NBI Launches Green Economy Initiative to Empower Township Youth and SMMEs

The National Business Initiative (NBI) has launched an innovative plan aimed at empowering township youth, TVET students, and small enterprises with skills and opportunities in the green economy.

On Wednesday, the NBI officially unveiled the Installation, Repair and Maintenance (IRM) Initiative Campaign, designed to create sustainable pathways for employment and entrepreneurship in growing green sectors.

The IRM Initiative works within local ecosystems to unlock demand for skilled labour, align training supply with emerging opportunities, and create pathways for township enterprises to thrive in the installation, repair and maintenance sectors.

Zwelidumile Magano, Senior Project Manager from Sakaza Afrika, explained that by focusing on the fast-growing installation, repair, and maintenance sector particularly in the green economy the campaign aims to create conditions for inclusive and sustainable growth.

Digital Tools for Skills DevelopmentAccording to Magano, the campaign offers three integrated digital tools that provide practical, accessible support:

* Green Economy Toolkit This resource guides township SMMEs and youth from awareness to action with practical resources for business growth and innovation, empowering increased participation in the green economy.

* IRM Hub Portal An SMME development platform connecting small businesses to financial opportunities, providing compliance support, and enabling them to expand their operations.

* IRM Learning App – A mobile-first platform offering exchange of training and business data, designed to engage learners on an interactive level.

These tools cover topics ranging from the green economy to micro IRM training, with coaching designed to overcome data costs and access barriers.

Magano noted that this approach would enable users to gain certification and pathways into green careers.

"South Africa's economy cannot grow without unlocking the potential of its township enterprises and young workforce," said Magano, who leads Skills and Inclusive Workplaces at the National Business Initiative.

"The IRM Initiative is about aligning training with real demand, supporting small businesses to scale, and enabling youth to find pathways into sustainable work.

This campaign is the next step in taking these opportunities directly into communities."

Community Outreach ProgrammeIn terms of community outreach, the programme aims to register over 100,000 township youth and TVET students to the Green Economy Toolkit and IRM Learning App, and onboard various township SMMEs to the SMME development platform over the next two months.

The NBI team will visit various campuses and embark on community engagements to create awareness about the initiative.

The campaign will also be available on NBI social media platforms and the SAYouthMobi platform through collaboration with Harambee Youth Accelerator.

The campaign will be activated in Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Standerton, Mandeni, Cape Town, and the Garden Route (George, Mossel Bay, and surroundings).

About the National Business InitiativeThe National Business Initiative (NBI) is a not-for-profit development organisation that works to address South Africa's most pressing social and environmental challenges.

It is an independent and voluntary coalition of South African and multinational businesses, launched in 1995 by the then President Nelson Mandela.

Through initiatives like the IRM, NBI partners with business, government, and civil society to advance inclusive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social transformation.