22 ON SLOANE

22 ON SLOANE Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) launches startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare

Have you applied yet? If your logistics or service industry business is generating over R1 million in turnover and you'r...
08/09/2026

Have you applied yet? If your logistics or service industry business is generating over R1 million in turnover and you're ready to scale, don't miss this opportunity!

The Masisizane Investment Readiness Programme a 12-month initiative will equip selected businesses with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to become investment-ready, with funding opportunities ranging from R1 million to R20 million.

If you're serious about taking your business to the next level, now is the time to apply.

Apply now: www.kumii.africa/masisizane-apply

Meet the Speakers | Day 19 DAYS TO GOThe countdown to GEC+Africa 2026 continues. On Day 1, leading voices across brandin...
08/09/2026

Meet the Speakers | Day 1

9 DAYS TO GO
The countdown to GEC+Africa 2026 continues. On Day 1, leading voices across branding, creative industries, culture, technology and entrepreneurship will come together for a panel discussion on:

“Made in Africa: Harnessing Africa’s Creative Industries for Economic Transformation.”

Meet the panel:
Lebohang Kganye | Creative Artist and Photographer
A Johannesburg-based visual artist whose work brings together photography, memory, theatre and archival material to explore identity, family history and the stories that shape how we remember the past.

Pat Mahlangu | CEO & Founder, Lerato Agency
A strategic brand partner and youth market specialist who has built his career at the intersection of marketing, entrepreneurship and brand building, supporting youth-owned brands and creating campaigns that connect with audiences.

Dr Zama Phakathi | Founder & CEO, Splendid Group
An entrepreneur and business leader who has built Splendid Group into a leading Black-owned business spanning digital marketing, communications, branding, PR and events, while expanding into technology, skills development and energy.

Sylvester Chauke | Founder & Chief Architect, DNA Brand Architects
A leading brand strategist and communications executive who has built DNA Brand Architects into one of Africa’s influential independent communications agencies, championing African creativity, innovation and authentic storytelling.

Eyram Tawia | Co-Founder & CEO, Leti Arts
An award-winning game developer, educator and researcher using gaming, technology and cultural storytelling to advance Africa’s creative and digital industries and inspire the next generation of developers.

Together, they bring perspectives from art, branding, communications, gaming, technology and entrepreneurship to one important conversation: how can Africa’s creative industries become a stronger driver of economic transformation?

General Delegate Access is FREE.

📍 Cape Town | 16–17 September 2026
🔗 Register now:
https://apply.22onsloane.co/gecafrica/

We're excited to announce Papy Kaluw, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Urban Zulu, as a speaker at GEC+Africa 2026...
08/09/2026

We're excited to announce Papy Kaluw, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Urban Zulu, as a speaker at GEC+Africa 2026.

A self-taught designer born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Papy Kaluw built Urban Zulu from humble beginnings into an internationally recognised South African fashion label rooted in Pan-African heritage. Through bold contemporary design, African storytelling, spirituality and craftsmanship, Papy has positioned fashion as more than clothing. It is a powerful expression of culture, identity and confidence.

At GEC+Africa 2026, Papy will deliver a Thought Leadership Address on “Culture, Wellness & Identity: Building African Brands That Move Communities”, exploring how African brands can draw on culture and identity to create meaningful connections, inspire communities and drive economic value.

General Delegate Access is FREE.

Register now and join entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, corporates, startups, MSMEs and ecosystem leaders as we connect ideas, unlock opportunities and shape the future of entrepreneurship across Africa.

📍 Cape Town | 16–17 September 2026
🔗 Register now: https://apply.22onsloane.co/gecafrica/

We're excited to announce Catherine Young, Founder and CEO of Thinkroom Consulting and Partner at Knife Capital as a spe...
07/09/2026

We're excited to announce Catherine Young, Founder and CEO of Thinkroom Consulting and Partner at Knife Capital as a speaker at GEC+Africa 2026.

