Mlondolozi Mokoena
Youth in Business & Entrepreneurship
Nominee's Province:
Gauteng
Age:
29
Project Name/Description:
Managing Director – Asante Books Publishers
Through his publishing company, Asante Books, Mlondolozi Mokoena hopes to bridge the gap he has observed in the literary world. Witnessing the passion of young African writers aspiring to be published authors, he recognised an unmet need and established Asante Publishers to cater to these aspirations. According to Mokoena, nearly 90% of the books published by his company reflect an African context, amplifying diverse voices in the literary landscape. In 2022, he secured a business development grant from Absa and participated in a life-changing business coaching programme. Subsequently, he received nominations for prestigious awards such as the Founder of the Year Africa Awards, the 40 Under 40 South African Awards and the DearSA Young Leaders Awards. Mokoena believes that Asante Books Publishers is not just a publishing house; it's a place where the dreams of young, black writers come true. As South Africa commemorates 30 years of democracy, Mokoena advocates for mentorship programmes, access to funding, and entrepreneurial education to enhance the impact of youth-led businesses and young writers. “I’m also a firm believer that creating networks for collaboration and leveraging technology can have a wide impact on youth-led businesses. Implementation of policies that promote inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities for all youth, regardless of background or socioeconomic status,” he concludes.
