The Global Entrepreneurship Congress Africa (GEC+Africa) 2026 concluded at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on 17 September, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, corporates and ecosystem leaders from across Africa and beyond for two days of dialogue, collaboration and action under the theme “Connecting Africa”.
Hosted by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Africa and 22 On Sloane, the congress welcomed about 2 500 delegates from 56 countries, 29 of them African, reinforcing the role of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth, innovation, job creation and sustainable development across the continent. The programme included keynote addresses, ministerial engagements, high-level discussions, breakout sessions, start-up showcases, investor engagements and networking opportunities focused on strengthening Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystems and expanding access to capital, markets, skills and opportunities.
A key focus throughout the congress was the need to strengthen connections across Africa’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, linking entrepreneurs with capital, markets, policymakers, corporates and the support needed to grow and scale.
“GEC+Africa has shown what becomes possible when entrepreneurs, capital, markets and public institutions come together around a shared economic purpose. The work now is to turn those connections into businesses financed, contracts won, jobs created and African companies reaching new markets. For African Bank, that is where the value of this partnership lies: in helping more entrepreneurs build enterprises that grow, endure and widen economic participation,” said Edna Sathekga-Montse, group chief transformation and sustainability officer at African Bank.
Conversations across the congress explored a range of issues shaping Africa’s economic and entrepreneurial future, including investment and access to capital, digital transformation and AI, skills development, market access, corporate enterprise and supplier development, creative industries, venture capital and cross-border collaboration.
An enabling environment for businesses
The congress also highlighted the importance of creating an enabling environment for businesses. Discussions examined the role of government in reducing regulatory barriers, improving the ease of doing business and investing in the infrastructure, skills and systems that allow enterprises to operate and grow.
The Road to GEC+Africa culminated in the Continental Pitch Competition, following regional bootcamps and pitch competitions in Botswana, Uganda, Namibia, Algeria, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa.
Fifteen entrepreneurs took to the GEC+Africa stage to pitch their businesses and innovations to a panel of judges, showcasing solutions across a range of sectors.
GEC+Africa 2026 Continental Pitch Competition winners
- First place: DeafTouch (South Africa). A technology start-up creating accessible communication solutions for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, including Africa’s first Deaf-to-Deaf call centre model.
- Second place: Helton Traders (Uganda). A women-led social enterprise turning plastic waste into polyester sewing thread while creating opportunities for women and young waste collectors.
- Third place: Agrona (Egypt). A climate-tech start-up turning agricultural waste into low-carbon materials for packaging, furniture and construction.
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 to support their growth.
Reflecting on the congress, Carmen Rudd, executive operations and GEC+Africa lead at 22 On Sloane, said: “This year’s congress demonstrated the power of meaningful relationships formed way before the congress takes place. Relationships that contribute towards creating impact for entrepreneurs and continental collaborations. The ideas shared, relationships formed and opportunities created over the past two days will continue to shape Africa’s entrepreneurial future long after the congress.”
Key takeaways from GEC+Africa 2026 included:
- Connecting capital and opportunity: Greater collaboration is needed between investors, entrepreneurs, corporates and development institutions to expand access to finance and markets for African businesses.
- Building for an AI-enabled economy: Africa must invest in skills, infrastructure, data and locally relevant technology to ensure it participates in shaping the AI economy rather than only consuming it.
- Making it easier to do business: Governments and municipalities have a critical role to play in reducing regulatory barriers, improving infrastructure and creating environments where businesses can start, operate and scale.
- Strengthening cross-border collaboration: Africa’s entrepreneurs and businesses need stronger connections across markets to expand beyond national borders and access new opportunities.
- Backing Africa’s entrepreneurs: From creative industries and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to technology and venture capital, Africa’s entrepreneurial talent requires the capital, networks and enabling ecosystems to turn ideas into sustainable businesses.
As delegates return to their respective countries, GEC+Africa 2026 leaves behind new connections, ideas and partnerships that can continue to drive collaboration across the continent.
The congress reinforced the importance of connecting Africa’s entrepreneurs, markets, capital and ecosystems, and of creating the conditions for African businesses to grow, scale and compete globally.
About GEC+Africa
The Global Entrepreneurship Congress Africa (GEC+Africa) is a pan-African gathering dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship across the continent. Hosted by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Africa, the congress brings together entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, corporates and ecosystem leaders from across Africa and around the world to connect ideas, markets and opportunities.
Through dialogue, collaboration and action-oriented engagement, GEC+Africa strengthens entrepreneurial ecosystems and supports the growth of African businesses.
About African Bank
African Bank Limited is a fully fledged retail bank offering a range of financial products and services, serving both Personal Banking and Business & Commercial customers. The bank has a countrywide branch network and a full digital channel offering, as well as sales, collections and customer service contact centres.
African Bank is a scalable, diversified and sustainable business focused on its heritage of being a bank for the people, by the people, serving the people, with a clear vision and strategy, strong leadership and a drive to deliver on the promise of its founders. Visit African Bank at www.africanbank.co.za or follow the bank on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.
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