Socionext Africa empowers unemployed, rural and peri-urban youth in Africa. We help youth with skills on how to start a social enterprise within 7 days, by using rapid prototyping and lean start-up methods.

1. AFRICA

2. OVERVIEW
SOCIONEXT offers a world class training in social innovation, entrepreneurship
skills development and rapid prototyping.
Through our five (5) to eight (8) day social innovation and entrepreneurship training
program, we take participants through a step-by-step process from idea-generation
through prototype design, testing, development of a minimum viable product
(MVP) and validation of a business case.
In addition, we help participants to understand co-creation strategies, how to do
project planning based on Game Plan and the principles of Dynamic Steering for
team management. As well Marketing and Finance (briefly introduced)
AFRICA

3. HISTORY
Program developed at University of Amsterdam and tested in South Africa
June 2010 – 2014
The program we offer is based on a successful program for study credits at the University of
Amsterdam in the Netherlands (Holland).
2012 – 2014
The program has been specifically adapted for South Africa and has already been completed
successfully by 50 participants from TSiBA University and the University of Cape Town (UCT).
The program was also recently delivered to unemployed youth in the rural community of
Phomolong (Free State), as well as a diverse group of bursary students from Standard Bank and
the IDC.
To date more than 100 young South Africans have successfully completed the program.
Learn more: www.socionext.org
AFRICA

4. 2015 and Beyond
Programme Founder, Mr. Tjaart Theron, is a South African anti-apartheid activist based in the
Netherlands, and has driven a local pilot with various partners throughout 2014 and believes
that the programme can help create the next generation of changemakers, entrepreneurs, small
business owners and innovators in South Africa.
New programmes are currently being finalized for 2015 with local and international partners
such as the Bank of America, SABEF/Gauteng Enteprise Propeller (GEP) etc.
To successfully achieve its Africa objective for social change through social entrepreneurship, the
board of SocioNext has approved the establishment of SocioNext Africa.
Learn more: www.socionext.org
AFRICA

5. Methodology
Using the latest international skills training methods as well as lean startup methodology, the
programs follows the following format:
The program is designed to work well with participants working in teams on designing, testing
and validating 4-6 business ideas.
Teams ideally consist of a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 5 people.
The total group should not be larger than 25 participants.
Key learning areas:
- Idea generation
-Learning-by-doing (experiential learning)
-Rapid prototyping
-Co-Creation, Game Plan and Dynamic Steering
-Presentation skills and Customer feedback
AFRICA

6. Outcomes
On the final day of the program, participants (in their teams) are able to present or pitch a fully
developed, tested and validated business case, defend their business model in public, and have
important tools to continue building their business.
This enables self confidence, improves self esteem, develops creativity and importantly
empowers the youth to be self starters with market tested ideas (in many cases revenue
generating enterprises).
SocioNext is able to provide on-going mentorship and business support, through a network of
local partners and stakeholders.
AFRICA

7. AFRICA
Impact
Audience Target (Age Group): 16 – 60 years old
Audience Target (Source): University students
Unemployed youth
Unemployed women
Skills Intervention: Entrepreneurship skills
Soft skills (public speaking)
Basic financial literacy
Basic sales and marketing skills
Demographic: Urban (university campuses)
Peri-urban
Rural
Community Benefit: Social enterprises, Local area economic
development

8. Partner
Feedback
AFRICA
After the Workshop, partners can expect to receive:
- Feedback and evaluation about the Socionext Program (from the participants)
- Attendance register and suggestions (for each workshop)
- Group picture
- Stakeholder database
- Program report and budget recon
* SOCIONEXT maintains a high level of engagement with ALL its program participants through
social media.

9. AFRICA
Contacts
Tjaart Theron 061 270 7599
tjaart@socionext.org
Vuyisa Qabaka 072 354 4630
chief@abaphumelelibc.co.za