Airbnb’s Entrepreneurship Academy continues to grow from strength to strength in partnership with 30 additional organisations in 2024, including South Africa’s Central University of Technology and the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
Since its launch in 2017, the academy has introduced more than 4 500 people from diverse and under-represented communities in 12 countries to Airbnb hosting. Through the academy, Airbnb works with local organisations to develop tailored education programmes that help participants learn how to become entrepreneurs by turning a spare room or property into a source of extra income on Airbnb.
The short-term rental giant has scaled up the initiative this year in partnership with organisations in South Africa, the United States, Mexico, Indonesia and India.
“Each of these partners shares our commitment to empowering diverse and under-represented communities through the tourism economy. Airbnb and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center help fund these organisations to support their existing entrepreneurship programmes and host academies to help the communities they serve unlock the economic opportunities of hosting,” Airbnb said in a statement.
In South Africa, so far, the academy has reached 36 communities in the Western Cape, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal. Partners include Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape government, Waterberg District Municipality, Limpopo Women in Tourism, Lapalala Wilderness School, Africa!Ignite, Phambano and ABCD Concepts.
Professor Diane Abrahams, Director of the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management at UJ, voiced her excitement about the new partnership.
“This presents wonderful opportunities for our students in the entrepreneurial space and broadens their exposure to tourism and hospitality. At the School of Tourism and Hospitality, we value our partnerships with industry and look forward to working together with Airbnb to educate our future entrepreneurs.”
The academy helped Airbnb Superhost Zamani Khumalo, based in KwaZulu-Natal, to start her Awesome Zulu Village Experience on Airbnb. She said the academy offered her a lifeline when all seemed lost.
“Since becoming a host, my confidence and self-esteem have been restored, enabling me to take proactive steps in providing for my family's needs with pride and dignity.”
