The Young Entrepreneurs Network (YEN) officially relaunched on 27 June 2025 during a powerful hybrid event in East London.
Under the theme “Youth in Action – From Ideas to Implementation,” the four-and-a-half-hour gathering united youth leaders, government officials,
private-sector champions, development partners and diaspora representatives to set a practical agenda for youth-led change.
Key participants
- Ms Babalwa Nkwentsha – Eastern Cape Director for Youth, Department of Social Development
- Mr Sam Mxunyelwa – CEO, Lunika Group
- Ms Dolly Ganashe & Dr Sakhiwo Nombembe – Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency (ECPTA)
- Director for Women – Department of Social Development
- Princess Shabakie Fernandes – Diaspora Representative
- Mrs Bea Hackula – President, Africa For Africa Women
- Ms Ukhona Kwinana – Global Champion of YEN
From inspiration to implementation: YEN’s roadmap
In her keynote, Ukhona Kwinana presented a practical roadmap aligned with the UN SDGs
and the AU Agenda 2063, with six core priorities:
- Skills training in fashion, textiles & creative industries
- Scalable food security models
- Sanitary dignity campaigns
- Inclusive economic development
- Youth camps & cultural exchange
- Sustainability across sectors
“Our generation must move from inspiration to action, from isolation to strategic partnership.”
— Ukhona Kwinana, Global Champion, YEN
Honouring legacy and leadership
The relaunch honoured Mrs Bea Hackula for her mentorship and spiritual leadership that founded Africa For Africa Women and
helped incubate YEN. Her leadership continues to influence a new generation of African leaders.
Strategic partnerships
Key collaborators celebrated at the event include:
- ECGB — Hosts of the YEN relaunch
- ECPTA — Aligning youth strategy with eco-tourism and green entrepreneurship
- Department of Social Development (Women’s Directorate) — Partnering to advance health and dignity for girls
Get involved
YEN is a mandate for transformation. Join as a member, partner or volunteer and help shape Africa’s future through entrepreneurship, innovation and inclusion.
