Lonwabo Mtyeku | Image Credit:Supplied
As South Africa intensifies efforts to unlock sustainable job creation and inclusive economic participation, the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) is positioning franchising as one of the country’s most powerful engines of enterprise growth.
The FASA 2026 National Conference and Expo, scheduled for Thursday, 19 February 2026 at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, will bring together government, private sector leaders, financiers and entrepreneurs under the theme “Building the South African Economy through Franchising.”
With franchising now contributing approximately 15% to national GDP and supporting nearly half a million direct jobs, the sector has become a cornerstone of South Africa’s economic recovery and transformation agenda.
A Catalyst for Jobs and Opportunity
FASA Chief Executive Officer Freddy Makgato describes franchising as a proven multiplier for employment creation and skills development.
“Franchising is far more than a business model — it is a vehicle for large-scale job creation,” Makgato says. “For every 14 direct jobs created within franchised systems, an additional seven are generated throughout the value chain. More than 70% of employees are drawn from previously disadvantaged communities, making franchising a meaningful driver of transformation.”
Opening Doors to New Entrepreneurs
A central focus of the 2026 conference is inclusive entrepreneurship, with dedicated attention on women, youth and emerging small businesses. With 88% of franchised brands locally developed, the model offers structured pathways into business ownership.
“Through structured training, operational guidance and compliance support, we are equipping first-time entrepreneurs to build sustainable enterprises,” Makgato explains. “Whether through conventional franchising or township-based social franchise models, we are broadening access to ownership and opportunity.”
A Forward-Looking Programme
The conference programme will tackle the most critical issues shaping modern enterprise, including:
- Policy and Finance: Enabling regulation and innovative funding solutions
- Innovation and Technology: Artificial intelligence, digital transformation and cyber resilience
- Sustainability and ESG: Renewable energy adoption and responsible business practices
- Operational Excellence: Data-led insights and resilience strategies
- Labour and Compliance: Legal frameworks governing franchising relationships
The Expo Experience
Running alongside the conference, the FASA 2026 Expo will connect entrepreneurs, investors and service providers, showcasing established and emerging franchise brands, while facilitating meaningful business partnerships.
Backed by Key Partners
The event is proudly supported by Absa, Nedbank, Services SETA, the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency, and the Wholesale and Retail SETA, reflecting strong public–private collaboration in advancing franchising as a national growth strategy.
Shaping South Africa’s Economic Future
As the country searches for scalable solutions to unemployment and inequality, franchising is increasingly recognised as a vehicle for inclusive growth, ownership and skills development — positioning FASA 2026 as a pivotal platform for shaping South Africa’s next wave of entrepreneurship.
