Cape Town: Shaping Africa’s Tech Future

Young Entrepreneurs Take Centre Stage at Invest Cape Town’s Youth in Tech Showcase 

By Invest Cape Town Team 

Cape Town’s incredible youth tech talent took centre stage at the recent Youth in Tech Showcase, hosted in collaboration with UVU Africa at the iconic Cape Town City Hall. Dedicated to celebrating the contributions of young tech entrepreneurs, the event provided a platform for youth to engage with industry leaders, learn from other successful entrepreneurs, and gain valuable insights into the dynamic tech landscape. 

A Celebration of Youth Tech Start-up’s 

The Invest Cape Town Youth in Tech Showcase is testament to the City’s commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering innovation. The event featured a series of engaging sessions with speakers who have made significant strides in the tech sector. These industry leaders shared their journeys, offered advice, and inspired the next generation of tech entrepreneurs. 

Inspiring Journeys and Insights 

Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, emphasised that the Youth in Tech showcase was not just a celebration of individual success or the tech industry, but a tribute to Cape Town’s thriving tech entrepreneurs. He highlighted Cape Town’s strong support for the industry, underscoring the importance of events like the Youth in Tech Showcase. The aim is to showcase the talent, innovation, and partnerships that shape our future. 

Lesego Finger, the visionary Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder of Matric Live, kicked off the event by sharing his journey – from a curious child fascinated by the inner workings of toys and games, to becoming a passionate tech enthusiast. Lesego emphasised the transformative impact of AI on education technology (edtech), highlighting how rapid advancements are reshaping the industry. He encouraged start-ups to leverage AI to navigate their businesses effectively, urging them to use these platforms to thrive in a fast-evolving industry. 

Mandisa Makubalo, trailblazing Founder and CEO of The Unlimited Experiences SA Group Consulting Firm, recounted her experience since founding her consultancy in 2004. She highlighted a critical issue: many African entrepreneurs struggle to sustain their businesses beyond five years due to a lack of training and skills. To address this, her consultancy has trained over 5,000 entrepreneurs across Africa, partnering with UVU Africa and women in business initiatives. Mandisa stressed the importance of financial literacy and access to tradable products, especially in townships, to bridge these gaps and foster sustainable businesses. 

Chesarae Kris Pillay, Head of Digital at CapaCiTi, emphasised the importance of mentorship for youth, whether they were starting their careers or embarking on entrepreneurial ventures. He explained that having a mentor significantly increased the chances of thriving and succeeding, guiding mentees to navigate their paths effectively and achieve their goals. 

Fostering an Inclusive Tech Ecosystem 

Soraya Mohideen, Principal Growth Coalition Officer at the City of Cape Town, shared her insights on the City’s strategic initiatives that have positioned Cape Town as a leading tech hub.  

“Cape Town has been at the forefront of the African tech economy for over 30 years, and has played host to the continent’s first tech incubator. The City ensures that Cape Town’s talent and start-ups are integrated into a robust, world-class tech ecosystem, which we are proud of” 

The City of Cape Town collaborates with strategic partners like Wesgro, the regional trade, investment and destination marketing agency, and UVU Africa, an integral ecosystem convenor, to attract investment, export our services and build an environment conducive to growth.  

The City of Cape Town is active in the broader network of supporting institutions which provides us with insights into the needs of tech start-ups, informing policy and support initiatives to leverage technology for economic growth. 

Looking Ahead 

The City of Cape Town, in collaboration with UVU Africa and key stakeholders, will continue to focus on youth, women and informal traders, by presenting opportunities to learn through skills development, and develop and grow businesses in the tech sector. 

“We envision Cape Town continuing to evolve as a tech city, actively engaging in innovative ideas and developments,” said Soraya. “Whether it is exploring the economic viability of support a nascent technology area or an opportunity to build local competitiveness through strategic clustering, Cape Town and its Growth Coalition team supports every stage to ensure success. Given the fast-paced nature of the tech industry, our strategic partners’ collaboration with the City is crucial in positioning Cape Town as the leading Tech City in Africa” 

Invest Cape Town’s Youth in Tech Showcase was a resounding success, highlighting the City’s dedication to fostering the next generation of tech leaders. We look forward to continuing this journey and reinforcing Cape Town’s status as a vibrant hub of innovation and technological advancement. 

Speaker’s Caption 

Lesego Finger: AI is transforming edtech, reshaping the landscape with rapid advancements. 

Mandisa Makubalo: Addressing the gap in access to tradable products in townships and improving understanding of invoicing processes is essential 

Chesarae Kris Pillay – Having a mentor significantly increases the chances of thriving and succeeding.