Former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe officially opened the Global Entrepreneurship Congress Africa (GEC+Africa) 2026 taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, kicking off two days of high-level dialogue on Africa’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The Congress brings together startups, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, corporates and entrepreneurship ecosystem organisations from across Africa and beyond.

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

“We inherit history, but we get to build and create the future.”

— Former President Kgalema Motlanthe

Hosted by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Africa and 22 On Sloane, GEC+Africa is one of the largest entrepreneurship gathering of the continent’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, convening the people and institutions shaping the continent’s entrepreneurial future. The Congress provides a platform to connect, exchange ideas, build partnerships and explore opportunities across borders.

The 2026 Congress is centred on the theme “Connecting Africa”, reflecting the importance of stronger connections between entrepreneurs, markets, capital, policymakers, corporates and ecosystem support organisations in unlocking Africa’s economic potential.

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.