ACD Youth Development Sector The African is proud to introduce the Youth Development Sector Indaba Series, a strategic platform designed to bring together key stakeholders across South Africa’s Youth ecosystem to engage, connect, collaborate and unlock meaningful economic opportunities. The African Cooperative Desk (ACD) Youth Development Sector Indaba Series is a strategic platform bringing together corporate companies, government, SETAs, investors, cooperatives, SMMEs and community stakeholders to explore opportunities for collaboration and inclusive economic growth.To discuss opportunities and investment in the sector, date 24 September 2026 time 11am till 12pm together we can own the industry
Agenda: 1. Welcome and Introduction
2. How do we create our jobs in the sector
3. ESD sector opportunities & procurement
4. Enterprise & supplier development
5. Skills development and training
6. Cooperative & SMME development
7. Investment and access to funding
8. Community economic development
9. Strategic partnerships and collaboration
10. AOB
11. Action plans and next steps
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The African Cooperative Desk (ACD) is proud to introduce the Enterprise Supply Development Sector Indaba Series, a strategic platform designed to bring together key stakeholders across South Africa’s ESD ecosystem to engage, connect, collaborate and unlock meaningful economic opportunities.
The African Cooperative Desk (ACD) ESD Sector Indaba Series is a strategic platform bringing together corporate companies, government, SETAs, investors, cooperatives, SMMEs and community stakeholders to explore opportunities for collaboration and inclusive economic growth.To discuss opportunities and investment in the sector, date 24 September 2026 time 11am till 12pm together we can own the industry
Agenda:
1. Welcome and Introduction
2. How do we create our jobs in the sector
3. ESD sector opportunities & procurement
4. Enterprise & supplier development
5. Skills development and training
6. Cooperative & SMME development
7. Investment and access to funding
8. Community economic development
9. Strategic partnerships and collaboration
10. AOB
11. Action plans and next steps
12. Closure
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*🚀 Ignite Entrepreneurship - Idea to Venture Bootcamp
July 2026*
Student & Startup Application Form
Dear Entrepreneur,
The African Cooperative Desk (ACD) is proud to invite you to the Ignite Idea to Venture Bootcamp, a FREE 4-week intensive online program fully sponsored by the Wadhwani Foundation.
This practical bootcamp is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage startups turn promising ideas into validated business opportunities.
*What to Expect:*
2 live online sessions per week (Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4pm - 5pm via Microsoft Teams)
1–2 hours of guided independent work weekly
Learn proven tools to validate your idea, understand customers, build business models & prepare for market entry
You will work on your own venture throughout the program.
*Team Applications*
Have co-founders? You can apply as a team (max 3 members). Only one person (the founder/leader) should fill the application on behalf of the team.
*Who Should Apply?*
Individuals or teams with a genuine business idea
Those ready to validate customer demand and market potential
Serious about building or growing a startup
Willing to learn, experiment and engage with customers
*Participation Requirements:*
Smartphone or laptop
Reliable internet
Available for live sessions (Tues & Thurs 4-5pm)
Commitment to complete weekly practical tasks
This is a fast-paced, highly rewarding program. Your success depends on your commitment and active participation.
*Ready to Ignite Your Venture?*
If you're passionate and prepared to put in the work, complete the application form below.
We look forward to supporting your entrepreneurial journey!
*Privacy Notice:*
All information will be kept strictly confidential and used only for the Ignite Bootcamp.
For any questions, contact: Fana Khumalo fana@africancoopdesk.co.za
African Cooperative Desk (ACD)
or
Wadhwani Foundation Africa
📧 wfafrica@wadhwanifoundation.org
🌐 www.wadhwanifoundation.org
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Hi SMEs and COOPS
African Cooperative and Africa Destiny Media are inviting SMEs and Coops to attend their Soweto ESD Forum, We Would like to provide SMEs with information on Department of Labour compliance and benefits for SMEs also to provide SMES and Coops an update on AI and digital transformation and as we had invited corporates to present their ESD opportunities.
To RSVP send Message ESD to 0736269736 only 50 Entrepreneurs will be allowed reserve your seat now
"INNOVATING FOR ENTREPRENEURS"
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South African Founders: Is 2026 the year your idea becomes reality? 💡🇿🇦
ACD is looking for driven entrepreneurs in SA ready to take their venture from concept to market-ready.
Join my upcoming 14-week online founder cohort, using the Wadhwani Foundation’s Ignite Program. You’ll get practical, real-world application through weekly live sessions and group coaching, all facilitated personally by me, Xolela Sohuma, leveraging 20+ years of African ecosystem experience.
We kick off on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.
To succeed, you need to commit to the process. The program runs for 14 weeks, requiring attendance at two 1-1.5-hour live online sessions per week: every Tuesday & Thursday at 16h00 SA time.
Spots are limited to founders ready to take action.
PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND COLLEGUES WHO ARE INTERESTED IN STARTING THEIR OWN VENTURES.
