THE 4th Annual Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBAs) finalists have been confirmed for the year 2025, since its formation four years go.
The winners will be announced at a celebratory awards ceremony on June 21, in Sandton, in honour of Youth Month.
The 2025 YOBAs, are sponsored by First National Bank and WesBank, and also shines a spotlight on two new Pan-African categories from East Africa and the SADC region.
Janis Robson, Head of Business Development at FNB says: “At FNB, we’re passionate about supporting youth-led enterprises because we believe they are key to building a sustainable and inclusive economy.
The brands recognised by the YOBAs reflect courage, creativity, and commitment, qualities we proudly support as a financial partner of choice for young entrepreneurs.”
To qualify, nominated brands had to meet the following criteria:
• Owned and operated by individuals aged 18–35
• Operational for more than one year
• Active social media or digital presence
• South African-owned (except for Pan-African categories)
• Preferably have a domain-matching website
“The YOBAs have, over the past four years, set a benchmark for recognising youth-led innovation and impact,” commented the excited, Pat Mahlangu, Founder of the Top 16 Youth Owned Brands Awards.
“This platform continues to grow into a powerful movement that validates the efforts of young Africans who are reshaping the business landscape.”
Finalist categories:
Top Manufacturing Brand
• Modern Sleep
• The Warehouse Boys
• Phat Sii Clothing
• AUKO Designs
Top Technology Brand
• Darkies in Tech
• Cape MedTech
• TosaPay
• Computer Guardian
Top Food & Beverages Brand
• The Sweet Slice Luxe Cakery
• Caked Pretty
• Breakfast or Lunch
• Glo Whips Bakery
Top Health & Wellness Brand
• Wisdom & Wellness
• Hikeobics
• Mageba Wellness
• The Blend Wellness
Top Education & Literature Brand
• CatalyzU
• Let’s Play Outside
• CareerKit
• Speakingdom
Top Agriculture Brand
• Arable Growth
• Khula!
• Bellarosa WIP Productions
• Warm Nest Enterprise
Top Creative & Arts Brand
• Shala The Unicorn
• Vetkoek Studios
• Isa B Jewellery Design
• Maremo Violin
Top Apparel Brand
• BOYDE
• BLANK COLLECTION
• Future Youth Museum
• RE-L8
Top Media Brand
• Blxck Natives Media
• Branding Africa
• House of 30
• Motsepe Advertising
Top Travel & Tourism Brand
• Hikeobics
• Twin Venture
• Asambeni Getaway Gateway
• NBGS Travel
Top Footwear & Accessories Brand
• Emerys Designer
• NOH Eyewear
• PRUDENT
• Retrofit Boss
Top Services Brand
• Sneaker Cleanic
• Nexelica
• Pink Apron Food and Decor
• Likha Luxe
Top Personalities & Influencers Brand
• Sipho Alphie
• Grace Mondlana
• Banele Ndaba (Moghelingz)
• Mandisi Tshingana
Top NPO & Charities Brand
• Makers Valley Collective
• Dream Big Stay Humble
• Ndalo Pioneer NPC
• GirlCode
Top Homeware Brand
• Litehouse
• CloudHaus
• Reliable Renders Home-Deco
• Rayetsa Furniture
Top Hair & Beauty Brand
• Afro Curl
• Standard Beauty
• Kiddies Korner Hair Salon
• Malachi Organics
Top East Africa Brand
• Nawiri Nami
• Beyond Kenyan Bars
• Africa Afya Healthcare
• Mobiklinik Foundation
Top SADC Brand
• Rukanda Pride
• iPrint Namibia
• Drones For Africa
• Ramani
Tickets are available on the YOBAs website: www.top16yoba.co.za
Image ( Pat Mahlangu, founder of the Top 16 Youth Awards).
