Rooted in the belief that talent exists everywhere, even where opportunity does not, the FNB App Academy was created to help bridge the gap between potential and possibility. Guided by its commitment to taking young people from grassroots to greatness, the programme aims to expand access to quality digital education and innovation opportunities, ensuring that more young people can participate in the economy, says the partnership.

The FNB App Academy is an open and free platform for participants across the continent, aiming to offer accessible, high-quality digital education. Having equipped more than 35 000 young people with future-focused digital and entrepreneurial skills in 2025, the programme aims to extend its reach and impact even further in 2026, targeting more than 50 000 graduates nationally, adds the partnership.

The 2026 collaboration introduces an enhanced learning experience through a partnership with the Johannesburg Business School's Centre for Entrepreneurship (JBSCE). Learners will have to opportunity to gain access to a university-backed, accredited learning experience combining practical app development, entrepreneurship thinking, innovation leadership and future-focused digital skills development, says the partnership.

Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a certificate of completion endorsed by the Johannesburg Business School Centre for Entrepreneurship. While the programme is not currently an NQF qualification, it offers a structured, credible and industry-aligned educational experience designed with the aim to strengthen employability, entrepreneurial thinking and participation in the digital economy, adds the partnership.

The curriculum has been co-developed by FNB and JBSCE to align with real-world market demands, entrepreneurial skills and mindset, innovation trends and emerging technologies. Participants will also receive mentorship opportunities, practical innovation challenges, industry-led insights and exposure to future-of-work thinking aimed at bridging the gap between education and economic participation, says the partnership.

Janis Robson, Business Development Head at FNB says that the collaboration reflects the importance of strategic partnerships in addressing youth unemployment and digital inclusion at scale.

"This partnership is about creating meaningful access to opportunity," says Robson. "By bringing together industry expertise, academic excellence and practical innovation, we are building a platform that enables young people to develop relevant skills, gain recognised learning experiences and participate more meaningfully in the economy."

"With youth unemployment still far too high, the answer cannot only be about creating jobs. We need to equip more young people with the skills, confidence and opportunities to build businesses of their own. When young entrepreneurs are able to build sustainable businesses, they don't just earn an income — they create work for others and build businesses that support households and uplift communities. That is the shift South Africa needs," adds Ghana Msibi, CEO of FNB Business.

Professor Alistair Mokoena says the initiative aligns strongly with the University of Johannesburg's broader innovation and entrepreneurship agenda.

"This collaboration allows us to combine academic rigor, entrepreneurship thinking and practical digital skills development to create meaningful pathways into the digital economy at scale," says Mokoena.

As a South African institution focused on innovation and future-ready business education, the University of Johannesburg says its involvement aims to include curriculum development, entrepreneurship expertise, academic oversight and employability support.

The App Academy forms part of the broader "App of the Year" ecosystem, which aims to support participants beyond learning through innovation, collaboration and recognition platforms such as the "Hackathon" and Awards programme, says the partnership.

As South Africa continues to navigate the challenges of youth unemployment, digital inclusion and future skills development, the collaboration between FNB and the University of Johannesburg aims to demonstrate how strategic partnerships can unlock opportunity at scale and help take young people from grassroots to greatness.

For more information, visit www.fnb.co.za. You can also follow FNB on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, or on TikTok.

*Image courtesy of contributor