AWARDS FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
Johannesburg, 14 May 2025 – The 4th Annual Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards
(YOBAs) has officially announced its 2025 finalists at a vibrant gathering hosted at the
Courtyard Hotel in Waterfall City. These prestigious awards remain the only platform on the
African continent dedicated to recognising and celebrating exceptional brands owned and
run by young entrepreneurs.
Established to honour the legacy of June 16, 1976, the “Top 16” not only symbolises youth
empowerment but also aligns with the African Union’s designation of this date as the Day of
the African Child. In keeping with this, the 2025 awards have introduced new categories to
honour youth-led brands across the continent, broadening the celebration of African
excellence and entrepreneurship.
“The YOBAs have, over the past four years, set a benchmark for recognising youth-led
innovation and impact,” said 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.”
The 2025 YOBAs, which are proudly sponsored by First National Bank and WesBank, as
gold partner sponsors, recognise finalists across 17 categories, including two new Pan-
African categories that spotlight brands from East Africa and the SADC region.
Janis Robson, Head of Business Development at FNB expressed enthusiasm about this
year’s finalists
"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
THE GOLD STANDARD OF YOUTH EXCELLENCE
YOBAs reflect courage, creativity, and commitment, qualities we proudly support as a
financial partner of choice for young entrepreneurs."
2025 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
THE GOLD STANDARD OF YOUTH EXCELLENCE
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
THE GOLD STANDARD OF YOUTH EXCELLENCE
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
THE GOLD STANDARD OF YOUTH EXCELLENCE
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
THE GOLD STANDARD OF YOUTH EXCELLENCE
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
In addition to local recognition, the inclusion of Pan-African categories showcases the
growing influence of youth entrepreneurs across the continent, championing solutions that
drive job creation and economic growth.
NOMINATION & ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Nominations opened on 24 February and closed on 18 April, with the public nominating their
favourite youth-owned brands via www.top16yoba.co.za
To qualify, nominated brands had to meet the following criteria:
THE GOLD STANDARD OF YOUTH EXCELLENCE
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 winners were announced at a celebratory awards ceremony on 21 June 2025 in
Sandton, in honour of Youth Month.
For more information, visit: www.top16yoba.co.za
Tickets are available on the YOBAs website: www.top16yoba.co.za
INFO SUPPLIED.