A CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO AFRICA
In March 2024, GEC+Africa convened in Cape Town – bringing together founders, policymakers, ecosystem builders and investors from across the continent. Part of GEN's Global Entrepreneurship Congress series, the gathering launched Africa's first Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Index, saw ministers commit to strengthening national startup sectors, and produced a call to action to create one million new African businesses by 2030.
Since then, GEN has continued to deepen its decades-long work across the continent alongside 22 On Sloane, GEN South Africa, and GEN's national chapters — expanding programs that help founders access capital, markets and mentorship while helping policymakers build the conditions for those businesses to scale.
A key part of GEN's mission in Africa is to ensure the continent continues to have access to cutting-edge live events and opportunities to connect with other leaders with shared interests from both the regional and global ecosystem.
GEC+AFRICA 2026
GEN is therefore especially pleased to invite you to GEC+Africa 2026, Africa's largest entrepreneurship gathering, taking place 16–17 September 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) under the theme Connecting Africa — hosted by 22 On Sloane and GEN South Africa, in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network.
The event caps the Road to GEC+Africa, a series of regional bootcamps and pitch competitions that has traveled through Botswana, Uganda, Namibia, Algeria, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. The founders who emerged from those competitions will pitch in Cape Town alongside more than 2,000 delegates from over 43 African countries.
Whether you are interested in convening your own network for a side event, connecting with new stakeholders, or participating in the collaborative sessions taking place across the two days, this important continental gathering is a great way to begin working with GEN across the continent.
For registration and program details, visit gecafrica.co. Questions? Email contact@gecafrica.co.
WHY ATTEND
The region's premier entrepreneurship gathering which serves as a gateway to Africa for the world. For two days, participants exchange ideas, build trusted relationships, and explore practical solutions that strengthen innovation ecosystems and drive growth.
Frontier Conversations
Hear global and African leaders explore AI, emerging technologies, and what the current wave of tooling changes for businesses building in mobile-first, cash-heavy markets.
Hands-on Learning
Develop practical skills and actionable strategies through interactive, expert-led workshops.
High-Level Roundtables
Shape conversations, forge strategic partnerships, and help define the region's innovation agenda.
Business Networking Sessions
Elevate the visibility of your work, your organization, and your ecosystem through the exhibition floor, structured introductions, and the receptions where most partnerships here actually begin.
Speakers Shaping Tomorrow
GEC+Africa brings together visionary entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and innovators from around the world to share bold ideas, practical insights, and the experiences driving the future of entrepreneurship.
SECURE YOUR SPOT
Ready to join entrepreneurship leaders from across Africa and the world? Registration is still open.
Your registration includes two days of world-class content, curated networking, workshops, coffee breaks, lunches, and access to the region's premier entrepreneurship gathering.
Have questions? Contact contact@gecafrica.co.
What's Included
- Access to the GEC+Africa 2026 Exhibition Hall featuring Startups, corporates, ESOs, and country showcases.
- Access to plenary sessions
- Entry to selected breakout sessions, panel discussions, and workshops.
- Access to the GEC+Africa event app to schedule meetings and connect with attendees.
- Daily refreshments at networking areas (at own cost)