The US Embassy in Pretoria, Speak Afrika and Charities Aid Foundation Southern Africa (CAFSA) have partnered to launch the “Desert Startup Bootcamp” in Tshwane, which will see 55 aspiring entrepreneurs hone their skills over a period of three months.
Nearly 180 applications were received for the programme, which is sponsored by the US Embassy in Pretoria as part of worldwide efforts to support young entrepreneurs who spur growth and promote trade.
“Desert Startup Bootcamp” participants will meet weekly for workshops, pitching sessions, and mentoring and engagement with established business leaders. The bootcamp will culminate in August with a pitch competition that will set the foundation for participants to build their client networks and investments in their business.
Speak Afrika is a youth-run education organisation established in 2014 by alumni of the US State Department’s Mandela Washington Fellowship, which is committed to developing entrepreneurial skills and leadership competencies among young people.
Charities Aid Foundation Southern Africa (CAFSA) supports socio-economic development through the effective resourcing of the non-profit sector, and is supporting the US Embassy by delivering the youth leadership, entrepreneurship and STEM programming.
