ESD Expo and Summit to focus on growing enterprises

Durban — Destiny Media Africa, in collaboration with KZN Growth Fund, the UIF and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), is hosting the 3rd Annual KZN Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Expo and Summit, at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) from July 31 to August 1, 2024.

This groundbreaking event will focus on leveraging Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) strategies and Preferential Procurement, to cultivate thriving enterprises, thereby creating sustainable livelihoods with a strong emphasis on empowering youth entrepreneurs.

ESD and Preferential Procurement have been identified as critical tools to help grow thriving enterprises, however, the expected impact of these instruments have not materialised as yet.

This summit will provide a platform for all stakeholders from the private and public sector to meet and engage on best practices in ESD to ensure a greater impact on the economy.

The summit will feature a book launch and a panel discussion set for July 31 2024, at 13:30, highlighting two pivotal works by Professor Thea van der Westhuizen, from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her extensive research is captured in the books:

• Youth Entrepreneurship: An Ecosystem Theory for Young Entrepreneurs in South Africa and Beyond;
• Practical Tools for Youth Entrepreneurs: An Applied Approach for South Africa and Beyond The panel discussion will bring together distinguished experts in the field, including;
• Dr Phumlani Nkontwana, Founding Director of the Alan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship at Stellenbosch University.
• Mr Edwell Gumbo, Director of Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education.
• Professor Gabriel Kabanda, Head of Doctoral Programmes at the Graduate School of Business and Leadership, UKZN.

This collaboration underscores a shared commitment by the host organisations to foster an ESD ecosystem where all entrepreneurs can thrive, supported by robust educational and practical frameworks.

Entrance: Free

For further enquiries, please contact: Andre Pietersen: andre@destinymediaafrica.com

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