JA SOUTH AFRICA & ABSA GROUP KICK OFF 2025 COMPANY PROGRAM

Johannesburg, South Africa – 19 May 2025 – JA (Junior Achievement) South Africa and Absa Group are proud to mark the successful continuation of their partnership with the launch of the second year of the JA Company of the year program (formerly known as Enterprise Program Plus EP+). The JA Company program is JA’s flagship program that equips high school learners with essential entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work readiness skills.

Building on the strong foundation laid in 2024, this year’s program reaffirms both organisations’ commitment to empowering youth through practical, hands-on learning that transforms classroom concepts into real-world business ventures. With over 1,000 Grade 10 - 11 learners expected to participate once again, the 2025 cohort will experience an enhanced curriculum and deeper mentorship, culminating in the prestigious JA South Africa Company of the Year (COY) competition. This year's partnership launch will take place at Ponelopele Oracle High School in Kaalfontein, on Monday, 19 May 2025.

The JA Company of the Year theme for is 2025, ACT!: Action for Climate Transformation", to challenge learners to imagine and build AI-driven, sustainable solutions that address environmental and societal challenge, with a specific focus on Innovation & Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Financial Technology, Digital Media & Creation, Renewable Energy, and Circular Economy & Sustainability, seeks explore businesses in the six categories. Thereby providing learners with the opportunity to explore business ventures in the AI space, whilst simultaneously gaining practical learning through the program.

As with last year, learners will compete provincially before the top teams advance to the national finals in Gauteng.

“We are excited to see this impactful partnership with Absa Group grow from strength to strength. In year two, we are not only scaling the program’s reach but deepening its impact in life-changing ways. We've witnessed shy learners evolve into confident presenters, their pitches transforming from hesitant beginnings to polished business cases that impressed judges at provincial, national, and even regional levels. For some, this program sparks a passion for entrepreneurship that reawakened their love for learning—and revealed leadership and problem-solving abilities previously hidden in the traditional classroom. From boarding their first flight to getting their first passport, the exposure and inspiration these young people gain is truly priceless. These are not just student companies; they are launching pads for dreams’’ says Nelo Spies, Executive Director of Junior Achievement South Africa.

The second-year rollout will expand to more schools across South Africa’s nine provinces, offering students enhanced opportunities to receive mentorship from Absa Group professionals and industry experts. Participants will also benefit from practical business exposure through site visits, guest lectures, and increased access to digital resources.

This year the partnership will also highlight the journeys of the learners as they share how they are building thriving communities as they showcase how they grow their student companies.