The Global Entrepreneurship Congress Africa (GEC+Africa) 2026 will commence at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Wednesday. The congress will run for two days and will gather entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, corporate representatives, and ecosystem leaders from across the African continent.
This year's theme is 'Connecting Africa.' It is expected that around 2000 delegates will participate in the two days of dialogue, cooperation, and action aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth across Africa.
The event, organized by Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Africa in collaboration with 22 On Sloane, has been established as the largest gathering of entrepreneurs in Africa. It provides entrepreneurs and ecosystem stakeholders with an opportunity to network, exchange ideas, find investment opportunities, and forge partnerships that support business growth and economic development.
African Bank joins the growing network of organizations dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship, enterprise development, and economic integration on the continent. Edna Sathaka-Monse, Director of Transformation and Sustainable Development at African Bank, noted that African entrepreneurs are already creating businesses capable of generating jobs, opening markets, and defining the next stage of continental growth.
Sathaka-Monse emphasized: 'African Bank's role is to help more such enterprises transition from potential to scale by expanding access to the financing, markets, and support that growth demands. GEC+Africa brings together entrepreneurs, capital, business, and policymakers around this common goal, which is why this partnership is important to us.'
The 2026 edition takes place at a critical juncture for Africa's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Across the continent, founders are creating innovative companies, generating jobs, and developing solutions to address both local and global challenges, while shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Africa.
Carmen Rudd, Head of Operations at GEC+Africa at 22 On Sloane, stated that the current congress brings together some of Africa's most influential leaders, innovators, investors, and policymakers at a time when collaboration has never been more vital.
Rudd added: 'GEC+Africa continues to create a platform where meaningful conversations lead to partnerships, opportunities, and practical solutions that strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems across Africa.'
The program includes speeches by several distinguished speakers and leaders, including Western Premier and Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertius Alfred Simmers, Minister of Small Business Development Stella Thembis Ndabeni, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi, and former President of South Africa Kgalele Molante.
The agenda will cover the most pressing issues and opportunities facing Africa's entrepreneurial ecosystem, including entrepreneurship-driven growth, digital transformation, innovation, market access, investment readiness, small business development, and cross-border cooperation.
The congress will culminate with the conclusion of the Regional Bootcamp and Pitch Competitions 'Pre-GEC+Africa,' held in Botswana, Uganda, Namibia, Algeria, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. These competitions showcased promising entrepreneurs from across the continent, and 15 finalists will now present their ventures at GEC+Africa 2026 in Cape Town to the world stage.
GEC+Africa 2026 is supported by African Bank in partnership with Microsoft, Amazon, Telkom, Masisizane, UNDP, W&RSETA, FirstRand, Wesgro, the Western Cape Government, and the City of Cape Town, with GEN Africa and 22 On Sloane serving as organizers.
