The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), marking the beginning of a strategic partnership to accelerate youth economic participation, enterprise development, and inclusive urban growth across the City of Johannesburg.

The MoU was signed during the NYDA’s 100 Days Stakeholder Engagement and reflects a shared commitment to expanding meaningful pathways for young people to access skills, opportunities, and support within the city’s development space.

Key areas of collaboration include:

• Youth development and employment: Skills programmes, short-term placement opportunities, and participation in JDA construction and infrastructure projects.
• Enterprise development and innovation: Support for youth-owned businesses, entrepreneurship competitions, and the creation of funding frameworks.
• Education and outreach: Accessible platforms for youth to receive information, guidance, and support, with JDA venues and coordination backing the programmes.
• Construction and infrastructure empowerment: Compliance training, mentorship for young women and persons with disabilities, and increased youth participation in the built environment sector.
• Communication, governance, and coordination: Information sharing, joint steering committees, and aligned implementation of development initiatives.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, JDA CEO Themba Mathibe highlighted the importance of the partnership: “Today marks a significant moment as we formalise our partnership through this Memorandum of Understanding.

“This collaboration will create pathways for youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and innovation in Johannesburg. Our city thrives when its young people thrive. Together, we aim to unlock opportunities that will shape the future of our economy and communities,” he said.

​The MoU will run over a three-year period, guided by a joint project steering committee and a detailed implementation plan to be finalised within 60 days.