Boksburg, Ekurhuleni – The Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) Conference and Expo 2026 has secured strong backing from government, banks and skills authorities, reinforcing franchising as a key driver of small business growth and job creation.
The conference will take place on 19 February 2026 at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre.
The City of Ekurhuleni has confirmed its partnership with FASA, positioning franchising as a practical tool to strengthen local economies and support SMME development.
City of Ekurhuleni Head of Communication, Marketing and Tourism, Phakamile Mbengashe, said the partnership supports the City’s economic growth strategy.
FASA CEO Fred Makgatho said franchising remains one of the most effective ways to turn business ambition into sustainable enterprises and employment opportunities. The sector currently contributes close to R1 trillion to the South African economy.
Major banks, including Absa and Nedbank, have also reaffirmed their support, highlighting the importance of tailored funding solutions and long-term partnerships for franchise businesses.
Skills development will be a major focus at the conference, with the Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&RSETA) working with FASA to help franchise businesses access training support and mandatory grant funding.
Other sponsors include the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) and Services SETA.
Organisers say the event will focus on practical solutions to funding access, skills shortages and scalable business growth, with industry collaboration seen as key to strengthening South Africa’s SME sector.
