Youth Trade & Export Empowerment Initiative

Youth Trade & Export Empowerment Initiative

The Youth Trade & Export Empowerment Initiative (YTEEI) is an ambitious program of the South African Youth Business Forum (SAYBF), designed to open global markets for young entrepreneurs and position them as active players in international trade. Recognizing that the future of South Africa’s economy depends on its ability to compete beyond borders, this initiative equips youth-owned enterprises with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to penetrate regional and global markets. YTEEI is not just about exporting goods and services—it is about exporting the ingenuity, creativity, and resilience of South Africa’s young people to the world stage.

Through targeted training, mentorship, and capacity-building programs, the initiative empowers young entrepreneurs with a deep understanding of international trade standards, export regulations, logistics, and market entry strategies. YTEEI also connects youth enterprises with trade partners, investors, and government agencies that facilitate cross-border commerce. By building strong trade networks and encouraging youth participation in global value chains, the initiative ensures that young business leaders are not confined to local markets but are empowered to scale, expand, and thrive in a highly competitive global economy.

The Youth Trade & Export Empowerment Initiative is more than an economic program—it is a bridge to opportunities that transform communities and build generational wealth. By unlocking access to global markets, the initiative uplifts youth businesses, creates jobs, and strengthens South Africa’s overall trade competitiveness. It positions young entrepreneurs not only as beneficiaries of trade but as innovators who redefine Africa’s contribution to the global economy. In doing so, YTEEI becomes a catalyst for youth-driven prosperity, ensuring that South Africa’s future is written in the language of international collaboration, growth, and economic independence.

"Taking Youth Businesses Beyond Borders."