MTN Pulse Launches Youth Hustle Hub Empowerment Program Offering Young South Africans a Share of R800,000 In Prizes
Are you a young business owner looking to expand your hustle and take your business to the top bagging up to R75,000? Or are you looking to build your skills to get that dream job? MTN Pulse's Youth Hustle Hub is offering young entrepreneurs the chance to be one of 30 young business owners to win a share of R800 000. The prize money is complemented by a series of skills development podcasts and webinars geared at upskilling young South Africa’s – all participants have access to these podcasts and webinars.
A study by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor released in 2024 found that young people exhibit higher levels of entrepreneurial intent compared to adults. In the regions examined, including South Africa, young individuals were found to be 1.6 times more likely to possess entrepreneurial aspirations than older generations. And with Stats SA finding that more than 45% of young South Africans aged 15-34 years, are currently unemployed, it is in this gap that MTN has decided to enter with the Youth Hustle Hub.
Selected by a panel of business and entrepreneurship experts, entrepreneurs are asked to upload a 30–45-second video promoting their "hustle" on social media, tagging @MTNZA with the hashtags #LetsOperate, #MTNPulse, and #YouthHustleHub to stand a chance of being one of 30 business owners to win. The top 30 will each receive a prize package worth R25,000 geared towards business support, beginning with a weeklong mentorship workshop in Johannesburg. During this workshop program, they will receive mentoring and undergo business analysis to identify each of their business needs. On the final day of the session, entrants will also present their business plans — which the panel of experts assisted them with — the top entrant receiving an additional R50,000 to put towards their business.
As part of the Youth Hustle Hub initiative, job-seekers will also be able to access bespoke podcasts and webinars with expert hosts and guests aimed at integral skills development needed to enter the labour market, with more to be announced.
Seun Soladoye, General Manager for Prepaid Segment at MTN South Africa, adds, "As part of our commitment to achieving our strategic goal of 'Opening the door to valuable opportunities,' we are launching this program to empower young Aouth Africans, entrepreneurs, job-seekers and any ordinary citizens through both on-the-ground and digital activities."
The Youth Hustle Hub is the latest initiative from MTN focused on empowering South Africans. Earlier this year, MTN also launched the Skillsbox Made4U career portal. The #Made4U Skillsbox offers a suite of resources, including a website and mobile platform, designed to empower job-seekers throughout their employment journey. From crafting professional CVs and cover letters to mastering interview skills and building personal brands, the portal provides insights curated by recruiters and trusted institutions.
Additionally, there is also the MTN Skills Academy boasts post-matric courses covering everything from digital marketing to data science. In combination, these programs provide everything young South Africans need to develop new skills that help them grow the local economy and their communities.
In conclusion, Soladoye adds that "the MTN Pulse Youth Hustle Hub represents a significant step towards nurturing youth owned businesses and fostering innovation within our community. By providing tangible support and creating platforms for interaction and growth, we aim to enable aspiring entrepreneurs to thrive in a dynamic business environment."