With more than 25 years of executive and entrepreneurial experience, Catherine has worked across Africa to help SMEs and high-growth technology businesses build the strategy, systems, skills and market access needed to scale. Through Thinkroom, she has supported entrepreneurs across 26 African countries, while her work with Knife Capital, Grindstone Accelerator and Grindstone Ventures focuses on growth, investment readiness and international expansion.

At GEC+Africa 2026, Catherine will participate in a Panel Discussion on “The Next Decade of African Venture Capital: Trends, Exits, and Building Fund Champions”, exploring the trends shaping African venture capital, the path to successful exits and what it takes to build stronger investment ecosystems across the continent.

General Delegate Access is FREE.

Register now and join entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, corporates, startups, MSMEs and ecosystem leaders as we connect ideas, unlock opportunities and shape the future of entrepreneurship across Africa.

📍 Cape Town | 16–17 September 2026

🔗 Register now: https://apply.22onsloane.co/gecafrica/

What is GEC+Africa 2026 and why should you be there?GEC+Africa brings together the entrepreneurship ecosystem, connectin...
07/09/2026

What is GEC+Africa 2026 and why should you be there?

GEC+Africa brings together the entrepreneurship ecosystem, connecting entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, corporates, and ecosystem leaders to learn, collaborate, and unlock new opportunities for growth and impact.

General attendance is FREE, with Premium Tickets also available for those looking to enhance their Congress experience.

Register here: https://apply.22onsloane.co/gecafrica/

📍 Cape Town | 16-17 September 2026

Swipe through to discover what GEC+Africa is all about, then secure your spot.

We're excited to announce Mixo Ngoveni, Co-founder and CEO of Geekulcha, as a speaker at GEC+Africa 2026.As a leading ad...
05/09/2026

We're excited to announce Mixo Ngoveni, Co-founder and CEO of Geekulcha, as a speaker at GEC+Africa 2026.

As a leading advocate for youth empowerment in technology, Mixo has built platforms that connect young tech talent with opportunities to learn, collaborate and showcase their skills. Through Geekulcha, he has helped create communities that bridge the gap between ICT students and industry while strengthening the pipeline of emerging African tech talent.

At GEC+Africa 2026, Mixo will join a Fireside Chat on “Africa’s Emerging Tech Trends: How Inclusive Media and Developer Communities Open Doors to the Continent’s Digital Future”, exploring the role of technology communities, inclusive media and developer networks in creating pathways into Africa’s digital economy.

General Delegate Access is FREE.

Register now join entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, corporates, startups, MSMEs and ecosystem leaders as we connect ideas, unlock opportunities and shape the future of entrepreneurship across Africa.

📍 Cape Town | 16–17 September 2026

🔗 Register now: https://apply.22onsloane.co/gecafrica/

SOUTH AFRICA TAKES ITS PLACE ON THE ROAD TO GEC+AFRICA 2026!The South African Provincial Pitch Competition has come to a...
04/09/2026

SOUTH AFRICA TAKES ITS PLACE ON THE ROAD TO GEC+AFRICA 2026!

The South African Provincial Pitch Competition has come to a close, bringing together founders from across the country to showcase innovative businesses, solutions and ideas as they compete for a place on the global stage at GEC+Africa 2026.

After pitches across the 9 provinces, we are proud to introduce the Top 6 entrepreneurs representing South Africa:

• Leafline Pty Ltd | Eastern Cape
Manufacturing washable sanitary products and other absorbent products using natural pineapple leaf fibres that would otherwise be burnt, while creating employment in the local community.

• Batho Pele BioLoop Africa Farm | Eastern Cape
A climate-smart agriculture startup transforming food and plastic waste into sustainable farming solutions using Black Soldier Fly technology, AI-powered monitoring and circular economy principles.

• The Marking App | Gauteng
An AI-powered platform that automates the marking of handwritten test papers and provides teacher-style feedback and performance analytics.

• Uuka Eco-Bricks | Northern Cape
A cleantech company transforming plastic and glass waste into sustainable construction materials, including bricks and paving solutions.

