Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku – Community Newsroom Photo Credit: Supplied
FASA CEO Fred Makgatho
Boksburg, South Africa – The Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) is gearing up for one of the most pivotal gatherings in the country’s economic calendar. On 19 February 2026, franchise leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors will converge at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg for the highly anticipated FASA Annual Conference, themed “Building the South African Economy through Franchising.”
This landmark event marks FASA’s first major in-person conference since the COVID-19 pandemic and the debut conference under the leadership of its newly appointed CEO, Mr Freddy Makgato.
A Turning Point for South Africa’s Economic Future
Ahead of the conference, Makgato delivered a powerful call to action, urging the country to unlock the full potential of the franchise business model.
“South Africa continues to face stubbornly high unemployment and limited opportunities for sustainable growth,” he noted. “Franchising remains one of the most underutilised yet powerful mechanisms for job creation, entrepreneurship, and economic inclusion. This conference will reposition franchising as a catalyst in rebuilding our economy.”
Despite numerous government-led programmes—learnerships, TVET initiatives, internships—Makgato argues that impact has been fragmented. Franchising, he says, offers a cohesive, structured, and scalable solution.
A Sector Already Powering the Economy — With Potential to Do More
South Africa’s franchising sector is one of the strongest and most resilient in the world, currently:
- Contributing around 15% to national GDP
- Employing hundreds of thousands across key sectors, including food, retail, healthcare, education and services
If strategic interventions push the sector’s contribution to 18%–20%, South Africa could see:
- Significant new employment opportunities
- A surge in small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) growth
- Greater access to structured skills development
- Increased foreign investment through global franchise partnerships
- Scaled entrepreneurship among previously disadvantaged groups
“Franchising isn’t merely a business model,” Makgato highlights. “It is an economic engine with the power to uplift communities.”
Save The Date for the FASA Conference 2026
Conference Themes: Rethinking Growth, Innovation, and Collaboration
The 2026 FASA Conference will serve as a national platform for strategic reflection and collaboration, with keynote discussions focused on:
1. Economic Growth & Sustainability
How franchising can build robust, scalable businesses that withstand economic pressures.
2. Job Creation & Youth Employment
Exploring franchise models designed to meaningfully reduce youth unemployment—currently above 50%.
3. Skills Development & Entrepreneurship
Positioning franchising as a vehicle for business training, mentorship, and long-term empowerment.
4. Digital Transformation & AI Integration
Understanding how emerging technologies are shifting franchise operations and customer experience.
5. Regional Expansion & Africa Market Access
Unlocking cross-border growth opportunities for local franchises.
6. Funding, Finance & Investment
Connecting entrepreneurs to capital, and linking SMEs with investors and funding partners.
“This conference is bigger than conversation—it’s a strategic turning point,” Makgato said. “We must rethink how business, government, and civil society collaborate. Franchising can deliver inclusive growth if we harness its true power.”
Why Franchising Matters Now
Amid persistent economic challenges—energy insecurity, sluggish GDP growth, and unemployment—franchising offers unique advantages:
- Lower business risk through proven systems and brand strength
- Replicable business models suited for rapid scaling
- Built-in skills transfer from franchisors to new entrepreneurs
- Inclusion and empowerment, opening doors for individuals with limited business experience
- Localised job creation, fuelling community development
Makgato believes franchising is one of South Africa’s most reliable economic stabilisers.
Proudly Supported by Industry Leaders
The 2026 conference is proudly sponsored by:
- Absa
- Services SETA
- Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA)
- Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&RSETA)
Their support reinforces the sector’s importance in the country’s economic framework.
Sponsorship, Exhibitions & Registrations Now Open
FASA invites organisations, business leaders and innovators to be part of this milestone event.
Opportunities available include:
- High-impact brand visibility
- Access to key decision-makers and industry leaders
- Speaking and thought-leadership platforms
- Direct engagement with government and policymakers
- Exhibition opportunities to showcase products and solutions
Sponsorship & Exhibition Enquiries
Warren Hickinbotham
Email: sponsorships@fasa.co.za
Cell: 084 400 5995
Registration & General Enquiries
Mpho Mashego
Email: mpho.mashego@fasa.co.za
Cell: 060 504 8886
Registration Link:
The FASA Annual Conference 2026 promises to be more than an industry event—it will be a defining moment for South Africa’s economic recovery and a strategic blueprint for building a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous future through franchising.
