For the first time in African history! 12-Year-Old South African MiniBoss Student Makes History as Startup World Cup Champion in Switzerland

Davos, Switzerland – South Africa is celebrating a historic achievement after 12-year-old Lubanzi Dube, a MiniBoss Business School Johannesburg student and founder of SolEase, was crowned in the SIFE MiniBoss League at the Startup World Cup Championship, held during Global Business Week in Davos, Switzerland.

Lubanzi's victory marks a significant milestone for South African youth entrepreneurship, with Team South Africa becoming the first South African team to win the Startup World Cup Championship in the SIFE MiniBoss League. Competing against outstanding young entrepreneurs from countries around the world, Lubanzi impressed the international judging panel with SolEase—an innovative business developing orthotic insoles and supportive footwear for people living with flat feet.

Inspired by his own personal experience, Lubanzi transformed a challenge into an entrepreneurial opportunity, demonstrating how innovation often begins by solving problems close to home.

His success is a testament to the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Rather than simply creating a product, Lubanzi built a business focused on improving lives while addressing a growing healthcare need through practical, accessible innovation.

Developed through MiniBoss Business School Johannesburg, Lubanzi has spent the past 5 months learning entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation through hands-on business education lead by Wendy Silinyana. The programme equips young people with the knowledge and practical experience to identify opportunities, build sustainable businesses and confidently compete on international platforms.

The championship victory reflects not only Lubanzi's dedication and resilience, but also the growing capability of South Africa's young entrepreneurs to compete alongside the very best in the world.

"This achievement demonstrates what becomes possible when young people are trusted with real opportunities to innovate and lead," said Wendy Silinyana, Director of MiniBoss Business School Johannesburg. "Lubanzi has shown that age is not a limitation to creating meaningful solutions with global relevance. His success is an inspiration to young innovators across South Africa and the African continent."

As SolEase continues its journey, the international recognition gained through the Startup World Cup Championship is expected to open new opportunities for collaboration, market expansion and future growth.

Lubanzi Dube's remarkable achievement is more than a personal victory—it is a proud moment for South Africa and a powerful reminder that the country's next generation of entrepreneurs is already shaping the future through innovation, courage and determination.

From Johannesburg to Davos, Lubanzi Dube has shown the world that South African innovation knows no age limits, and that the future of entrepreneurship is already here.