Judges panel looks on as Entrepreneurs Pitch during the YEAI x Absa Limpopo tour
The University of Limpopo Technology Transfer Office (ULTTO) and its Business Development Unit have continued to position the University as a leader in innovation, commercialisation and entrepreneurship following the successful hosting of the 2026 Zenzele Youth Entrepreneurship Tour in partnership with the Young African Entrepreneurs Institute (YAEI) and Absa.
The collaboration reflects the University’s commitment to transforming innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises by creating opportunities for students, graduates and young entrepreneurs to access mentorship, funding, business development support and national networks.
The partnership between the University of Limpopo and YAEI has grown steadily over the past three years. In 2024, the University participated in the Zenzele Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge and proudly produced the overall national winner. Building on that success, the University was entrusted with hosting the Limpopo provincial programme in 2025, before once again welcoming entrepreneurs, industry partners and government stakeholders for the 2026 edition.
The continued confidence placed in the University to host the programme is a testament to the work of the ULTTO and Business Development Unit in fostering an environment where innovation and entrepreneurship can thrive.
The initiative also received strong institutional support from the Deputy vice chancellor for teaching and learning as well as acting deputy vice chancellor for research, innovation and partnership Proffersor Marliae van staden, whose commitment to advancing research commercialisation and entrepreneurship continues to strengthen the University’s innovation ecosystem and create opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
YEAI and ABSA team visiting Dr Kweteps Creatives during the site visits
This year’s programme commenced with business site visits to several entrepreneurs who emerged among the Top 10 finalists during the previous edition of the challenge. These included UL TTO Incubation programme graduates such as Dr Kweteps Creatives an Agro processing enterprise founded by Teboho Kwetepane. The visits highlighted businesses that continue to receive support through the ULTTO and Business Development Unit, demonstrating how sustained mentorship, business development and innovation support have enabled these enterprises to grow beyond the competition stage.
Speaking during the programme, Manager of the Technology Transfer Office , Thabo Lebelo, said partnerships between higher education institutions and organisations supporting entrepreneurship are critical to strengthening South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“When organisations that support the formalisation of youth-owned micro-enterprises collaborate with colleges and universities, we bridge important gaps within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. These partnerships make it easier for young entrepreneurs to penetrate the market and grow sustainable businesses. While our economy presents many challenges, I want to assure young people that with perseverance, resilience and determination, those challenges can be overcome,” said Lebelo.
The programme continued with the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, where young entrepreneurs pitched their businesses before a provincial judging panel for an opportunity to represent Limpopo at the national finals in Johannesburg. It concluded with the Financial Inclusion Symposium and the Zenzele Entrepreneurship Skills Initiative (ZESI) Graduation, which connected entrepreneurs with financial institutions, government departments, investors and business support organisations while providing valuable insights into funding opportunities and enterprise development.
The Top 10 Limpopo finalists announced at the event were:
Kgothatso Ntsoane – Nou Nou
Onkemetse Samuel Mafela – Mineral Roots
Liza Legodi – Liza’s Coffee
Willie Nkhwashu – MikWill Design Engineering
Tetelo Hamese – Ivy Brilliance-LMS
Owam Ambe – BMC Organics
Mathibela Maapola and Onthatile Mashakoe – Piquant Chilli Sauce
Keratiliwe – Redolecence Waters
John Mamabolo – Maamabola Aquaculture Ponics
Hlanhla Machebe – Nguqa Big 5