Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams is set to host the prestigious Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC+Africa) in Cape Town from 13th to 14th March. This significant event, in partnership with 22 on Sloane and various public and private sector stakeholders, aims to bolster entrepreneurial endeavors across the African continent. With a focus on fostering innovation, job creation, and market expansion, GEC+Africa 2024 anticipates participation from over 1,500 delegates representing more than 50 African nations.
The forthcoming GEC+Africa is poised to be a pivotal gathering, drawing entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and practitioners deeply engaged in the global entrepreneurship movement. Rooted in the belief that entrepreneurship is instrumental in economic growth and societal advancement, this congress endeavors to pave the way for a more prosperous Africa.
One of the primary objectives of GEC+Africa is to nurture the development of innovative startups and small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) across the continent. By providing a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and skill-building, the congress aims to equip African entrepreneurs with the tools needed to thrive in a competitive landscape.
Moreover, GEC+Africa seeks to cultivate an enabling environment conducive to job creation. Recognizing the vital role of small businesses in employment generation, the congress endeavors to facilitate connections between entrepreneurs and potential employers, thereby fostering sustainable economic growth.
In addition to fostering entrepreneurship locally, GEC+Africa aims to foster global linkages for African startups and SMMEs. By connecting these enterprises with international markets and investors, the congress aspires to unlock new opportunities for growth and expansion.
Furthermore, GEC+Africa endeavors to establish a robust global investor pipeline dedicated to supporting African startups and SMMEs. By fostering partnerships between investors and entrepreneurs, the congress aims to attract much-needed capital to fuel innovation and drive economic development.
Integral to the success of GEC+Africa is the establishment of GEC-affiliated organizations in each African country. These entities will serve as catalysts for entrepreneurship ecosystem development, working to empower local entrepreneurs and strengthen their collective impact on regional economies.
According to the Department of Small Business Development, South Africa boasts one of the most mature startup ecosystems on the continent, supported by robust institutional frameworks. Through initiatives like GEC+Africa, the department aims to showcase the country’s progress in nurturing innovative and successful entrepreneurs.
“South Africa has made significant strides in fostering entrepreneurship, but there is still much work to be done,” remarked the Department of Small Business Development. “We remain committed to creating an enabling environment for small enterprises to thrive and contribute to the country’s economic prosperity.”
Conclusion:
As South Africa prepares to host the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, the nation reaffirms its commitment to fostering innovation, job creation, and economic growth. By convening stakeholders from across the continent, GEC+Africa promises to ignite a wave of entrepreneurial activity that will drive Africa’s development agenda forward. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, this congress holds the potential to transform the entrepreneurial landscape and unlock new opportunities for prosperity.
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