Risuna Maluleke

Risuna Maluleke, 28, is a builder of ecosystems, institutions and futures. As the group chief executive of the African Entrepreneurship Development Corporation and chief entrepreneurship officer at the Young African Entrepreneurs Institute (YAEI), Risuna is redefining how young Africans engage with enterprise development. His organisations have employed 60 South Africans, including 20 youth in the core team and 40 more through subsidiaries. Key programmes under his leadership include: SheRises Empowerment Fund, advancing women entrepreneurs; YAEI x Absa Youth Programme, which has reached 2 700+ youth; Emerging Innovators Fund, in partnership with Absa and Visa; the North West Innovation Hub, launched with North-West University and Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism; and the Wholesale and Retail Seta Sustainable Enterprise Development Programme. A Wits alumnus with degrees in accounting, marketing, and business science, Risuna is also serves as a non-executive board member of the Field Band Foundation, empowering township and rural youth through music.

• Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Marketing, University of the Witwatersrand
• Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Science, University of the Witwatersrand
• Currently completing a Master of Management in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, University of the Witwatersrand

• Established a group of companies dedicated to unlocking entrepreneurial potential and building sustainable enterprises across Africa. This initiative created employment for over 60 South Africans, including more than 20 young people within the group and over 40 in subsidiaries
• Launched several high-impact programmes, including: SheRises Empowerment Fund and Programme – YAEI x Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Programme – Emerging Innovators Fund and Programme, powered by Absa and Visa – North West Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub, a strategic collaboration between YAEI and North West University, supported by North West DEDECT – WRSETA Sustainable Enterprise Development Practices Programme

• Several individuals who have each played a unique and invaluable role in my personal and professional growth: My parents, grandparents, Prof. Stella Bvuma, Dr. Steven Zwane, my advisory board, academic supervisor, Mr. Tom Mkhwanazi, and Dr. Kenneth Mabunda — to mention a few — have all contributed significantly to the person I am today. From instilling a strong work ethic and deep spirituality to teaching the foundational principles of life, each of them affirms the saying: it takes a village to raise a child. 
• Although formal mentors are not present in the traditional sense, a close circle of quality friends and siblings continues to provide support across borders and milestones. Special mention goes to Chairman, Hasi, Humbe, Matsile, Felix, Vuyo, and Langa — each a true reflection of the principle that iron sharpens iron.