FASA Conference and Expo 2026 secures powerful industry backing as cornerstone for franchise-led growth

By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied

Seen Here: Karen Keylock, national manager for Retail Franchising at Nedbank Commercial Banking

10 February 2026

South Africa’s franchising sector will take centre stage later this month as the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) Conference and Expo 2026 convenes a formidable alliance of government, finance, skills development authorities and industry bodies—reinforcing the event’s status as a critical platform for inclusive economic growth.

Set to take place on 19 February at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, the conference has drawn strong backing from the City of Ekurhuleni, major banks, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and development agencies, all united around a shared objective: unlocking franchising’s potential as a scalable engine for jobs, skills and sustainable enterprises.

Seen Here: FASA CEO Fred Makgatho

Government backs franchising as an economic catalyst

The City of Ekurhuleni has reaffirmed its commitment to franchising as a practical mechanism for empowering SMMEs and stimulating local economies.

“The City of Ekurhuleni is proud to partner with FASA to empower our SMMEs and drive sustainable economic growth,” said Phakamile Mbengashe, Head of Department for Communication, Marketing and Tourism at the City. “By leveraging FASA’s expertise, we aim to tackle socio-economic challenges, create jobs and foster a knowledge-based economy.”

The partnership signals growing recognition from local government that franchising—when supported by the right policy, finance and skills ecosystems—can deliver tangible development outcomes.

Seen Here: James Noble, Executive for the Wholesale, Retail and Franchise Sector at Absa Business Banking

A proven engine of economic impact

With the franchise sector contributing close to R1 trillion to South Africa’s economy, FASA positions the annual conference not as a theoretical forum, but as a working platform for real-world solutions.

“Franchising is one of the most practical ways to convert economic ambition into real businesses, jobs and skills,” said Fred Makgatho, CEO of FASA. “The FASA Conference and Expo 2026 is where stakeholders come together to share what works and scale it. If we are serious about inclusive growth and sustainable SMEs, these are the conversations the country needs to have.”

The event brings together franchisors, franchisees, entrepreneurs, funders, policymakers, SETAs and service providers to confront the everyday realities of building and expanding franchise businesses—from funding access and compliance to operational resilience and growth strategies.

Seen Here: Alderman Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, Executive Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni

Financial sector commits to long-term partnerships

Major financial institutions supporting the conference have emphasised the importance of sector-specific expertise and long-term collaboration in sustaining franchise growth.

“Having supported the industry for over three decades, we understand the evolving needs of franchisors and franchisees,” said James Noble, Executive for the Wholesale, Retail and Franchise Sector at Absa Business Banking. “Our expertise enables us to partner with franchise businesses throughout their lifecycle—from new entrants to established brands looking to scale.”

Noble added that Absa’s approach extends beyond traditional lending. “As the Bank of the Entrepreneur, we offer holistic, integrated solutions that empower business owners, their employees and their long-term growth ambitions.”

Nedbank Commercial Banking echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strategic value of knowledge-sharing platforms such as the FASA Conference.

“At Nedbank, we believe our role goes beyond offering best-of-breed financial products and expert advice,” said Karen Keylock, National Manager for Retail Franchising at Nedbank. “Through partnerships with organisations like FASA, we create opportunities for experts to share insights that help drive the sector towards a thriving and sustainable future.”

Skills development and MSME support under the spotlight

Skills development will be a major focus at this year’s conference, with the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) reinforcing the central role franchising plays within its mandate.

Through a strategic partnership with FASA, the W&RSETA aims to encourage franchise businesses to actively engage with the SETA system, unlocking access to targeted training initiatives designed specifically for micro, small and medium enterprises (SMMEs).

The collaboration includes hands-on support during the mandatory grants application window, helping franchisees navigate the process more efficiently while ensuring that skills development directly contributes to productivity, competitiveness and GDP growth.

Additional support for the conference comes from the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (Sedfa) and the Services SETA, further strengthening the event’s developmental impact.

From dialogue to delivery

As South Africa grapples with stubborn unemployment, skills shortages and uneven SME growth, the FASA Conference and Expo 2026 is positioned as a space where dialogue translates into action.

“The continued backing of leading banks and skills authorities reinforces how franchising anchors South Africa’s SME economy,” Makgatho concluded. “It underscores the value of collaboration in building resilient, future-fit businesses.”

With strong institutional backing and a clear focus on practical outcomes, the 2026 conference is set to play a defining role in shaping the next phase of franchise-led growth in South Africa.

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