The two-day continental gathering brought together startups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and ecosystem leaders from across Africa and beyond in Cape Town.
Opening Addresses Set a Direct Tone on Systemic Reform
Former President Kgalema Motlanthe officially opened the congress, using his keynote address to position startup founders and small business owners as the vital drivers for long-term economic growth and job creation across the continent. Motlanthe, who now leads the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation, emphasized that inclusive economic participation remains essential for empowering young people and future generations.
That urgent sentiment was echoed by Edna Sathekga-Montse, Group Chief Transformation and Sustainability Officer at African Bank, who told delegates that institutional inertia continues to outpace entrepreneurial drive.
Africa does not suffer from a shortage of ideas. It does not suffer from a shortage of ambition. What it too often lacks are systems that can keep pace with the people determined to build our future, our entrepreneurs. Across Africa, entrepreneurs are building tomorrow’s economy today.
Edna Sathekga-Montse, African Bank
Sathekga-Montse noted that while entrepreneurs utilize mobile technologies and digital platforms to solve generations-old problems in cities, townships, and villages, structural hurdles obstruct their progress.
Access to finance remains limited. Regulatory processes can be slow. Market access is uneven, and many promising businesses struggle to move from survival to scale.
Edna Sathekga-Montse, African Bank
City Leaders Push for Red Tape Reduction and Practical Solutions
Addressing delegates on the final day of the conference, City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth James Vos argued that businesses require operational efficiency from the state rather than complicated new strategies.
They simply need government to work better. Because innovation in government doesn’t need to be complicated.
James Vos, City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth
Vos welcomed the renewed national focus on red tape reduction and ease of doing business, emphasizing collaboration between government spheres to secure more investment and jobs. According to Vos, municipal support targets sectors where the Mother City maintains competitive advantages and potential for investment and jobs.
Continental Pitch Competition Spotlights Emerging Innovators
Amid policy dialogues and plenary sessions, the Road to GEC+Africa 2026 Continental Pitch Competition emerged as a focal point for attendees. Regional bootcamps and pitch competitions traveled across Botswana, Uganda, Namibia, Algeria, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa to select the continent’s top talent.
A total of 15 finalists secured their places in the live pitching showdown at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. These enterprises are competing for a share of $20,000 and a chance to be named among the continent’s Top 3 Innovators.
Expanding Access and Broadening Continental Participation
Organisers restructured delegate entry options for the 2026 event. According to Carmen Rudd, GEC+Africa project lead, General Delegate registration was made free to ensure that entrepreneurs from all backgrounds could participate in the continental moment. Delegates seeking priority seating and exclusive networking spaces opted for Premium Delegate access.
Powered by African Bank in partnership with the Western Cape Government, Microsoft, Amazon, Wesgro, Telkom, 22 On Sloane, and a growing network of partners, the congress builds directly upon the foundation laid by the inaugural 2024 event.