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 programme, 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, highlighted 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 showcased several key takeaways, including the need for greater collaboration between investors, entrepreneurs, corporates, and development institutions to expand access to finance and markets for African businesses. The importance of investing in skills, infrastructure, data, and locally relevant technology to participate in the AI economy was also emphasised.
The Road to GEC+Africa initiative provided a platform for startups and MSMEs across the continent to showcase their businesses and connect with potential investors. Fifteen finalists were selected to compete in the Continental Pitch Competition, with Deaftouch, a South African technology startup, winning first place.
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, emphasised 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) was held in Cape Town, attracting approximately 2,500 delegates from 56 countries.
- The event featured a comprehensive programme, including keynote addresses, ministerial engagements, and startup showcases.
- The congress highlighted the need for greater collaboration between investors, entrepreneurs, corporates, and development institutions to expand access to finance and markets for African businesses.
