Monthly Newsletter | Issue 1, October 2026
OPENING DOORS TO OPPORTUNITY
Business events have the power to do more than bring people together. They can connect individuals with opportunities, industries with future talent and communities with pathways to growth.
Conceptualised by the CTICC in 2023, the Youth in Action Expo was created to connect young South Africans with practical pathways into education, skills development, entrepreneurship and employment.
The fourth edition, held at the CTICC in August 2026, welcomed more than 12 000 young people and 150 exhibitors, bringing together educational institutions, employers, government departments, entrepreneurship support organisations and industry bodies under one roof. Since its launch in 2003 with 1 500 attendees and 42 exhibitors, the Expo’s growth reflects the continued demand for accessible platforms that bring opportunities directly within reach.
Attendees could explore bursaries, scholarships, internships, graduate programmes, career pathways, skills development and entrepreneurship support. Additionally, 10 Speaker Corner sessions tackled topics ranging from artificial intelligence and workplace readiness to financial wellness, sustainability, innovation and emerging careers.
The Expo is particularly relevant in a country where 45.6% of young people aged 15 to 34 were not in employment, education or training in the first quarter of 2026. By giving young people direct access to these opportunities, Youth in Action helps them ask questions, compare options and make more informed choices about their future.
Presented by the CTICC in partnership with the Western Cape Government, City of Cape Town, Gift of the Givers, Independent Media, AV Network and Scan Display, the Expo demonstrates what collaboration can achieve in opening doors for the next generation.
As Youth in Action prepares to enter its fifth year in 2027, its continued growth reinforces a simple idea – when young people are given the right resources, credible information, guidance and opportunity, the impact can extend far beyond the Expo itself.
