MSME ICT Development & New Venture Skills Training Programme for Gauteng Youth 2026

A brand-new MSME ICT Development & New Venture Skills Training Programme has officially launched, and it’s designed to help young people gain real software development skills and learn how to turn those skills into a sustainable ICT business.

This programme is being launched by Itani Technology Investments, in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED) — and the goal is clear: to help unemployed youth learn, build, and grow in the ICT sector.

Quick Overview

Programme Name: MSME ICT Development & New Venture Skills Training Programme
Training Focus: Software Development + New Venture Creation (Entrepreneurship)
Target Group: Unemployed youth in Gauteng
Who is hosting it: Itani Technology Investments (with GDED)
Duration: 8 months
Eligibility: South African citizens, Gauteng residents, age 18–34, Matric minimum
Application Platform: SA Youth portal (sayouth.co.za)
Enquiries Email: apply@itani.com
Closing Date: 13 February 2026

What You Will Gain From the Programme (What to Expect)

The structure of the programme tells us a lot. It combines:

Software Development training (technical skills)
New venture creation (business/entrepreneurship skills)

That means you’re likely going to be trained in areas such as:

Basic programming concepts
Software development fundamentals
Digital problem-solving
Understanding ICT business models
How to pitch a business idea
How to plan, manage, and grow an enterprise
Business operations and sustainability

And because it mentions accredited technical training, it suggests that the learning is formal and structured — not just informal lessons.

If you’ve been looking for something that gives you a real “pathway” instead of motivation only, this is the kind of opportunity that can shift your life.

Application Requirements (Documents You Must Submit)

To apply successfully, you need to submit the following documents:

1) Updated CV

Your CV must be neat, professional, and updated. Even if you have no experience, your CV can still be strong if it includes:

education,
skills,
short courses,
volunteer work,
community leadership,
computer skills,
and your career interests.

2) Certified copy of South African ID and qualifications (not older than 3 months)

Make sure certification is recent. If your certified copy is older than 3 months, it may be rejected.

3) Proof of residential address (not older than 3 months)

Examples include:

municipal bill,
affidavit,
bank statement,
letter from ward councillor (depending on what they accept).

4) Cover letter (business idea or interest in ICT business)

This is important.

They want to see that you’re not applying “just because it’s free”, but because you have a real interest in:

entrepreneurship, and
building an ICT-related business.

Even if you don’t have a full business plan, you can still explain your interest clearly.

Minimum Requirements (Who Can Apply)

To qualify for the programme, you must:

Be a South African citizen
Reside in Gauteng
Be between 18 and 34 years old
Be unemployed
Not be enrolled in any other education or training programme
Have at least Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent
- A post-matric qualification is an advantage (but not required)
Have strong interest in entrepreneurship and ICT business
Be fully committed for the full 8 months
- including meeting attendance requirements

This means the programme is strict about commitment. If you apply, apply with the mindset that you’re ready to show up and finish.

How to Apply

APPLY FOR THE MSME ICT DEVELOPMENT & NEW VENTURE SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR GAUTENG YOUTH 2026 HERE

How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare

At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.

Recommended Tools:

Edupstairs Advice (Important Tips to Get Selected)

Let me give you real advice that increases your chances:

1) Don’t submit a weak cover letter

Your cover letter must show intention. Even a short one is fine, but it must answer:

Why ICT?
Why software development?
Why entrepreneurship?
What problem do you want to solve?

2) Fix your CV before you upload it

A clean CV wins. Include:

your location in Gauteng,
your Matric details,
any computer skills (even basic),
any leadership roles,
any short courses.

3) Make sure your documents are certified properly

The poster clearly says certified copies must be not older than 3 months.

4) Apply early

Early applicants tend to be processed smoother.

5) Prepare to commit for 8 months

Don’t apply if you know you won’t attend. Many programmes remove learners who miss sessions.

Career Growth Path After This Programme

This programme can open multiple career directions, depending on how seriously you take it.

Here are realistic paths after completing an ICT + software development + entrepreneurship programme:

Option 1: Entry-Level Tech Jobs

You may qualify to apply for roles like:

Junior Developer (if skills match)
IT Support / Technical Support
Web Assistant / Web Content Assistant
Helpdesk Support
Systems Support Internships
Software Testing / QA Support

Option 2: Freelancing & Remote Work

You can offer services like:

building websites for small businesses,
fixing basic site issues,
assisting with online systems,
creating simple business tools.

Option 3: Starting Your Own ICT Business

This is the biggest long-term advantage. You can build:

a small web development agency,
an ICT support business,
a mobile app service,
a digital marketing + systems business,
an online solutions company for local SMEs.

Option 4: Further Study & Specialisation

Once you start, you can also grow into areas like:

cybersecurity,
cloud computing,
data analytics,
AI tools and automation,
mobile development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) Is this programme only for Gauteng residents?

Yes. You must be a South African citizen residing in Gauteng.

2) Can I apply if I’m 35 years old?

No. The age limit is 18–34 years.

3) Can I apply if I’m currently studying?

No. You must be unemployed and not currently enrolled in any education or training programme.

4) Is Matric required?

Yes. You need at least Grade 12 or equivalent.

5) Do I need a post-matric qualification?

No, but it will be an added advantage.

6) Where do I apply?

You apply on the SA Youth portal: www.sayouth.co.za

7) What documents do I need?

You need:

Updated CV
Certified ID + qualifications (not older than 3 months)
Proof of address (not older than 3 months)
Cover letter with business idea/ICT interest

8) How long is the programme?

It runs for eight (8) months.

9) Who do I contact if I have questions?

Email: apply@itani.com

10) What is the closing date?

13 February 2026

You can also:

Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)

No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.

Have you applied for this opportunity?

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Disclaimers

Edupstairs is sharing this opportunity for informational purposes to help youth access real training and development programmes.
Applicants must apply via the official platform (SA Youth portal) and ensure all documents are correct and valid.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection. Shortlisting and final selection will depend on programme criteria and available spaces.
Always double-check official communication and avoid scams. The poster provides an official application platform and an enquiries email address.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY

Edupstairs TrustScore™

100 /100

Verified / Low Risk This is an evidence-based risk assessment to help applicants verify opportunities.

OrganisationGauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED)

SourceOfficial social media (verified)

Open source link

Apply viaOnline portal

ReferenceMSME ICT_GDED2026

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