Sayda Youth In Business is an entrepreneurial project, that helps young entrepreneurs start or grow businesses in Southern Africa.

Sayda Youth In Business is a division of Southern African Youth Development Agency,

designed to tackle the prevalent problem of youth unemployment in the Southern African region.

Project Overview

SAYDA Youth in Business (SYB) is the enterprise and innovation division of SAYDA, established to develop youth-led businesses, cooperatives, and startups across Southern Africa. SYB equips young people with entrepreneurial skills, access to finance, and cross-border trade opportunities—laying the groundwork for inclusive growth and participation in the AfCFTA marketplace.

Our Core Programmes

Youth Enterprise Incubation Program:

Provides training, mentorship, and access to capital for emerging youth entrepreneurs.

Women in Business Accelerator:

Promotes the inclusion and empowerment of young women in key economic sectors.

Trade and Export Readiness Program:

Prepares youth-owned businesses to engage in regional and continental trade through AfCFTA.

Financial Literacy and Cooperative Development:

Builds financial management and governance skills among youth-led entities.

Youth Innovation Hubs:

Create digital and creative spaces for entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and innovation-driven growth.

Our regional approach will enable SYB member organizations to work closely together and share knowledge, best practices and methodologies with the aim of tackling youth unemployment in Southern Africa.

sayda youth in business

Business Information

&

Advisory Centre

(BUSINESS RESOURCES WALK-IN CENTRE)

BIAC

The BIAC serves as a one-stop hub for young entrepreneurs — offering information, support, and opportunities to start, grow, and sustain businesses.

Structured List of Services:

1. Business Advisory & Mentorship

  • One-on-one consultations with experienced business advisors.
  • Access to industry-specific mentors and coaches.
  • Tailored guidance for start-ups, small businesses, and scaling enterprises.

2. Business Registration & Compliance Support

  • Assistance with company registration and formalization.
  • Guidance on tax registration, compliance, and regulatory requirements.
  • Help with intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights).

3. Financial Literacy & Funding Support

  • Training on budgeting, cash flow management, and record-keeping.
  • Advisory on loan applications, grants, and investment readiness.
  • Linking youth entrepreneurs with funding institutions and microfinance partners.

4. Market Access & Linkages

  • Business matchmaking and networking opportunities.
  • Information on tender opportunities and procurement processes.
  • Support in accessing local, regional, and international markets.

5. Skills Development & Training

  • Entrepreneurship training workshops and masterclasses.
  • Digital literacy and e-commerce training.
  • Leadership, communication, and business ethics development.

6. Research & Market Intelligence

  • Access to updated business information, reports, and trends.
  • Sector-specific data to guide decision-making.
  • Advisory on emerging industries and innovation opportunities.

7. Co-working & Resource Facilities

  • Walk-in workspace for young entrepreneurs.
  • Access to internet, printing, and business resource materials.
  • Networking lounges for peer-to-peer exchange.

8. Innovation & Start-up Support

  • Guidance on ideation, prototyping, and product development.
  • Support with business model design and pitching.
  • Incubation and accelerator programme referrals.

9. Policy Awareness & Advocacy Support

Information sessions on youth entrepreneurship policies.

Advocacy support for youth-friendly economic reforms.

Platforms for engaging with government and private sector stakeholders.