Twelve-year-old Lubanzi Dube has achieved something few young entrepreneurs ever accomplish. The South African innovator won the World Startup Forum Championship in Switzerland after outperforming more than 400 young entrepreneurs from around the world.
His victory is even more remarkable because it marks the first time in 26 years that a Black South African has won the prestigious competition. Lubanzi impressed judges with SolEase, a therapeutic footwear startup inspired by his own experience living with flat feet.
Lubanzi Dube Wins World Startup Forum Championship With SolEase
Lubanzi’s winning idea was born from a personal challenge. Growing up with flat feet, he experienced the discomfort that many people face when trying to find supportive footwear.
Rather than accept the problem, he decided to create a solution. He developed SolEase, a business focused on therapeutic shoe soles and specially designed footwear that improves comfort, mobility, and foot health. His innovation stood out among hundreds of entries from talented young entrepreneurs across the globe.
Winning the World Startup Forum Championship placed Lubanzi among the world’s top young innovators. It also highlighted the growing impact of African youth in global entrepreneurship.
SolEase Turns a Personal Problem Into a Business Opportunity
Many successful businesses begin by solving everyday problems. Lubanzi followed that same path by designing a product based on his own life experience.
Instead of creating another ordinary shoe brand, SolEase focuses on therapeutic support. The specially designed soles aim to help people with flat feet walk more comfortably while improving long-term foot health.
The startup has already moved beyond the idea stage. It has attracted investment from within South Africa and is currently moving through production. Plans are also underway to distribute the products through pharmaceutical channels.
Lubanzi hopes to expand the business even further. His long-term vision includes developing several types of therapeutic footwear for different customer needs.
First Black South African in 26 Years to Claim the Global Title
Lubanzi’s success carries special meaning beyond entrepreneurship. His championship victory ends a 26-year wait for a Black South African winner at the World Startup Forum Championship.
The achievement demonstrates that age does not limit innovation. At only 12 years old, Lubanzi competed against hundreds of young entrepreneurs from different countries and emerged as the overall winner.
His accomplishment also shines a light on the growing number of African innovators creating solutions with global potential. As more young entrepreneurs receive international recognition, Africa continues to strengthen its place in the worldwide innovation ecosystem.
Family Celebrates Lubanzi Dube’s Extraordinary Achievement
Lubanzi’s family is still absorbing the significance of his accomplishment. His mother, Nomtha Dube, described their reaction as one of overwhelming joy after learning he had won the international championship.
She said everything happened so quickly that the family is still processing the remarkable journey. Watching their son’s personal challenge grow into an internationally recognized business has been both emotional and inspiring.
For South Africa, Lubanzi’s victory offers another example of what young people can achieve when creativity meets determination. While many children his age are only beginning to explore their interests, Lubanzi is already an international startup champion with a product moving toward the marketplace.
His journey shows that powerful ideas can come from personal experiences. With SolEase already attracting investors and moving closer to consumers, the young entrepreneur appears to be only getting started.
