Johannesburg, South Africa | 08 July 2026 – The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBAs) have announced bp Southern Africa (bpSA) as an official sponsor of the 2026 awards, reinforcing a shared commitment to recognising and supporting young entrepreneurs who are building impactful brands across South Africa.
The partnership comes as the awards celebrate their fifth anniversary, marking another milestone in the platform’s mission to recognise youth-owned businesses that are driving innovation, creating jobs and contributing to economic growth.
A shared commitment to youth entrepreneurship
Since launching in 2022, the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards have grown into South Africa’s leading platform dedicated to celebrating youth-owned brands. The awards recognise entrepreneurs who are building businesses with purpose while creating opportunities within their communities and industries.
bpSA’s sponsorship reflects the company’s ongoing investment in youth development and enterprise growth. Through its retail network, customer-facing platforms and social investment initiatives, the company continues to support programmes that encourage entrepreneurship, skills development and economic participation.
Celebrating five years of recognising youth-owned brands
The 2026 edition marks the fifth annual Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards and will celebrate entrepreneurs who continue to redefine what youth-led business looks like in South Africa.
Beyond recognising outstanding brands, this year’s awards will also highlight the critical role entrepreneurship plays in addressing unemployment, stimulating innovation and strengthening the country’s economy.
“Having bpSA come on board as a sponsor is a strong vote of confidence in the power of young entrepreneurs,” says Pat Mahlangu, Founder and CEO of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.
“For the past five years, our mission has been to create a platform that gives youth-owned brands the recognition they deserve. bpSA’s support helps us amplify that mission and fuel even greater opportunities for young people who are building brands with purpose, creativity and resilience.”
Recognising the builders of today
The 2026 Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards will take place on 02 September 2026 in Sandton, bringing together entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, investors, ecosystem partners and the media to celebrate the brands shaping South Africa’s entrepreneurial future.
By partnering with the awards, bpSA joins a growing community of organisations investing in young entrepreneurs—not simply as the leaders of tomorrow, but as the innovators and business builders creating impact today.
“Young entrepreneurs are among the most important drivers of South Africa’s economy and future growth. They are creating opportunities for themselves and others, introducing new ideas and helping to build thriving communities,” says Nokwanda Khumalo, General Manager: Mobility & Convenience at bp Southern Africa.
“At bpSA, we believe that recognising and supporting this entrepreneurial drive is an important part of enabling greater economic participation and growth. That’s why we are proud to support the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards and celebrate the next generation of business leaders who are making a meaningful impact across the country.”
More than an awards platform
Over the past five years, the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards have evolved into more than an annual awards ceremony. The platform has become a movement that celebrates possibility, encourages collaboration and creates visibility for youth-owned businesses across multiple sectors.
As preparations continue for the 2026 awards, the partnership with bpSA signals growing corporate confidence in the role young entrepreneurs play in building South Africa’s future economy.
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