Absa Group has officially launched “The I Grew It Show,” a groundbreaking content series designed to spotlight the power of entrepreneurship as a force for youth empowerment, financial inclusion, and Pan-African growth. Premiering on 17 April 2025 on Absa’s YouTube channel, this weekly series is set to become a must-watch for anyone invested in Africa’s entrepreneurial future.
Hosted by charismatic TV personality and entrepreneur Alphi Sipho Mkhwanazi alongside the street-savvy and relatable Bheki Ndamase, the show merges pop culture energy with raw, authentic storytelling. Each episode features real conversations with African entrepreneurs who are redefining what it means to build and sustain a business from the ground up.
As someone who lives and breathes entrepreneurship and is always on the lookout for inspiration, resources, and platforms that reflect our hustle—I couldn’t help but ask myself: How did I miss being a part of this? This isn’t just content; it’s a movement. And moving forward, I’ll definitely be glued to this show.
“With youth unemployment sitting at 45.5% in South Africa and similar trends across the continent, the need to invest in entrepreneurial ambition is urgent,” says Dr Steven Zwane, Managing Executive of Corporate Citizenship at Absa Group.
“This series is more than a talk show – it is an economic empowerment tool, a mirror of possibility, and a message to the continent that your story matters, your hustle is valid, and your dreams are bankable.”
Each of the six episodes showcases two entrepreneurs across industries like food, fashion, tech, creative media, hair and beauty, and homeware—highlighting their challenges, wins, and turning points. The featured entrepreneurs, including Raymond Makwakwa (Sovenga Wines), Andrew Leeuw (Sumting Fresh), and Vusimuzi ‘Bob’ Ndima (Boys of Soweto), are examples of African excellence, creativity, and resilience.
Many of them have grown through Absa’s Citizenship and Enterprise Development programmes, gaining access to mentorship, funding, networks, and crucial skills to elevate their ventures. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when entrepreneurship meets real, tangible support.
“The I Grew It Show” is more than storytelling. It’s part of Absa’s broader “I Grew It” platform—a flagship initiative rooted in financial education, economic inclusion, and community upliftment. With over R319 million invested into youth, small businesses, and underserved communities, Absa continues to demonstrate its commitment to “Empowering Africa’s Tomorrow, Together.”
“We want every young African to see themselves in these stories,” adds Dr Zwane.
“To know that financial literacy isn’t a barrier, that hustle has value, and that with the right support, they too can grow it—start today and succeed tomorrow.”
This series is not just for entrepreneurs—it’s for policymakers, investors, students, and anyone who believes in Africa’s future. Absa’s “Your Story Matters” brand message is deeply woven into the show’s DNA, reinforcing the idea that stories can change lives and shift how we see success, community, and value.
Looking ahead, future seasons will include entrepreneurs from across Absa’s African footprint—Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia—creating a truly Pan-African platform for economic empowerment.
Catch new episodes every Tuesday starting 22 April 2025 on Absa’s YouTube channel.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a dreamer, or someone rooting for the continent’s growth, this show is one to watch.
