Because the countdown begins for the 2026 Nationwide Convention & Expo, the Franchise Affiliation of South Africa (FASA) is highlighting the sector’s pivotal position because the nation’s premier engine for job creation and inclusive progress. Scheduled for Thursday, 19 February 2026, on the Birchwood Lodge & OR Tambo Convention Centre in Boksburg, the FASA 2026 Convention and Expo will showcase how franchising is evolving to fulfill the challenges of a contemporary South African financial system.
Since its preliminary announcement final yr, the convention—themed “Constructing the South African Financial system by means of Franchising”— has drawn vital consideration from authorities and personal sectors alike, as franchising now contributes a considerable 15% to nationwide GDP.
Franchising: A Confirmed Engine for Job Creation
With the sector supporting practically 500,000 direct jobs and accounting for roughly 5% of nationwide employment, FASA CEO Freddy Makgato believes the convention is a crucial platform for addressing South Africa’s unemployment disaster. “Franchising is way over a enterprise mannequin; it’s a catalyst for large-scale job creation,” says Makgato. “For each 14 direct jobs we create, one other seven are generated within the broader provide chain. This multiplier impact is precisely what our financial system wants proper now. By systemising success, we’re offering a steady surroundings the place over 70% of staff are from beforehand deprived teams, driving true transformation by means of significant work.”
Empowering the Subsequent Wave of Entrepreneurs
The 2026 occasion focuses closely on “Inclusive Entrepreneurship,” focusing on girls, youth, and SME participation. With 88% of native programs being homegrown manufacturers, franchising affords a novel “business-in-a-box” answer that features intensive training, expertise improvement, and ongoing coaching.
“We’re unlocking a brand new wave of entrepreneurs who won’t have had prior possession expertise,” explains Makgato. “Via our structured coaching in operations, compliance, and administration, we’re constructing entrepreneurial capability that strengthens the complete small enterprise ecosystem. Whether or not by means of conventional fashions or new social-franchising initiatives in townships, we’re democratising wealth creation.”
A Complete Agenda for Development
The complete-day programme will dive into important matters important for navigating in the present day’s complicated enterprise panorama. Key periods will cowl:
Coverage & Finance: Exploring regulatory enablers and tailor-made monetary options for the ecosystem.Innovation & Tech: Addressing Synthetic Intelligence, digital transformation and cybersecurity in multi-unit programs.Sustainability: Specializing in ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) compliance and renewable power adoption to mitigate load-shedding.Operational Excellence: Sharing data-driven trade developments and techniques for constructing resilient programs.Labour & Compliance: Navigating the authorized frameworks of the franchisor-franchisee-employee relationship.
The Expo: Connecting Innovation with Alternative
Working alongside the convention is the exhibition, designed to carry the franchise ecosystem to life. This can be a prime alternative for attendees to community with exhibitors, discover trade help and uncover rising and current manufacturers.
The Affiliation is delighted to announce that the FASA Annual Convention 2026 is proudly sponsored by Absa, Nedbank, the Providers SETA, the Small Enterprise Growth and Finance Company and the Wholesale and Retail Sector Training and Coaching Authority (W&RSETA).
For sponsorship, gross sales and exhibition enquiries, please contact:
Warren Hickinbotham, E mail: sponsorships@fasa.co.za, Cell: 084 400 5995
For registration and different enquiries, please contact:
Mpho Mashego, E mail: mpho.mashego@fasa.co.za, Cell: 060 504 8886
Registration hyperlink: https://www.online-rsvp.co.za/FASAConference/
