youth entrepreneurs beyond South Africa’s borders, the YOBAs aim to foster greater continental unity and collaboration, creating opportunities for cross-border engagement, learning, and visibility.
The East Africa and SADC categories will spotlight brands that are not only driving innovation within their local markets but also exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Africa’s youth.
“In opening the awards to the continent, we are acknowledging the incredible work being done by young Africans from all corners of the map,” said Pat Mahlangu, Founder of the YOBAs. “There is immense value in learning from one another, building networks, and collectively redefining what success looks like for youth-led brands in Africa.”
Support from Key Partners
This year’s event is made possible through the support of sponsors including First National Bank (FNB) and WesBank, both of which return.
“At FNB, we’re deeply committed to enabling young entrepreneurs to thrive,” said Janis Robson, Head of Business Development at FNB. “The finalists announced this year embody the spirit of innovation and perseverance that South Africa, and the continent, needs. We are proud to support a platform that celebrates their journey and amplifies their success.”
This new chapter is about more than recognition; it’s about connection. It creates space for shared stories, cultural exchange, and a united voice that champions youth entrepreneurship as a catalyst for economic transformation across Africa. Through these categories, the YOBAs continue to evolve into a continental movement—one that highlights excellence, drives impact, and reinforces the message that Africa’s future is being built by its youth, one brand at a time.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Celebration
As the YOBAs continue to evolve into a continent-wide movement, they invite all stakeholders, young entrepreneurs, industry leaders, investors, and the public, to join in recognizing the power of youth-led innovation. Together, we can build a future shaped by bold ideas, inclusive growth, and proudly African excellence.
For updates, full finalist lists, and event details, visit top16yoba.co.za or follow @Top16YOBA on social media. Get your tickets at webtickets.com
