iAccelerate SA kicks off 2026 cohort to empower young entrepreneurs
iAccelerate SA has kicked off its four-month programme with 24 Grade 9–11 learners, offering mentorship and hands-on training to shape South Africa's next generation of business leaders.
iAccelerate SA commenced its 2026 cohort, enrolling 24 high school students from Cape Town to cultivate entrepreneurial skills and innovative problem-solving abilities. After an inaugural Open Day, the Grade 9 to 11 learners convened for Session 1A: Ideate, the first full programme module focused on fostering entrepreneurial thinking, evaluating business concepts, and preparing for the cohort's concluding Pitch Day.
This session, guided by Assistant Facilitator Lola Bello and Lead Facilitator Sibulelo Mafrika, emphasized the I-We-It Process Approach, practical exercises, self-reflection, and teamwork. Participant Iyokhanya Baliso remarked that the opening session expanded her perspective on transforming minor ideas into significant ventures, particularly noting the example of a speaker who transformed a small concept into a substantial success.
The initiative underscores the importance of connecting young individuals with real-world industry expertise. During the session, Arthur Mexico, Founder and CEO of Access Network Africa and CEO of Yanda Edtech, shared his experiences as a social entrepreneur, emphasizing the significance of hard work, growth, and viewing failure as a catalyst for creative solutions.
Mexico observed that the students were a highly talented group, and the discussion on failure resonated deeply, helping many realize that it's acceptable not to possess all the answers. Participants in the 2026 cohort will engage with new industry professionals in each session, gaining exposure to varied business viewpoints. The four-month program, launched in November 2024, aims to equip South African learners with practical tools, mentorship, and leadership skills to tackle real-world challenges and launch community-driven ventures.
Upcoming sessions will see the participants refine their business ideas and develop tangible ventures, culminating in a final Pitch Day where they will showcase their solutions to a panel of mentors and industry leaders.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