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African Cooperative Desk is inviting all Leadership Talent Township Economy Leaders and Entrepreneurs to join our All sectors meeting Date: on 22 January 2026 Thursday Time: 11am till 3pm Venue: SWGC George Tarbo Dube Campus to become our members, leaders and portfolio mangers Joining fee 500 and Monthly contribution 100 for the formation of Cooperatives to manage sectors to develop besiness to own South African and International business we require leaders with experience in leadership, Business development, Comminucation, Corporate Governance, Financial literacy, Community Development, Recruitment, Marketing and Professionals at large in Creating our own Business Investment Legacy
Agenda
1. Opening and Welcome
2. Apologies
3. Feedback and Sector Development
4. Training and Development
5. Structure development
6. Creating our own Projects and Funding
7. Cooperative Bank
8. African Bank Affinity Programme and Enterprise Development
9. Implementation, Action plan and Wayforward
10. General
11. Closure
Send ACD Leadership to 0736269736 to rsvp to attend
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African Cooperative Desk is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Business Presentation with ACD sectors and Gauteng and Mpumalanga Millionaire Co-ops
Time: Jan 12, 2026 12:00 PM Johannesburg
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/81540954544?pwd=5PelaG2pae2Uu9d0GZbrEdsENaI18t.1
Meeting ID: 815 4095 4544
Passcode: h4X05b
Join instructions
https://us05web.zoom.us/meetings/81540954544/invitations?signature=qu4r4xnLj0PBvm0Na7cpgSqm2_XWZ3NnRasGpYeY7qs
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ACD Transportation Sector is looking to empower 50 Scooter drivers in their Transportation project interested drivers must be a South African Citizen with a valid ID copy and drivers license for more information send a WhatsApp 0736269736 with your name and surname for an interview next week Tuesday time and venue to be confirmed with the drivers let's go deliver the goods drivers
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African Cooperative Desk is calling all leaders in the community to come and share their skills and experience in our 20 sectors the aim is to grow the sectors and place leaders into sectors to own the sectors as their own to create their own financial freedom into organising projects to create an income stream to create employment and opportunities, We are looking for leaders to occupy the following management positions on CEO, Project, Legal, Finance, Marketing, PRO, Business Development, Database, Information, Corporate Governance and Policy, Resource, Coordination and many more...
For more information send your CV to fana@africancoodesk.co.za or send WhatsApp to 0736269736
Innovating for Entrepreneurs
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☀️ This week’s opportunities for African founders span equity funding, global fellowships, and market access.
Baobab Network Accelerator
$100K equity investment + lifetime support.
💡 Eligibility: Africa-based, African-led tech startups with validated MVPs
📅: Rolling (Next cohort: October 2024)
🔗: https://lnkd.in/dvuzi9Pi
University City Science Center US Market Access Program
For startups looking to enter the US healthcare market.
💡 Eligibility: Growth-ready medtech, diagnostics, or digital health startups
📅: June 30, 2025 (Expression of Interest)
🔗: https://lnkd.in/dyRqY_CU
The Global Good Fund Fellowship
12-month hybrid leadership program offering $10K for leadership development, executive coaching & mentorship.
💡 Eligibility: Social entrepreneurs leading enterprises operating for 3–5 years with global impact potential
📅: June 30, 2025
🔗: https://lnkd.in/dHZn_K5f
develoPPP Ventures
Catalytic funding of €100,000 for innovative, scalable solutions contributing to the SDGs
💡 Eligibility: Impact-driven startups in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda & South Africa with proof of concept and initial revenues
📅 : June 30, 2025
🔗: https://lnkd.in/dDuhKkPU
Entrepreneurship World Cup 2025
Annual global pitch competition awarding over $1M in cash prizes across Idea, Early, Growth, and SpaceTech stages. Top prize: $250K for Early Stage Champion
💡 Eligibility: Startups <10 years old, from any country, registered or planning to register
📅: June 30, 2025
🔗: https://lnkd.in/d_QHs2nP
Zayed Sustainability Prize
$150K for impactful solutions in Health, Food, Energy, Water, or Climate Action.
💡 Eligibility: SMEs solving key global challenges through innovation
📅: June 30, 2025
🔗: https://lnkd.in/dYpPS3Rs
Enterprise Singapore Foodtech Frontier Challenge
Global call for foodtech startups and SMEs to co-develop solutions around taste, texture, nutrition, and sustainability. Winners receive paid pilots and grants (including PoC funding for Singapore-based projects).
💡 Eligibility: Foodtech startups/SMEs developing solutions around taste, texture, nutrition, and sustainability
📅: June 30, 2025
🔗: https://lnkd.in/d3tCh_Gg
Imperial Enterprise Lab Commonwealth Startup Fellowship
6-month hybrid fellowship for high-potential startups. Includes a fully funded bootcamp in Ghana and the chance to pitch in London
💡 Eligibility: Startup founders from eligible Commonwealth LMICs with an MVP and early traction
📅: June 30, 2025
🔗: https://lnkd.in/duCFunkK
Western Union Global Fellowship
Fully-funded fellowship for entrepreneurs. Includes mentorship, skill-building, and visibility
💡 Eligibility: Founders from/serving marginalized or displaced communities in Nigeria & Uganda
📅: July 1, 2025 (priority deadline)
🔗: https://lnkd.in/dFgK3tRK
Tag a founder who needs the full list of 20+ resources here: https://lnkd.in/d-v2ney3
I share new opportunities for African founders every Tuesday. Follow me or Tafiya Capital to stay updated!
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on
24 September 2026, 13:35
SAST
