Unisa recently hosted the 2025 Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Studentpreneurs Indaba and Lekgotla at its Muckleneuk Campus. The four-day event attracted hundreds of students, academics, policymakers and entrepreneurship experts from across the world.

Organised by Universities South Africa (USAf), in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) through the Alliance for Entrepreneurial Universities in Africa (AEUA), the two flagship gatherings were held back-to-back. The 8^th Annual EDHE Studentpreneurs Indaba, powered by Absa, took place on 6 and 7 October, followed by the 7^th Annual EDHE Lekgotla on 8 and 9 October.

Held under the unifying theme "Entrepreneurship for Sustainability", the events created a vibrant platform for dialogue, learning and innovation, reinforcing entrepreneurship as a cornerstone of sustainable development and economic growth.

Empowering a new generation of ethical entrepreneurs

The EDHE Studentpreneurs Indaba brought together young entrepreneurs from all 26 South African public universities, alongside international delegates from Kenya, Lesotho, Botswana, Canada, the Netherlands and South Korea. The Indaba reaffirmed its mission of nurturing ethical, sustainable entrepreneurship while empowering youth to address societal challenges through innovation and enterprise.

In her opening address, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, commended student entrepreneurs for their creativity and resilience. She called for a new wave of socially responsible entrepreneurship that goes beyond profit-making to advance inclusion and sustainability.

"This gathering is more than a conference," she said. "It is a convergence of global thinkers, students and seekers of knowledge; individuals committed to using their learning, research and passion not merely to seek employment, but to create it."

The Indaba featured a mix of dynamic activities, including the Amazing Race Challenge, a digital exploration designed by EDHE, and Quest Visits, organised by the Tshwane Economic Development Agency. Interactive sessions and panel discussions covered topics such as township entrepreneurship, cross-border e-commerce, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and opportunities arising from the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

As lead sponsor, Absa Group reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to youth empowerment and financial inclusion. Nonhlanhla Magagula, Head of Corporate Citizenship Programmes at Absa, emphasised that the bank’s partnership with EDHE is focused on creating sustainable pathways for youth participation in the economy.

Building entrepreneurial universities for sustainable growth

Following the Indaba, the EDHE Lekgotla convened approximately 350 academics, practitioners and partners to deliberate on integrating entrepreneurship within higher education.

Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube

Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, praised the transformation achieved through the EDHE Programme.

"Entrepreneurship is no longer a peripheral activity," she said. "It is now strategically recognised as a priority area within our universities. Leadership is not only embracing it; they are driving it, integrating it into the very fabric of their institutions," she said.

She encouraged academics to embed entrepreneurial thinking into their teaching and research, emphasising the need to commercialise research outputs and develop solutions for real-world challenges.

USAf CEO, Dr Phethiwe Matutu, echoed this sentiment, stressing that universities play a central role in shaping entrepreneurship ecosystems that support inclusive economic growth.

"We recognise entrepreneurship as a powerful driver of economic growth, innovation, job creation and social transformation. It promotes responsible business models and sustainable practices, and universities are central to cultivating vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystems," she noted.

A shared vision for sustainable impact

Dr Edwell Gumbo

The Lekgotla programme included panel discussions, workshops, and site visits to local startups. Sessions explored how artificial intelligence tools can enhance research and innovation, support social entrepreneurship and align universities with national and global sustainability goals.

Both the Indaba and Lekgotla underscored that entrepreneurship is crucial for the future of higher education in South Africa. They highlighted the interconnectedness of student development, academic innovation and curriculum transformation in strengthening institutional impact.

In his closing remarks, Dr Edwell Gumbo, Director of Entrepreneurship at USAf, reflected on the renewed energy and purpose ignited by the events.

"These gatherings reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to embedding entrepreneurship in higher education as a driver of sustainable impact. Through collective effort and collaboration, we are shaping the next generation of change-makers," he concluded.

* By Tebogo Mahlaela, Communication and Marketing Specialist, Unisa, and Khutso Moleko, Media and Marketing Officer, EDHE