The 2026 Global Entrepreneurship Congress Africa (GEC+Africa) recently took place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, attracting approximately 2,500 delegates from 56 countries, including 29 African nations. The event was hosted by the Global Entrepreneurship Network Africa and 22 On Sloane, under the theme "Connecting Africa". The congress aimed to promote entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic growth, innovation, job creation, and sustainable development across the continent.
The congress featured a comprehensive program, including keynote addresses, ministerial engagements, high-level discussions, breakout sessions, startup showcases, investor engagements, and networking opportunities. A central focus of the event was strengthening connections across the entrepreneurship ecosystem, linking entrepreneurs with capital, markets, policymakers, corporates, and the skills needed to help them grow and scale.
Edna Sathekga-Montse, group chief transformation and sustainability officer at African Bank, emphasized the importance of turning connections into tangible outcomes, such as businesses financed, contracts won, jobs created, and African companies reaching new markets. African Bank powered the congress, which was also supported by several partners, including Microsoft, Amazon, and the United Nations Development Programme.
The event highlighted several key areas of focus, including connecting capital and opportunity, building for an AI-enabled economy, making it easier to do business, strengthening cross-border collaboration, and backing Africa's entrepreneurs. The Road to GEC+Africa initiative provided a platform for startups and MSMEs to showcase their businesses and connect with potential investors.
The Continental Pitch Competition, part of the Road to GEC+Africa initiative, saw 15 finalists compete for a chance to be named one of the Top 3 Innovators and win a cash prize. The winners were Deaftouch, a South African technology startup; Helton Traders Limited, a women-led social enterprise from Uganda; and Agrona, an Egyptian climate-tech startup.
The congress also saw the launch of Kumii, an AI-powered digital platform developed by 22 On Sloane to connect entrepreneurs and businesses with capital, markets, knowledge, expertise, tools, and opportunities.
Reflecting on the congress, Sathekga-Montse and Carmen Rudd, executive: operations and GEC+Africa lead at 22 On Sloane, emphasized the potential for lasting impact, with new connections, ideas, and partnerships formed during the event expected to drive collaboration across the continent.
Key points
- The 2026 Global Entrepreneurship Congress Africa (GEC+Africa) brought together 2,500 delegates from 56 countries to advance entrepreneurship and economic growth.
- The event highlighted key areas of focus, including connecting capital and opportunity, building for an AI-enabled economy, and making it easier to do business.
- The Continental Pitch Competition saw 15 finalists compete, with Deaftouch, Helton Traders Limited, and Agrona emerging as the top three winners.
