Unlocking Youth Economic Participation Through Finance, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

Date:   Saturday, 19th September 2026 
Time:  10:00 – 12:30 SAST | 11:00 – 13:30 UK Time 
Venue: Standard Bank Kingsmead Auditorium, Durban (Live in-person & broadcasted remotely) 
Host:    Standard Bank 
Supporting Partners: SA Chamber UK, DRG and BusinessFit SA 

Join us for a transformative session dedicated to catalysing youth development and accelerating youth business development across KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa. Established to bridge the gap between emerging leaders and corporate and government decision-makers, The Kwakha Collective is driving a new model of active economic participation, ownership, and enterprise creation (BEE 2.0). 

Hosted by Standard Bank and supported by the SA Chamber UK, DRG and BusinessFit SA, this landmark event brings together prominent business leaders, financial experts, and young entrepreneurs to move beyond passive employment toward real wealth creation and leadership. 

Key Focus Areas Include:

•  Financing the Next Generation: Unlocking access to capital, building credit profiles, digital finance, and preparing investment-ready enterprises. 
• Structured SMME Development: Transitioning start-ups into sustainable, compliant, and scale-ready businesses through specialized mentorship and governance tools. 
• Leadership & Strategic Networks: Empowering young leaders with the relationships, skills, and industry connections needed to drive lasting economic impact. 

Whether attending in person at the Kingsmead Auditorium or joining virtually, this event offers a vital platform for young professionals, business owners, and partners committed to building the businesses that will lead our economy into the future.