南非启动25亿兰特基金提振青年就业

Core Points - The South African government has officially launched a Youth Fund totaling 2.5 billion Rand (approximately 135 million USD) to support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and address the high youth unemployment rate [1] Group 1: Fund Objectives and Structure - The Youth Fund aims to help young people overcome barriers related to financing, skills, and market access, thereby alleviating structural unemployment and addressing historical inequalities [1] - The fund encourages private sector investment in townships and rural areas to create jobs and revitalize local economies [1] - The funding model has shifted from small grants to a combination of loans and equity investments, with individual project funding ranging from 750,000 to 2 million Rand (approximately 43,200 to 115,300 USD) based on the needs and growth potential of the enterprises [1] Group 2: Unemployment Statistics - According to the South African Statistics Bureau, the unemployment rate for individuals aged 25 to 34 was 40.5% in the second quarter of 2025 [1] - The fund will focus on supporting SMEs with high growth potential to create more sustainable job opportunities for the youth [1]