The Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) invites entrepreneurs, business leaders, and industry stakeholders to join South Africa’s premier franchising event — the FASA 2026 National Conference & Expo — taking place on Thursday, 19 February 2026, at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg.
More than a conference, the day-long event is where South Africa’s franchise future takes shape.
Why Attend?
Franchising is a proven catalyst for job creation, entrepreneurial empowerment, and inclusive growth.
The FASA 2026 Conference brings together the entire franchise ecosystem under one roof, offering delegates unparalleled access to expert insights from government leaders, industry pioneers, and development partners.
Furthermore, it offers practical solutions to real business challenges facing franchisors and franchisees today, networking opportunities with financial institutions, service providers and fellow entrepreneurs, as well as actionable strategies for operational excellence, financial access and sustainable growth.
A Programme that Delivers Impact
The morning commences with a plenary session – “Building The Economy Through Franchising” before FASA CEO Freddy Makgato opens the conference with a powerful keynote on franchising as a catalyst for transformation.
“This event has already garnered strong industry support, which thrills us. From financial institutions to skills development agencies, our partners recognise that franchising is not just a business model but a proven mechanism for inclusive economic growth,” he says.
Throughout the day, delegates will explore critical topics including:
- Policy frameworks for franchise-led development
- Financial access mechanisms for emerging entrepreneurs
- Inclusive entrepreneurship targeting women and youth
- Technology-driven operational excellence
- ESG compliance and labour relations
- Economic outlook and growth strategies
Confirmed Speakers You Can’t Miss
The conference features an impressive lineup of thought leaders and decision-makers.
They include: Bea Hackula, President of Africa for Africa Women Empowerment; John Dludlu, CEO of the Small Business Institute; George Sebulela, Group Chairman & President, 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, Attorney – Head of Franchising, Smit and Van Wyk Inc. and Bulelani Balabala, Founder, Township Entrepreneur Agency.
A panel of speakers explores practical pathways for economic inclusion, examining how franchising drives women’s empowerment, supports small business development, and creates sustainable enterprise ecosystems.
Further topics include removing barriers to franchise finance for emerging entrepreneurs; skills development infrastructure and capacity building; regulatory reforms to unlock franchise potential; replicable success stories and proven models; and cross-sector collaboration for ecosystem strengthening.
What’s more, representatives from Absa, the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), Wholesale & Retail SETA (W&RSETA), Nedbank and Services SETA will share insights on financial solutions, empowerment programmes, and skills development opportunities that align with national priorities.
The Exhibition Hall: Where Connections Become Opportunities
Running alongside the conference, the exhibition hall offers direct access to leading franchise brands, service providers, and business solution partners.
Explore financial services, technology platforms, legal support, marketing solutions, and operational tools that franchise businesses need. Face-to-face interactions enable attendees to build valuable relationships, compare offerings, and discover solutions to specific challenges.
Why Sponsor or Exhibit?
Position your brand at the heart of South Africa’s franchise industry. With hundreds of franchisors, franchisees, and aspiring entrepreneurs attending, sponsorship and exhibition opportunities offer direct access to decision-makers and qualified leads, brand visibility among industry leaders and media, thought leadership positioning in a high-growth sector and networking opportunities with key stakeholders driving economic transformation.
Absa, Nedbank, Services SETA, SEDFA, and W&RSETA proudly support the FASA 2026 Conference, while exhibitors include SheerGuard, Cash Converters, My Stem Software, Maid4You, Ithala, and RealPay.
Secure Your Spot Today
Registration includes full-day conference access, networking breakfast and lunch, exhibition hall access, and conference materials. Spaces fill quickly—don’t miss this opportunity to be part of South Africa’s franchise transformation.
Register now: https://www.online-rsvp.co.za/FASAConference/
For more event details, visit https://fasa.co.za/fasa-conference-2026/
For sponsorship, sales and exhibition enquiries, please contact: Warren Hickinbotham, Email: [email protected], Cell: 084 400 5995
For registration and other enquiries, please contact:
Mpho Mashego, Email: [email protected], Cell: 060 504 8886