• DeafTouch | Gauteng
Developing accessible communication solutions for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community through video relay services, sign language interpretation and speech transcription.

• Loop | Western Cape
A digital platform enabling digital transactions and shared-ride bookings, helping drive the digitalisation of mobility across Africa.

Congratulations to all six entrepreneurs on being selected to represent South Africa.
Next stop: GEC+Africa 2026, Cape Town, 16–17 September.

Register now and join entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, corporates, startups, MSMEs, and ecosystem leaders as we connect ideas, unlock opportunities, and shape the future of entrepreneurship across Africa.

General Delegate Access is FREE.

Register now: gecafrica.co

WESTERN CAPE, IT'S A WRAP!The Western Cape leg of the GEC+Africa Provincial Pitch Competition has come to a close, with ...
03/09/2026

WESTERN CAPE, IT'S A WRAP!

The Western Cape leg of the GEC+Africa Provincial Pitch Competition has come to a close, with founders pitching innovative businesses across AI and recruitment, textile recycling, agriculture, food and wellness, mobility, sustainability and more.

Judges included:

• John Peters, Chief Director, Western Cape Government

• Robbi Laurenson, CTO, Microsoft EEIP V3, Microsoft South Africa

•Tracy Fisher, Senior Relationship Manager: Business & Commercial Coverage, African Bank

The programme also featured opening remarks from Marlene Govender, Regional Channel Executive: Western Cape, African Bank, on the bank’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs throughout their journey.

Entrepreneurs also took part in a financial education session facilitated by Zibu Masotobe, exploring money mindset, financial habits and building a stronger financial future.

Congratulations to all the entrepreneurs who took the stage and shared their businesses, ideas and ambitions.

That’s a wrap on the South African Provincial Pitch Competition.

Look out for the announcement of the South African winners.

GAUTENG, IT'S A WRAP!The Gauteng leg of the GEC+Africa Provincial Pitch Competition has come to a close, with founders p...
02/09/2026

GAUTENG, IT'S A WRAP!

The Gauteng leg of the GEC+Africa Provincial Pitch Competition has come to a close, with founders pitching innovative businesses across agriculture, edtech, beauty and personal care, digital communication, health, the green economy and fintech.

Judges included:

•Elizabeth Ramashala, Head: Transformation, African Bank

•Sbu Malinga, Senior Relationship Manager, African Bank

• Priyansh Dhawan, Acting Executive: Market and Investor Readiness, 22 On Sloane

• Ruth Maposa, Programme Analyst, 22 On Sloane

Congratulations to all the entrepreneurs who took the stage and shared their businesses.

Next stop: Western Cape, 3 September.

Look out for the announcement of the South African winners.

HELLO, SOUTH AFRICA! The GEC+Africa South Africa leg of the Provincial Pitch Competition has arrived in Johannesburg! To...
02/09/2026

HELLO, SOUTH AFRICA!

The GEC+Africa South Africa leg of the Provincial Pitch Competition has arrived in Johannesburg!

Today, 22 On Sloane is bringing together founders, innovators and ecosystem leaders as Gauteng takes its place on the Road to GEC+Africa 2026.

The programme opened with Carmen Rudd, Executive: Operations and GEC+Africa Lead, sharing the role of 22 On Sloane in supporting entrepreneurs and building stronger ecosystems, while giving delegates a look at what lies ahead through GEC+Africa 2026 and KUMii, which will officially launch at the Congress.

The morning also brought an important conversation on financial education, led by Zibu Masotobe with Africanbank.
For entrepreneurs, building a business is only one part of the journey. Understanding money, developing a healthy financial mindset and knowing how to build and preserve wealth are equally important to creating businesses that can grow and endure.

The session challenged entrepreneurs to think beyond immediate business cash flow and consider the role of financial literacy, asset creation, long-term investing and informed financial decision-making in building sustainable futures.

Now, the focus shifts to the entrepreneurs.
The pitches are underway, connections are being made and conversations are opening doors to new opportunities.

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