The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, has emphasised the department ‘s commitment to positioning innovation, entrepreneurship and strategic partnerships at the centre of inclusive economic development and sustainable job creation in the province.
Speaking during an oversight visit to the North West Youth Empowerment and Enterprise Programme at the North-West University (NWU) Mahikeng Campus, MEC Lenkopane said the North West Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub represents more than a physical facility, it is a strategic investment in the province’s future economy that seeks to unlock the potential of young people as entrepreneurs, innovators, and employers.
The MEC conducted a walkabout of the Innovation Hub to assess progress on its infrastructure and engaged with its leadership on expanding the hub’s reach beyond the university community to ensure that innovation becomes accessible to young people across the province.
The programme also provided aspiring entrepreneurs from the Ngaka Modiri Molema District with an opportunity to present innovative business ideas to potential investors and funding partners, creating pathways for enterprise development, investment, and sustainable livelihoods.
MEC Lenkopane said the department is deliberately investing in innovation ecosystems that connect young entrepreneurs with business incubation, mentorship, finance, technology, and market opportunities, thereby enabling them to establish competitive enterprises capable of contributing to provincial economic growth.
She encouraged young innovators to pursue opportunities within high-growth sectors such as manufacturing, information and communication technology (ICT), agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, and the green economy, which remain central to the province’s economic diversification agenda.
“Every graduate without work represents untapped potential; it is opportunity delayed. Our responsibility is to create an environment where young people can transform their ideas into enterprises that create jobs and contribute to the prosperity of our province,” said MEC Lenkopane.
The Department has invested R5 million towards establishing the Innovation Hub through a strategic partnership with North-West University and the Youth African Enterprise Innovation (YAEI). The initiative has already generated 107 employment opportunities during its initial implementation phase while laying the foundation for long-term enterprise development and innovation.
Beyond infrastructure investment, the Department continues to expand opportunities for economic participation through targeted youth employment and enterprise development programmes implemented in partnership with the university and YAEI. These interventions seek to equip young people across all four districts with practical entrepreneurial, technical, and innovation skills that can be translated into viable businesses and sustainable employment.
Aligned with the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy, the programmes prioritise sectors with the greatest potential to stimulate inclusive economic growth, industrial development and job creation, including agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and logistics.
As part of its ongoing commitment to deepen community participation in economic development, the Department, together with the North West Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub, YAEI, and North-West University, will recruit 403 Community-Based Ward Ambassadors.
The ambassadors will serve as grassroots development champions, connecting communities with entrepreneurship opportunities, innovation support programmes and government services while strengthening the link between the university, local communities, and the provincial economy.
Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism
For inquiries, contact:
Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect / Facebook: @nwdedect