MEGA SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDES YOUTH BUSINESS BREAKFAST
MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
20 JUNE 2026
MEGA SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDES YOUTH BUSINESS BREAKFAST ENGAGEMENTS ACROSS MPUMALANGA
The Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) proudly marks the successful conclusion of its 2026 Youth Business Breakfast Engagement Series, held across the three district municipalities of Mpumalanga as part of Youth Month commemorations under the theme of empowering young people through entrepreneurship, innovation and economic participation. The engagements were hosted in Nkangala District Municipality (Victor Khanye Local Municipality), Gert Sibande District Municipality (Lekwa Local Municipality) and Ehlanzeni District Municipality (Bushbuckridge Local Municipality), bringing togethermhundreds of aspiring and established young entrepreneurs, business owners, development partners, financial institutions and government stakeholders.
The initiative formed part of MEGA’s commitment to celebrating the legacy of the youth of 1976 by creating practical platforms that equip young people with knowledge, networks, opportunities and resources necessary to participate meaningfully in the economy. Throughout the three engagements, participants received valuable information on business funding, enterprise development, market access opportunities, compliance requirements, business registration, financial management, innovation and growth strategies. Young entrepreneurs engaged directly with development finance institutions, government agencies and private sector stakeholders, creating an environment that encouraged collaboration, learning and business growth.
The programme featured insightful presentations and panel discussions from a range of stakeholders and sector experts who shared practical experiences, funding opportunities, support programmes and strategies aimed at strengthening youth-owned enterprises. Their collective contribution enriched the engagements and provided young people with critical tools required to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape successfully.
MEGA extends its sincere appreciation to all partner institutions and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the programme, including the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), Absa Bank, Capitec Bank, Land Bank, SARS, National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency, Nkomazi Special Economic Zone (NSEZ), Safcol, district and local municipalities, and various business support organisations that participated throughout the roadshow.
Special appreciation is extended to the leadership of the host municipalities, government officials, business development practitioners, exhibitors and speakers whose expertise and commitment ensured that young entrepreneurs received relevant and impactful information. Most importantly, MEGA applauds the young people of Mpumalanga who responded positively to the call to participate. Their enthusiasm, engagement and willingness to learn demonstrated that the province possesses a generation of entrepreneurs determined to build sustainable businesses, create employment opportunities and contribute to economic growth.
The overwhelming attendance across all three districts confirms the growing demand for accessible business support information and highlights the importance of sustained collaboration between government, development agencies and the private sector in advancing youth economic empowerment. Beyond the host municipalities, the engagements attracted participants from surrounding communities and municipalities across Mpumalanga, extending the programme’s impact to a broader audience of young entrepreneurs who travelled to access opportunities, information and support services.
As Youth Month draws to a close, MEGA remains committed to ensuring that the conversations initiated through the Youth Business Breakfast Engagements translate into tangible opportunities for youth-owned enterprises. The Agency will continue to work closely with strategic partners to provide access to funding, business development support, investment facilitation and market opportunities for young entrepreneurs throughout the province.
The success of the 2026 Youth Business Breakfast Engagement Series reinforces MEGA’s vision of building an inclusive provincial economy where young people are not only participants but active drivers of economic transformation and sustainable development. Together, we continue to honour the legacy of June 16 by investing in the economic future of our youth.
Ends
For media enquiries:
Mr Noko Mosotho
Email:noko.mosotho@mega.gov.za
Contact: 071 254 8490
Alternatively contact our offices at 013 492 5818.
Issued by the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency
