10/04/2026
South Africa’s Sherpa, Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, delivered a message of support at opening ceremony of the 4th BRICS Youth Innovation Summit 2026 on 9 April 2026. The Youth Summit, convened by the South African Youth Association ( ), in partnership with Tshwane University of Technology ( ), is taking place on 9 and 10 April at the TUT Pretoria West Campus, under the theme: Youth-Led Innovation for Sustainable Development.
The Summit serves as a platform to cultivate a generation of youth innovators who will drive transformative change, contribute to policy dialogue, and strengthen youth cooperation on issues critical to and the Global South.
In this remarks, Amb Mahongo commented that over the past 20-years, BRICS has evolved into a key platform for advancing South-South cooperation, sustainable development, and a more equitable global order. Through initiatives in economic partnership, science and innovation, and entrepreneurship, the bloc is strengthening its role as a driver of inclusive development. Central to this vision is youth empowerment, positioning the next generation at the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and long-term prosperity across the Global South.
Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Former African Union Commission Chairperson; Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga. Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities; Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Engagement at TUT; Ms Mmaphuthi Rankapole, Chief Marketing Officer, Brand South Africa and Mr Raymond Matlala, CEO of SABYA were amongst the dignitaries who also delivered remarks during the opening ceremony.
