Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge Marks 10 Years
Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge Marks 10 Years. The Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge (AGEC) has returned for 2026, celebrating its 10th anniversary with an expanded and more engaging experience designed to spark business thinking among high school learners across Southern Africa.
Since its inception, AGEC has grown from an online game into a regional entrepreneurial movement, introducing thousands of learners to the fundamentals of business through fun, gamified learning. The competition now attracts over 21,000 learners annually from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Eswatini, alongside more than 800 teachers who participate through partnerships with unions such as SADTU, NAPTOSA, and SAO.
Charleen Duncan, Head of Public Affairs and Communications at the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, highlighted the milestone: “As the Challenge celebrates its 10th year in 2026, it’s amazing to see how this competition continues to spark interest and ignite a passion for entrepreneurship in so many young people from all over Southern Africa.”
The competition’s mission is to encourage learners to begin their entrepreneurial journeys early, recognising that entrepreneurship can transform individuals, communities, and economies. Through the AGEC digital platform, students engage in scenario-based simulations where they make real-world business decisions, choosing from five shop types to build their retail empires. The game is free to play, requires minimal data, and is accessible both online and offline.
Beyond the game, AGEC includes pitching events, teacher tools, and card games like Startup Shuffle. Top students will present their ideas live at the AGEC Summit, with prizes including cash rewards, Allan Gray Unit Trusts, and recognition for schools with the highest participation.
By combining innovation, accessibility, and regional collaboration, the Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge continues to inspire a new generation of future CEOs, reshaping entrepreneurial aspirations across Southern Africa.
