Youth Businesses in the Green & Circular: Climate Resilience and Just Energy Transition Webinar

The South African Youth Trade Association (SAYTA), in collaboration with the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), hosted a high-level webinar exploring the role of youth-led enterprises in advancing climate resilience, promoting the green and circular economy and driving participation in the Just Energy Transition. This important dialogue brought together leaders from government, the United Nations system, environmental institutions, development organizations and entrepreneurs to discuss practical pathways for strengthening youth participation in sustainable economic development. Featured Speakers and Panelists: • Hon. Jane Sithole – Deputy Minister of Small Business Development • Hon. Alexandra Abrahams – Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) • Arlette Verploegh – Head of Enterprise Development, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) • Nomama Mei – South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) • Mr Konrad Hochhold – IKD International / SES Expert • Dr Jenitha Badul – Senior Policy Advisor, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) • Ditebogo Senokoane – Investment Associate, National Empowerment Fund (NEF) • Victoria Kamateeka – Founder, Kama Waste Solutions • Joseph Obore – Founder and Executive Director, ADEGCO • Siyabonga Hans – Treasurer General, South African Youth Trade Association (SAYTA) • Luyolo Dwesi – President, South African Youth Trade Association (SAYTA) This webinar highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and youth leadership in building resilient communities, creating green jobs and ensuring that young entrepreneurs are active participants in shaping a sustainable future. 📅 Date: 10 June 2026 🕚 Time: 11:00 – 13:05 (SAST) 💻 Platform: Microsoft Teams To learn more about SAYTA and upcoming initiatives, follow our channels and subscribe for future conversations on trade, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Timestamps 00:00 Presentation - Nomama Mei (SANBI) 08:43 Presentation - Konrad Hochhold (IKD International) 24:15 Keynote Address - Hon. Alexandra Abrahams, Deputy Minister of DTIC 45:15 Panel Discussion Dr Jenitha Badul - Senior Policy Advisor, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Ditebogo Senokoane - Investment Associate, National Empowerment Fund (NEF) Victoria Kamateeka - Founder, Kama Waste Solutions Joseph Obore - Founder and Executive Director, ADEGCO 1:36:02 - Question and Answers 1:45:20 - Keynote Address - Hon. Jane Sithole, Deputy Minister of DSBD 1:48:27 - Closing Remarks - Arlette Verploegh, Head of Enterprise (UNCTAD) 00:00 Reflections and Closing Remarks #YouthEntrepreneurship #GreenEconomy #ClimateResilience #JustEnergyTransition #CircularEconomy #SAYTA #UNCTAD #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #YouthInBusiness #Africa #GreenJobs