Youth entrepreneurship programmes have been implemented in various regions to foster innovation through incubators. In Johannesburg’s economic districts, these initiatives aim to support young entrepreneurs and enhance their business capabilities. A mixed-method survey approach was employed, combining quantitative data collection through structured questionnaires with qualitative insights from in-depth interviews. The analysis revealed a positive correlation between the frequency of entrepreneurship support programmes and the number of innovative projects initiated within these districts over the study period. Youth entrepreneurship programmes significantly contribute to increased innovation within Johannesburg’s economic districts by providing essential resources and networking opportunities. Further research should explore long-term impacts and scalability of these programmes, while policymakers could consider integrating similar initiatives into existing support structures.