When Young Entrepreneurs Rise, Communities Thrive

When young entrepreneurs are empowered with the right opportunities and support, they create jobs, strengthen local economies and inspire others to pursue their own entrepreneurial journeys.

This is the story unfolding at the Emaxesibeni Hawkers Centre, where youth-owned enterprises are demonstrating the power of entrepreneurship to transform communities.

Launched in 2024, the Hawkers Centre has become a vibrant hub of enterprise, bringing together young business owners operating across the retail, services, and ICT, and manufacturing sectors. Through the ECDC Small Town, Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (STTREP), five youth-owned businesses each received support valued at R5 000 to purchase essential stock, materials and equipment needed to strengthen and grow their operations.

While the financial support provided a valuable boost, its true impact extends far beyond the investment itself. One of the most inspiring outcomes has been the emergence of a local entrepreneurial ecosystem, where businesses are supporting one another and keeping economic activity within the community. During the implementation of the programme, beneficiaries made use of the services of a fellow ECDC-supported youth entrepreneur who operates an internet café and has been supported with the purchase of a generator and printer.

This demonstrates how targeted enterprise development can create a ripple effect, with one supported business helping another to succeed. It is a powerful example of how strategic investment is able to strengthen local value chains, encourage collaboration and build more resilient local economies.

Recognising that sustainable businesses require more than financial support, the ECDC continues to invest in the growth and development of young entrepreneurs. In June 2026, 12 youth-owned businesses operating from the Hawkers Centre participated in Basic Business Skills training, equipping them with practical knowledge to strengthen business management and position themselves for future growth.

As Youth Month draws to a close, the young entrepreneurs of the Emaxesibeni Hawkers Centre remind us that the future of the Eastern Cape is being shaped by young people who are determined to create opportunities where they live. Their journey demonstrates that when entrepreneurship is nurtured through strategic support, collaboration and skills development, communities thrive alongside the businesses they help to build.

The ECDC remains committed to empowering youth-owned enterprises that are driving inclusive economic growth, creating sustainable livelihoods and building a more prosperous Eastern Cape for generations to come.