Former President Kgalema Motlanthe opens GEC+Africa 2026 - IOL

The GEC+Africa 2026 kicked off at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Wednesday.

Former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe officially opened the Global Entrepreneurship Congress Africa (GEC+Africa) 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Wednesday. 

The theme for this year’s two-day congress is: “Connecting Africa”, reflecting the importance of stronger connections between entrepreneurs, markets, capital, policymakers, corporates and ecosystem support organisations in unlocking Africa’s economic potential.

Hosted by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Africa and 22 On Sloane, GEC+Africa is Africa’s largest entrepreneurship gathering, bringing together the people shaping the continent’s entrepreneurship ecosystem to connect, exchange ideas, build partnerships and explore opportunities across borders.

The congress brings together startups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, corporates and entrepreneurship ecosystem organisations from across Africa and beyond.

Former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe delivered the keynote address during the opening of GEC+Africa 2026.

Motlanthe now leads the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation, which promotes dialogue, youth development, education, and social cohesion across Africa.

Delivering his keynote address, Motlanthe highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship and inclusive economic participation in shaping Africa’s future.

He emphasised that small businesses and startup founders are vital drivers for long-term growth and job creation in Africa.

His address also highlighted the importance of leveraging new ideas and inclusive development models to empower young people and future generations.

Over the course of the Congress, the programme will bring these themes to life through keynote addresses, policy, research and investment summit, fireside conversations, panel discussions, masterclasses, exhibitions, startup showcases, and networking opportunities.

GEC+Africa also provides a platform for entrepreneurs and ecosystem stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaboration, strengthen networks and develop partnerships that can contribute to the growth and scalability of businesses across the continent.

The Congress takes place in Cape Town on September 16 - 17, 2026, bringing together stakeholders committed to strengthening Africa’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and advancing opportunities for the continent’s startups and MSMEs.