Vodacom Group and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) have partnered to deliver the 2026 Emerging Leaders Programme (ELP), a leadership development initiative designed to equip university students with the practical skills, digital capabilities and industry experience needed to succeed in the future workforce.
Delivered through the Development and Leadership Unit (DLU) in Wits’ Division of Student Affairs, the three-month programme bridges the gap between higher education and industry by providing students with real-world business exposure before graduation. The partnership combines Vodacom Group’s industry expertise with Wits’ academic excellence to prepare graduates for an increasingly digital and interconnected economy.
The Emerging Leaders Programme offers participants hands-on digital skills development, mentorship from Vodacom leaders, exposure to real business challenges and practical leadership training. Students will also gain insight into External Affairs as a strategic business function, learning how business strategy, government relations, stakeholder engagement, corporate reputation and public policy intersect in today’s corporate environment.
According to Vodacom Group, early workplace exposure enables students to develop strategic thinking, leadership capabilities and practical experience that cannot be gained through classroom learning alone. Wits noted that the programme strengthens its commitment to producing graduates who are resilient, work-ready and capable of making meaningful contributions to society and the economy.
Initially launching with Wits University students, the programme is expected to expand to additional higher education institutions across Vodacom’s markets, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique and Tanzania. The collaboration aims to create a scalable model for youth empowerment, leadership development and digital skills across Africa.
