Youth tech entrepreneurs in South Africa are showing the world that age is just a number when it comes to innovation and entrepreneurship.
From garage start-ups and small rented offices, youth tech start-ups in software development, app development, and other tech services are finding innovative ways of solving real-life problems, changing lives in the process.
Adam Moonsamy from CodeRise, a mobile software startup, said at first they were just a few friends huddling around laptops in his bedroom. “We had no funding, no clients, but we had ideas and we believed in them. Now we’re helping small businesses across Durban and Cape Town go digital. It’s a dream come true,” he said.
Co-founder of GreenTrack Naledi Radebe, said mentorship makes all the difference. She shared her early struggles with a great app idea to help people find eco-friendly stores, but she didn’t know how to pitch it or grow it. “Joining a tech incubator changed everything. I wasn’t alone anymore; I had people cheering me on while showing me the ropes,” she said.
A junior developer at NxtGen Solutions, Luhlaza Ndlovu, emphasised that employees feel the energy too. “It’s fast, it’s chaotic, but it feels like family. Every idea I bring to the table is considered, and sometimes it becomes part of the product. You don’t get that in big corporate offices,” said Ndlovu.
He said even though it’s fruitful right now, the road isn’t easy because funding is tight, infrastructure can be unreliable, and scaling takes patience. “Some mornings I wake up wondering if we’ll make payroll,” he said.
Angel investor Anele Buthelezi said investors and incubators see the promise. She said young founders aren’t just building apps; they’re building communities.
“They understand local challenges in ways outsiders often miss. Supporting them isn’t just an investment in tech; it’s an investment in people,” she said. “The energy, the resilience and the willingness to learn from mistakes are traits that will shape South Africa’s economy for years to come, and it’s inspiring to watch.”
There are several avenues for young innovators to get started. Below are a few links to get you started:
- The Innovation Hub- drives economic development by supporting startups, entrepreneurs, and businesses with incubation, skills development, and enterprise support.
- Founders Foundation- provides tailored support to entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to scale their businesses.
- Startupbootcamp- provides funding and accelerator opportunities for early-stage ventures.
- The Department of Small Business Development- also supports youth-led startups with grants and resources
