The Global Entrepreneurship Congress Africa (GEC+Africa) 2026 concluded on September 17th at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, corporate representatives, and ecosystem leaders from across the continent and other countries for two days of dialogue, collaboration, and action under the theme 'Connecting Africa.'
Organized by Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Africa and 22 On Sloane, the Congress hosted approximately 2500 delegates from 56 countries, 29 of which were African. This underscored the significance of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth, innovation, job creation, and sustainable development across the continent. The program included key speaker addresses, ministerial participation, high-level discussions, startup showcases, investor meetings, and networking opportunities aimed at strengthening Africa's entrepreneurial ecosystems and expanding access to capital, markets, skills, and opportunities.
A central theme throughout the congress was the necessity of strengthening connections within Africa's entrepreneurial ecosystem—specifically, linking entrepreneurs with capital, markets, policymakers, corporations, and the necessary support for growth and scaling.
Edna Sathagka-Monse, Director of Transformation and Sustainable Development at African Bank, noted: 'GEC+Africa demonstrated what is possible when entrepreneurs, capital, markets, and government institutions unite around a common economic goal. The task now is to turn these connections into funded enterprises, won contracts, created jobs, and African companies entering new markets. For African Bank, the value of this partnership lies in helping more entrepreneurs build businesses that grow, survive, and expand economic participation.'
Discussions during the congress covered a wide range of issues shaping Africa's economic and entrepreneurial future, including access to capital and investment, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, skills development, market access, corporate entrepreneurship and supplier development, creative industries, venture capital, and cross-border cooperation.
Creating a Favorable Environment for Business
The Congress also emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment for doing business. The role of governments in reducing regulatory barriers, improving ease of doing business, and investing in infrastructure, skills, and systems that enable enterprises to function and develop was discussed.
The journey to GEC+Africa culminated in the Continental Pitch Competition, which followed regional intensives and pitch competitions held in Botswana, Uganda, Namibia, Algeria, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. Fifteen entrepreneurs presented their business ideas and innovations to a panel of judges, demonstrating solutions across various sectors.
Winners of the GEC+Africa 2026 Continental Pitch Competition:
- First Place: DeafTouch (South Africa). A technology startup developing accessible communication solutions for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, including Africa's first 'deaf-to-deaf' call center model.
- Second Place: Helton Traders (Uganda). A women-led social enterprise that recycles plastic waste into polyester yarn fabric, creating opportunities for women and young waste collectors.
- Third Place: Agrona (Egypt). A climate tech startup transforming agricultural waste into low-carbon materials for packaging, furniture, and construction.
Furthermore, the KUMii platform was launched at the congress—an AI-based digital tool developed by 22 On Sloane designed to connect entrepreneurs and companies with capital, markets, knowledge, expertise, tools, and opportunities to support their growth.
Commenting on the congress, Carmen Rudd, Head of Operations and Lead for GEC+Africa at 22 On Sloane, stated: 'This year's congress showed the power of significant relationships formed long before the event itself. Relationships that foster influence for entrepreneurs and continental cooperation. The ideas exchanged, the relationships built, and the opportunities that arose over these two days will continue to shape Africa's entrepreneurial future long after the congress concludes.'
Key Takeaways from GEC+Africa 2026
Key takeaways from GEC+Africa 2026 included the following:
- Connecting Capital and Opportunities: Closer interaction between investors, entrepreneurs, corporations, and development institutions is needed to expand African businesses' access to finance and markets.
- Building an AI-Driven Economy: Africa must invest in skills, infrastructure, data, and locally relevant technologies to participate in shaping the AI economy, rather than just consuming it.
- Easing Doing Business: Governments and municipalities play a critical role in reducing regulatory barriers, improving infrastructure, and creating conditions where businesses can start, operate, and scale.
- Strengthening Cross-Border Cooperation: African entrepreneurs and businesses require stronger links between markets to move beyond national borders and access new opportunities.
- Supporting African Entrepreneurs: From creative industries and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to technology and venture capital—African entrepreneurial talent needs capital, networks, and supportive ecosystems to turn ideas into sustainable businesses.
As delegates returned to their home countries, GEC+Africa 2026 left behind new connections, ideas, and partnerships that can continue to foster cooperation across the continent. The Congress affirmed the importance of connecting African entrepreneurs, markets, capital, and ecosystems, as well as creating conditions for the growth, scaling, and global competitiveness of African businesses.
