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The Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) and the Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industry South Africa (YCCISA) have announced a strategic partnership poised to reshape the nation’s business environment. This collaboration marks a critical commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs and driving tangible solutions for inclusive economic growth. The partnership focuses on an actionable framework to:
- Create and expand opportunities for youth-led enterprises and startups.
- Unlock access to new markets, both local and international, for emerging businesses.
- Provide targeted skills development and capacity-building to future-proof the youth workforce.
- Spur investment and trade that promotes sustainable business practices.
Speaking on the transformative potential of the alliance, YCCISA founder and CEO Denise Rapitsi said: “This is more than a partnership; it’s a turning point for the South African economic landscape. By joining forces with the JCCI, we are not just integrating youth into the mainstream—we are leading a movement to fundamentally transform the chamber environment. This collaboration will inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs, establish a gold standard for inclusivity, and embed best business practices into the heart of youth-led enterprises, ensuring they are not just surviving, but thriving and reshaping the future of our economy.”
JCCI CEO Bernadette Zeiler underscored the partnership’s urgency and purpose: “The JCCI is very excited about this strategic partnership, which has come at a time when the country faces huge unemployment levels amongst the youth. Together, we will address and provide a tangible solution to this problem.”
Zeiler said the JCCI has always been a champion for business growth. She said the strategic alliance with YCCISA is a “testament to our commitment to a sustainable and dynamic future”.
Zeiler said,”We are proactively transforming our own environment by taking a bold step towards intergenerational cooperation. Our goal is to inspire and empower the next generation, ensuring that young business leaders have a seat at the table and that their innovative spirit and fresh perspectives are at the forefront of our collective efforts to drive economic development and job creation.”
BUSINESS REPORT
