PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR SOUTHERN AFRICAN YOUTH THROUGH LOCALISED ENTREPRENEURIAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMME (LEAP)

The economy in Southern Africa is not exploiting its full potential partly due to the lack of entrepreneurial activities. Entrepreneurship represents an important vehicle that can help address the challenges of job creation and economic growth. The goal of the Young Southern African Entrepreneurs (YSAE) is to create an enabling environment for graduates of universities in Southern Africa and empower them to become successful entrepreneurs. In setting up the framework for YSAE, a Design Thinking (DT) mindset and approach was adopted. This resulted in the Localised Entrepreneurial Academic Programme (LEAP). LEAP will provide students with a supporting environment within the universities where they can interact, share ideas and experiences, seek advice and build networks while having access to knowledge and resources. It is believed that this programme can stimulate entrepreneurial activity which can have a positive effect on economic growth in Southern Africa.