The Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and PayPal hosted a Global AI Impact Accelerator as one of the practical learning components of the Startup20 (SU20) Summit in Johannesburg during Global Entrepreneurship Week. The Startup20 Summit convened founders, MSMEs, investors and policy leaders from across multiple countries, creating an environment where policy discussions and hands-on entrepreneurial development could sit side by side.
Positioned within the SU20 learning track, the AI Impact Accelerator served as a dedicated skills-building session designed to help early-stage and growth-stage entrepreneurs understand how to apply AI in real business contexts. The session was facilitated by Thembelani Mhlanga, an AWS Technical Instructor, whose expertise grounded the conversation in practical, accessible workflows that founders could immediately adapt to their own ventures. The Accelerator drew a diverse audience of SU20 delegates, including startup teams, ecosystem builders and officials attending the Summit’s broader programme.
Throughout the session, participants explored how AI can enhance product development, automate repetitive processes, strengthen decision-making and improve customer experience. The facilitator demonstrated real-world examples and guided attendees through foundational approaches to integrating AI responsibly and sustainably in small businesses.
The integration of the AI Impact Accelerator into the SU20 Summit strengthened the overall programme by adding a skills-focused dimension that complemented the policy, marketplace and networking components. For many delegates, it offered a tangible gateway into AI—bridging high-level discussions with on-the-ground capability building.
Additional Global AI Impact Accelerator program dates will soon take place in London, UK (Dec. 2), and Germany (date to be announced).