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About GEW
The Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is the world’s largest celebration of innovators who dream big and launch startups that brings ideas to life. This year will mark the 17th year of celebrating the annual Global Entrepreneurship Week which attracts over 40 million people in 200 countries with 20,000 activities aimed at raising awareness about innovation and entrepreneurship. GEW reaches new audiences and connects participants to a network that can help them take the next step, no matter where they are on their entrepreneurial journey.
GEW will be celebrated globally from the 17 - 23 November 2025 under the theme "Together We Build" - shining a spotlight on the collective power of community, collaboration, and shared ambition. The celebration will bring together entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and support organisations to advance global economic growth and innovation
At 22 On Sloane, we have combined our hubs in Johannesburg and Cape Town to participate in the Global Entrepreneurship Week with activities taking place from 18 – 22 November 2025.
Entrepreneurship • Innovation
GEW 2025 Highlights
- GEW Hackathon, Forum, SU20 Summit
- In-person hubs in Cape Town & Johannesburg
- Exploring opportunities in innovation, entrepreneurship, ecosystem growth, and competition.
GEW Objectives
Showcase and celebrate South Africa’s Entrepreneurs
Launch new programmes and funds to support entrepreneurs
Encourage dialogue amongst hubs & ESOs
Explore better ecosystem collaboration on market access
Improve policies hindering SMME development
Events
AI Driven Innovation Hackathon
The AI-Driven Innovation Hackathon challenges participants to work in teams to design and build practical solutions using Artificial Intelligence to tackle real-world challenges faced by businesses and communities.
Over two days, developers, data scientists, designers, entrepreneurs, students, and innovators will collaborate to turn ideas into working prototypes.
Date: 8–9 November 2025
Location: 22 On Sloane Cape Town Hub, 39 Somerset Road, Green Point, 8005
AI Innovation Forum
The AI Innovation Forum hosted by OpenAI in collaboration with 22 On Sloane is a space for innovators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to explore the future of Artificial Intelligence across Africa.
AI is transforming industries, empowering startups, and unlocking new opportunities for inclusive growth across the continent. The forum will feature panel discussions, keynote insights, and an open stage where startups will share how they are using AI to drive change. Together, we will explore how AI can strengthen startups, MSMEs, and communities to spark innovation and opportunity at scale.
Date: 10 November 2025
Location: 22 On Sloane Cape Town Hub, 39 Somerset Road, Green Point, 8005
Startup20 Summit & Awards 2025
A global gathering under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, convening entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors to advance inclusive entrepreneurship and innovation.
The two-day summit will include keynotes, policy dialogues, and awards recognising startups in GreenTech, AgriTech, EdTech, HealthTech, and FinTech.
Theme: “Advancing Inclusive Entrepreneurship Through Policy, Partnership, and Innovation.”
Date: 13–14 November 2025
Location: Gallagher Estate, Johannesburg
UN Global Compact Network South Africa SME Readiness Tool Launch
The UN Global Compact Network South Africa will host the launch of the SME Readiness Assessment Tool;
a user-friendly digital platform designed to help businesses measure and enhance their sustainability maturity. (Closed Event)
Date:17 November 2025
Location: 22 On Sloane, Johannesburg
Cedarleb Africa Awakening to Africa's Prosperity & G20 Opportunities for SMMEs
The Global Entrepreneurship Week Conversation hosted by Cedarleb Africa, under the theme : Awakening to Africa’s Prosperity & G20 Opportunities for SMMEs
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation featuring our distinguished speakers:
Dr. Nonkululeko Gobodo
Dr. Pali Lehohla
Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
Scan the QR code to register, or email admin@cedarleb.africa for more information.
Let’s come together to explore how entrepreneurs and SMMEs can unlock Africa's Prosperity
Date: 18 November 2025
Location: 22 On Sloane, Johannesburg
Faith-Based Africa Changemakers Networking Breakfast
Africa Changemakers Networking Breakfast. On the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. South Africa
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation featuring our distinguished speakers:
Date: 19 November 2025
Location: 22 On Sloane, Johannesburg
Africa Odyssey Global Summit Peace is Ubuntu: Shaping the Future Through Collective Action
The Peace is Ubuntu Summit is part of WPHF's Peace is Advocacy Campaign, a global movement and call to action reigniting public belief in peace,
amplifying the voices of women leading peacebuilding efforts worldwide, and drawing lessons and next steps to advance and secure peace
Date: 20 November 2025
Location: 22 On Sloane, Johannesburg
WENOSA Women in Business Funding Pitch
The WENOSA Women in Business Funding Pitch is a premier event designed to bridge the persistent funding gap faced by South African women entrepreneurs.
The goal is to transform investment readiness into capital access by providing a curated platform where vetted, high-growth, women-led Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) present directly to a diverse panel of institutional and private investors. This event is not merely a competition; it is a catalytic ecosystem accelerator dedicated to fostering economic participation and sustainable wealth creation for women.
Date: 20 November 2025
Location: 22 On Sloane, Johannesburg
YAEI x ABSA Youth Entrepreneurship Week
The Youth Entrepreneurship Week, in line with Global Entrepreneurship Week, is an annual programme geared towards celebrating youth entrepreneurship through various activities.
Additionally, YEW provides young entrepreneurs from across South Africa with an opportunity to network and explore synergies for growth. YEW will commence with the finals for the Youth Innovation Challenge, a Symposium and Opportunities Cafe characterised by keynote addresses, panel discussions, and exhibitions by various organisations and individuals that offer support to young entrepreneurs.
Date: 21 November 2025
Location: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Johannesburg
StartUp Huddle Johannesburg
The Startup Huddle event provides a platform for entrepreneurs to discover solutions to the challenges they face through purposeful engagement with a broad array of voices from the local community, who can also share their experiences.
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation featuring our distinguished speakers:
Dr. Nonkululeko Gobodo
Dr. Pali Lehohla
Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
Scan the QR code to register, or email admin@cedarleb.africa for more information.
Let’s come together to explore how entrepreneurs and SMMEs can unlock Africa's Prosperity
Date: 26 November 2025
Location: 22 On Sloane, Johannesburg
About The Cape Town Hub
Our Cape Town hub, set within 1,100 m2 of prime real estate, offers startups and SMMEs an inspiring environment with views of Table Mountain, Atlantic Ocean and the energetic cityscape of Green Point. With 600 m2 of lettable area, this hub is a key player in the Cape Town entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Special Features of the 22 On Sloane Cape Town Hub:
• Co-Working Space, Boardrooms and Events Space
• Access to mentorship programs and funding opportunities
• Community Events & Workshops to foster growth and collaboration
GEW 2025 South Africa is brought to you by 22 On Sloane in partnership with
