Entries open for Youth Innovation Prize – South Africa

Entrants with the most promising essays will receive coaching and mentorship from the communication and social innovation experts. This support will help take your essay along with your thinking and communication skills to the next level.

Shortlisted entrants will also gain exposure to the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship at UCT, the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Douglas Knowledge Partners and other organisations in their network, all of whom are interested in engaging with talented young people. This exposure could open the door to job opportunities, freelance roles or further study – as it has for many of their finalists and winners in the past.

Focus Area

• Innovations for gender equality: According to the United Nations, achieving full gender equality could take close to 300 years if the current rate of progress continues. Initiatives are urgently needed to safeguard the rights of women, improve their representation in leadership, and build more inclusive economies and societies.

Prize Information

• The winning entry this year will receive a R10,000 cash prize, and second- and third-place entries will each receive a R 5,000 cash prize.

Eligibility Criteria

• This competition is for individuals who:
  • Are curious and want to learn, grow and challenge themselves.
  • Are eager to develop or deepen their thinking and communication skills.
  • Are passionate about their ideas for social change and development.
• There are no academic requirements for participation and entrants can come from any sector and field, provided they meet the minimum eligibility criteria listed below:
  • You are aged between 18 and 30 years (turning 18 up to 30 during 2024).
  • You live in South Africa.
  • You may not enter if you have previously been a finalist in the YIP.

For more information, visit Youth Innovation Prize.