There is a great need to get more young people participating in the agriculture and agroprocessing economy. The sentiment came out during of the “Youth In Manufacturing Webinar hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) in partnership with Proudly South Africa.
The dialogue was part of the “Youth In Industries” series and forms part of the dtic’s youth month activities. It brings together private and government institutions current and potential entrepreneurs to accelerate and advance youth industrialists in the specified sectors.
The Chief Director of Export Promotion and Marketing at the dtic, Mr Joseph Senona, told delegates about various programmes within the Export Development, Promotion and Outward Investment Branch aimed at opening national and international markets for South African producers, especially young and upcoming entrepreneurs. He added that these have a strong emphasis on supporting the productive sectors in manufacturing and agro-processing.
“We also give support to businesses through primary market research, ensuring national and international market entry through breaking down barriers and ensuring international market readiness. We also offer mentoring and business coaching and take local entrepreneurs on different trade missions, international exhibitions and pavilions to promote their products and businesses,” Senona explained.
He explained that the goals were to promote the understanding of different trade agreements and opportunities and to ensure they were fully exploited by South African business operators.
The Director of Industrial Financing at the dtic, Mr Donald Mabusela shared information with attendees on the various incentive schemes available to support those wishing to participate in various sectors. He emphasised that the goal was to promote a whole spectrum of those previously marginalised, with a strong focus on women, the youth and people living with disabilities.
The Chief Executive Officer of Proudly SA, Mr Eustace Mashimbye said agriculture offered many job opportunities specifically for young people, who are under represented in the sector.
“Encouraging entrepreneurship in agriculture and agro processing is one way in which we can grow those job opportunities as companies are established and assisted to grow by programmes of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic),” said Mashimbye.
Source: Department of Trade and Industry