South Africa Hosts Global Entrepreneurship Congress: Cape Town Showcases Innovation

The bustling entrepreneurial spirit of Africa is set to converge in Cape Town as Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams announces the forthcoming Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC+Africa). Scheduled for March 13 – 14, this prestigious event is poised to become a cornerstone for fostering innovation and economic growth across the continent.

Partnering with 22 on Sloane and a consortium of public and private sector entities, the Department of Small Business Development is spearheading GEC+Africa 2024. This collaborative effort underscores a shared commitment to catalyzing entrepreneurial endeavors throughout Africa.

GEC+Africa serves as a nexus for entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and practitioners united by a common vision: leveraging entrepreneurship to drive economic prosperity and enhance quality of life. With over 1,500 delegates expected from 50+ African nations, including startups, small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurship advocates, the congress promises a vibrant exchange of ideas and opportunities.

The congress aims to achieve several key objectives:

• Fostering innovation and growth among startups and SMMEs across Africa.
• Cultivating an enabling environment conducive to job creation by African entrepreneurs.
• Facilitating market linkages for African startups and SMMEs.
• Cultivating a robust global investor pipeline to fuel the growth of African startups and SMMEs.
• Establishing and fortifying GEC-affiliated organizations in each African nation to nurture entrepreneurship ecosystems.

According to the Department of Small Business Development, GEC+Africa offers a prime platform to spotlight South Africa’s remarkable strides in nurturing entrepreneurial talent. “South Africa boasts one of the most mature startup ecosystems on the continent, supported by robust institutions,” the department noted in a statement.

“The Department of Small Business Development remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an environment conducive to the growth and sustainability of small enterprises, while bolstering South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through strategic partnerships,” the department emphasized.

As Cape Town prepares to host this landmark event, the spotlight shines brightly on Africa’s burgeoning entrepreneurial landscape. From innovative startups to seasoned entrepreneurs, GEC+Africa promises to be a pivotal moment in shaping the continent’s economic future.