Nthabiseng Msingatha, founder and CEO of YouMeta Edtech in South Africa, is an inspiring entrepreneur dedicated to shaping the next generation of the workforce needed for the energy transition. Being recognised as the Nedbank YouthX runner-up further validated her innovative approach to guiding the youth in developing planet-positive career identities.
What inspired you to create YouMeta Edtech, and how did your passion for empowering youth and women shape its mission?
YouMeta was born out of my own journey of confusion and misinformation when it came to career options, post high school. I realised that many Gen Z-ers face a similar challenge – searching for purpose-driven careers but not knowing where to start. The societal pressure on youths to have their career direction figured out at early stages, when they start to make educational decisions, is overwhelming. I can personally relate to this expectation, which is why it was a natural choice for me to focus on helping this demographic navigate their career paths in an increasingly evolving and volatile labour market.
Regarding women, I’ve been fortunate enough to connect with inspiring women’s organisations, leaders and mentors whose experiences resonate deeply with me. Women and youths, though often marginalised, possess the heart and drive to lead meaningful change. At YouMeta, we’re committed to empowering both groups to take charge of their futures.
YouMeta’s victory at the Cape Town Climathon 2023 was a significant milestone. How has this experience influenced the direction of your business?
This was the first time I had pitched in a competitive setting, so the experience was both scary and liberating. It came right after I strategically pivoted to focus on the energy sector, and I was testing the waters to see if there was enough appetite to build something. The win gave me the business validation I needed to be confident in the pivot. At the same time, I came to appreciate energy as a human rights issue, which sparked my passion for using energy as a vehicle for social justice.
As someone with a strong focus on climate resilience and energy transition, what do you think the biggest challenges are that youths face in entering the energy sector?
One of the biggest challenges youths face is a lack of awareness about the opportunities within the energy sector, especially with the sudden rapid shift toward green energy. There’s also a disconnect between traditional education systems and the emerging skills needed for the energy transition. While higher education seems to be adapting, basic education is not keeping pace with the evolving skill demands. On top of that, socio-economic barriers like access to quality education, resources and networks make it even harder for youths to break in. Many young people don’t know where to start or how to align their skills with this exciting industry.
You’ve had the opportunity to present YouMeta at several global platforms, including Africa Climate Week and Earthcast. How has this international exposure impacted your work and vision?
These experiences have opened my eyes to the global urgency around energy transition and climate resilience, while also affirming that YouMeta’s vision is part of a larger, necessitated movement. This exposure continues to push me to think bigger and explore how our work can drive impact not just locally, but globally.
Design thinking plays a role in your approach to curriculum development. How do you incorporate this methodology into your educational programmes?
Design thinking emphasises the importance of connecting with our audience on an emotional level before diving into logic. At YouMeta, we embody this ethos, inspired by Kerry Washington’s insight that “we don’t tell the kids how we want to treat them; they tell us”. This reminds us that the youth become our teachers, not just the other way around as we’d like to think. The same is true for education, which is why YouMeta’s unique value proposition is deeply informed by what young people express they need, and we remain committed to listening closely to their evolving needs as we develop our educational programmes.
You are also part of the BeVisoneers Mercedes-Benz Fellowship and Vice President of the African Energy and Economic Youth Council. How do these roles complement your work at YouMeta?
Both roles are focused on promoting planet-positive initiatives. As a BeVisoneer, I gain access to resources, community and mentorship that support my vision for YouMeta. Meanwhile, my role at the African Energy and Economic Youth Council (AEEYC) is dedicated to increasing youth representation in strategic sectors like energy. Together, these roles deepen my exposure to critical issues in the energy sector and strengthen my commitment for social justice through the energy sector.
What drew you to participate in the Nedbank YouthX programme, and how has being a runner-up shaped your entrepreneurial journey?
I was initially drawn to the Nedbank YouthX programme because of its tailored resources and support for young entrepreneurs. The opportunity to access funding and technical equipment and to connect with a community of like-minded changemakers was incredibly appealing.
Being named a runner-up has not only validated my entrepreneurial efforts but also pushed me outside of my comfort zone and granted me various means to grow in confidence. This experience also expanded my network of mentors and peers who share my passion for driving positive change. Ultimately, it has solidified my commitment to empowering the youth and doing good.
How do you think platforms like YouthX help bridge the gap between South Africa’s youth and opportunities in the energy and tech sectors?
YouthX plays an increasingly important role in connecting South Africa’s youth with opportunities in the energy and tech sectors by rewarding their passion for sustainability and innovation. Last year’s participants were a great example of this, with many participants pitching ideas focused on sustainability and technology. This provided insights into the perspectives and aspirations of today’s youths.
By investing in this trend, YouthX continues to build a culture of creativity and empowers young people to create solutions that can drive meaningful change.
Nedbank YouthX is about providing young people with resources, inspiration and a platform to exchange ideas. Which resources or support from the programme have been most valuable to you?
The most valuable resource from the Nedbank YouthX programme has been the mentorship – it felt almost like free therapy! My mentor’s support and advice have made a huge difference. Plus, the training resources from YouthX have given me solid skills in financial management, strategic planning and branding, which have really helped me grow personally and professionally.
For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to join the YouthX programme, what advice would you give them in terms of making the most of the opportunities provided?
My advice is to embrace the community and fully engage with the resources available. Remember that the support you receive is driven by you. The more you immerse yourself in the programme, the more you’ll gain from the experience.
The post Nthabiseng Msingatha: Energy education for the next generation appeared first on HYPE Magazine.
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