Ramaphosa: Entrepreneurs, and not government, will create much-needed jobs

Ramaphosa delivered the opening address at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress at the Sandton Convention Centre. This is the first time the event is taking place in Africa. 

Entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and policy makers from more than 170 countries around the world will spend a week together to discuss and identify new ways of helping stat up business and share new ideas on innovation.

Ramaphosa says the congress will benefit the African continent in a multitude of ways. 

“It provides a unique opportunity for African entrepreneurs to interact with potential global partners. It enables entrepreneurs to engage with policy makers and business leaders. It is an avenue for mentorship, knowledge exchange and investment. It showcases African entrepreneurs, innovators and inventors alongside their global counterparts” Ramaphosa says.

He says this is also an opportunity to harness job creation in Africa.

“The millions of jobs that our people need will not be created by governments or big industry alone. They will be created by emerging entrepreneurs supported by sound government policies and deliberate action by established business. Small business will grow, thrive and create jobs when government procurement policies set aside funds to buy from SMMEs” he says

He also emphasized that entrepreneurship needs to be taught at a primary school level.

“Young people must, from an early age, be encouraged to innovate and be problem-solvers. They must be given the skills to turn ideas into viable businesses. Most importantly, they must leave school appreciating that entrepreneurship can be a viable career option.”