Learn secrets of entrepreneurship
BUDDING entrepreneurs from high schools across southern Africa have been challenged to participate in the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation’s 2024 Entrepreneurship Game.
The annual Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge (AGEC) was established in 2017, providing a platform for young innovators to showcase their business ideas and hone their entrepreneurial skills.
Organisers of the competition, which is in its eighth year, said they would like to see a minimum of 20 000 high school pupils from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini enrol to compete in games and shark tank-style entrepreneurship pitching contests.
They said the competition included online webinars and facilitated school visits and there were exciting prize packages. The game can be paired with classroom lessons.
The challenge is not just a competition; it also provides further access to supportive communities within the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and a year-round dynamic playground where learning is educational and fun.
AGEC project leader Marcel Manikum said: “Through engaging simulations and enriched content, participants will learn to identify entrepreneurship opportunities and collaborate effectively. This initiative democratises access to entrepreneurship education, empowering southern African children to unlock their full potential and hone the skills they need to shape a brighter future for themselves.”
Manikum said that before the Covid-19 pandemic, more than 50% of young people between the ages of 15 and 24 in southern Africa faced the prospect of unemployment.
Former participant Thatego Moloi said the competition had given him a positive mindset. He had been so motivated that he had started his own business by selling fruits and vegetables grown in his garden.
“It was not easy but AGEC came to my rescue, and the game played a bigger role in my journey because I learnt about steps to take to be a successful entrepreneur,” said Moloi.
Manikum said Moloi learnt to let go of self-limiting beliefs and societal constraints, through innovative gaming and interactive learning.
“The 2024 competition promises to be more exciting than ever. The biggest change is the introduction of a new game for high school pupils, which is known as the Allan Gray High School Game, that requires less than 14 megabytes of data to participate.
“Pupils have access to a gaming hub where they can find games, resources and information to help them in the competition,” said Manikum.
He said the call to action was clear and urgent. “Join the challenge, transform your future, and unlock your entrepreneurial potential.”
Go to www.theentrepreneurshipchallenge.com or email info@theentrepreneurshipchallenge.com to enter.