South African artisan entrepreneurs have an opportunity to showcase their businesses and compete for prize money of up to R200 000 as applications open for the 2026 Artisans of Mzansi competition.
Powered by Allan Gray Makers, the competition aims to celebrate skilled tradespeople who are building successful businesses while helping to address the country's artisan shortage.
Applications are open until June 30 and are available to qualified artisans aged 50 or younger who wholly or partially own a business in any trade sector.
According to Allan Gray Makers programme director, Seth Mulli, the initiative seeks to raise the profile of technical trades and inspire more young people to consider careers in the sector.
"The technical trades in South Africa are often overlooked," Mulli said. "Artisans of Mzansi serves to find the best artisan entrepreneurs in the country so they can be showcased as relatable role models to attract more young people to physically building the country's economy."
The competition comes at a time when South Africa faces a significant skills gap. Allan Gray Makers notes that the economy requires around 30 000 new artisans each year, yet only about half that number enter the sector annually.
Four prize categories are available:
- Micro to very small businesses (R0–R1 million revenue): R50 000
- Small businesses (R1 million–R5 million revenue): R100 000
- Medium businesses (R5 million and above revenue): R200 000
- Innovation Award (no revenue requirement): R100 000
After applications close, shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, with eight finalists selected to receive pitch-readiness training before presenting their businesses to a panel of judges. Winners will be announced at a gala event.
To qualify, applicants must be qualified artisans with a trade test, own or co-own a formalised trade business, and be South African citizens or permanent residents aged 50 or younger.
For more information and to apply, visit: https://allangraymakers.co.za/artisans-of-mzansi/
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