By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: CVLC Communication
SEEN HERE: FASA CEO Freddy Makgatho
Johannesburg, South Africa — The Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) is set to host one of the most influential business gatherings of the year as it convenes the FASA 2026 National Conference & Expo on Thursday, 19 February 2026, at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg.
Positioned as the country’s premier franchising platform, the event promises to bring together entrepreneurs, policymakers, financiers, and industry leaders for a powerful day of insight, collaboration, and opportunity — all centred on the role of franchising in driving South Africa’s economic growth.
SEEN HERE: Africa for Africa Women Empowerment President Bea Hackula
A Catalyst for Inclusive Economic Growth
More than just a conference, the FASA 2026 gathering serves as a strategic platform for advancing entrepreneurship, job creation, and inclusive development. With franchising widely recognised as a proven engine for economic participation, the event aims to unlock new pathways for business expansion, funding access, and sustainable enterprise growth.
Delegates can expect high-level engagement with thought leaders, practical guidance on franchise development, and meaningful networking with stakeholders across the public and private sectors.
SEEN HERE: John Dludlu – CEO of the Small Business Institute
A High-Impact Programme
The conference opens with a plenary session titled “Building the Economy Through Franchising”, setting the tone for a day focused on action and opportunity. FASA CEO Freddy Makgato will deliver the keynote address, highlighting franchising’s role as a catalyst for transformation and inclusive economic participation.
“This event has already attracted strong industry support,” Makgato says. “Our partners understand that franchising is not just a business model, but a proven mechanism for broad-based economic growth and sustainability.”
Throughout the day, delegates will engage with discussions focused on:
- Policy frameworks supporting franchise-led development
- Access to finance for emerging entrepreneurs
- Women and youth inclusion in franchising
- Technology-driven operational efficiency
- ESG compliance and labour relations
- Economic outlooks and growth strategies
SEEN HERE: African Panel Beaters and Motor Mechanics Association Sisa Mbangxa
A Powerful Line-Up of Industry Leaders
The 2026 conference boasts an impressive list of speakers and industry experts, including:
- Bea Hackula, President – Africa Women Empowerment
- John Dludlu, CEO – Small Business Institute
- George Sebulela, Group Chairman – South African United Business Confederation
- Eustace Mashimbye, CEO – Proudly South African
- Sisa Mbangxa, Founder – African Panelbeaters and Motor Mechanics Association
- Ricky Walton, Founder – SheerGuard Security
- Thamsanqa Moyo, Risk Manager – Nerdma Systems
- Janet Sithole, Regional Head: Non-Fuels Retail – Puma Energy
- Esmari Jonker, Head of Franchising – Smit and Van Wyk Inc.
- Bulelani Balabala, Founder – Township Entrepreneur Agency
Panel discussions will unpack practical approaches to franchise financing, regulatory reform, skills development, and the creation of scalable business models that support long-term economic inclusion.
SEEN HERE: Sheer Guard Security Founder Ricky Walton
Exhibition Hall: Where Business Happens
Running alongside the conference, the exhibition hall offers delegates direct engagement with franchise brands, financial institutions, service providers, and technology partners. Attendees will gain access to solutions covering funding, legal compliance, operations, marketing, and digital transformation.
Exhibitors include SheerGuard, Cash Converters, My STEM Software, Maid4You, Ithala, and RealPay, among others.
Strong Industry Backing
The conference is proudly supported by Absa, Nedbank, Services SETA, the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), and W&RSETA, reinforcing the importance of franchising as a national economic driver.
SEEN HERE: Nerdma Systems Risk Manager Thamsanqa Moyo
Why Attend or Sponsor
For businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors, the FASA 2026 Conference offers:
- Direct access to decision-makers
- High-quality networking opportunities
- Brand visibility among industry leaders
- Insights into funding and growth strategies
- Exposure to emerging franchise opportunities
Sponsorship and exhibition packages offer brands a strategic platform to connect with a highly targeted and influential audience.
Event Details
📍 Venue: Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, Boksburg
📅 Date: Thursday, 19 February 2026
🔗 Register here: https://www.online-rsvp.co.za/FASAConference/
🌐 More information: https://fasa.co.za/fasa-conference-2026/
📩 Sponsorship & Exhibition Enquiries:
Warren Hickinbotham – sponsorships@fasa.co.za | 084 400 5995
📩 Registration Enquiries:
Mpho Mashego – mpho.mashego@fasa.co.za | 060 504 8886
