Cape Town Business Summit 2026 Expands With New Opportunities for SMEs and Startups
Cape Town Business Summit 2026 Expands With New Opportunities for SMEs and Startups. The 2026 edition of the Cape Town Business Summit & Expo is expected to draw thousands of entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders to the Cape Town International Convention Centre on 3 June 2026.
Organisers say more than 4,000 delegates from across South Africa and abroad are expected to attend the one-day event, which will run from 8:30am to 5pm under the theme “Growing Your Business in the Digital Age.”
The summit has become one of the region’s fastest-growing business networking platforms, focusing on entrepreneurship, digital transformation, innovation and enterprise development. The event aims to connect small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs with opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, funding and market access.
Returning to the speaker lineup for a third consecutive year is entrepreneur and investor Vusi Thembekwayo, following strong interest from previous attendees.
This year’s programme will also feature speakers from sectors including banking, technology, media, telecommunications and economic development. Scheduled participants include James Vos, Luvuyo Rani, Renee Redelinghuys, Jamie Thurston Wyngaard and Andiswa Bata.
Other confirmed speakers include representatives from Access Bank South Africa, Zoho Corporation and MTN.
A new addition to the 2026 programme is the “Lion’s Den” competition, an entrepreneurial pitch platform inspired by international investment television formats. Organisers said four to six ticket holders will be randomly selected to pitch business ideas to an audience of about 1,500 delegates.
The winning entrepreneur will receive a R25,000 cash investment prize, with the final decision made by a combination of audience members and an expert judging panel.
The summit will also include support opportunities for participating businesses. Heart FM plans to contribute advertising airtime valued at R250,000 for selected entrepreneurs, while Africa Community Media will provide advertising and editorial support valued at more than R200,000.
Organisers have expanded the exhibition component for this year’s event, using the full CTICC Ballroom East and West to create nearly 2,000 square metres of exhibition space.
Tickets start at R695 and are available through Quicket and the official summit website, while free expo-only tickets are also available for visitors attending the exhibition section.
