Enactus South Africa National Exposition 2026

The Enactus South Africa National Exposition 2026 will take place from 22–23 July 2026, bringing together university students, academic institutions, business leaders, corporate partners, government representatives, judges, alumni and supporters for two days of innovation, collaboration and celebration. As Enactus South Africa's flagship annual event, the National Exposition showcases the remarkable work of university students who are using entrepreneurship to solve real-world social, economic and environmental challenges. Following months of enterprise development, research and community engagement, Enactus teams from universities across South Africa will present their innovative projects and businesses before panels of distinguished judges. The National Exposition is more than a competition. It is a platform that connects students with leaders from business, academia and industry while providing opportunities for networking, learning and collaboration. Throughout the event, attendees can expect inspiring presentations, meaningful discussions and opportunities to engage with corporate partners who share a commitment to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. In addition to the National Competition, the event will also celebrate the winners of three flagship Enactus South Africa Special Competitions: • MTN Digital Innovation Enactus Challenge • Harmony Food & Health Security, Employability and Entrepreneurship Enactus Challenge • Ford Community Resiliency Student Challenge Following a highly competitive selection process involving more than 700 entries across the three challenges, finalists competed during the first two weeks of July. The winners will be officially recognised during the National Exposition Awards Ceremony on 23 July 2026, celebrating outstanding student innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial excellence. The National Exposition will also feature South Africa's most promising Early-Stage teams, providing emerging ventures with an opportunity to demonstrate their entrepreneurial potential and innovative ideas. The team crowned Enactus South Africa National Champion 2026 will earn the honour of representing South Africa at the Enactus World Cup 2026 in São Paulo, Brazil, where they will compete alongside teams from 35 countries from around the world. The Early-Stage Champion will also represent South Africa at the Enactus World Cup by participating in the Early-Stage Showcase, highlighting the country's emerging entrepreneurial talent on the global stage. Speaking ahead of the event, Letitia de Wet, Country Leader and Chief Executive Officer of Enactus South Africa, said: "The Enactus South Africa National Exposition is a celebration of the ingenuity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of our students. At a time when youth unemployment remains one of South Africa's greatest challenges, these young leaders are not waiting for opportunities. They are creating them. Through innovative, sustainable enterprises, they are generating livelihoods, strengthening communities, and demonstrating that entrepreneurship is a powerful catalyst for economic growth and social impact." The Enactus South Africa National Exposition continues to demonstrate how entrepreneurial action can create meaningful, sustainable change. By empowering university students to develop innovative business solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities, Enactus South Africa is helping shape a future led by purpose-driven entrepreneurs. Enactus South Africa extends its sincere appreciation to its corporate partners, universities, faculty advisors, judges, volunteers, alumni and supporters whose continued commitment makes the National Exposition possible. A special thank you goes to Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited, the 2026 National Exposition Anchor Sponsor, and the Sowetan, the event's Official Media Partner, for their invaluable support in celebrating and advancing student entrepreneurship in South Africa.