Impact Assessment of Government-Supported Microfinance Initiatives on Youth Entrepreneurship in Cape Town, South Africa: A Comparative Study

Government-supported microfinance initiatives have emerged as a significant policy tool for fostering youth entrepreneurship in Cape Town, South Africa. A comparative case study approach was employed, analysing data from three microfinance programmes targeting youth entrepreneurship in Cape Town over a five-year period (-). The analysis revealed that the majority of participating youth enterprises experienced growth rates exceeding 5% annually, with significant improvements in business sustainability measures. Government-supported microfinance initiatives have positively influenced youth entrepreneurship in Cape Town, enhancing their financial stability and market presence. Further research should explore scalability and replication of successful models across different socio-economic contexts to maximise impact. youth entrepreneurship, microfinance, government policy, economic empowerment