The Takealot Township Economies Conference & Expo will be hosted in Johannesburg November 2025

Theme: Unlocking Township Economic Growth: Accessing New Markets

Join us at the most exciting event for Township Entrepreneurs

The Takealot Township Economies Conference & Expo is a one-stop destination for Township entrepreneurs! The event will explore support services to the informal market sector, focusing on the challenges these entrepreneurs face. Through our event, we hope to shed light on these critical issues and help inform strategies for improving and expanding support services for those working in the informal market sector. By understanding the challenges of entrepreneurs and providing them with the tools they need to overcome these obstacles, we can enable them to flourish and grow their businesses, thereby strengthening our economy as a whole.

Book your ticket to participate

CONFERENCE

Attend the 2-Day Conference aimed at Township Entrepreneurs. Get the tools you need to grow your business & create jobs.

EXPO

The expo gives Township Entrepreneurs a chance to showcase their products and attend the workshops on the exhibition floor.

PARTNERS

Service, financial, tech providers, sponsors & businesses outside of townships, please complete an enquiry form to find out how you can participate.

Why is the Township Economy important?

35%

SA unemployment rate
(by end of 2021)

17%

South Africa’s total employment through
informal economy

2.5 million

workers employed through informal businesses, allowing livelihoods and income

6%

Informal economy
contribution to GDP

Townships are often left behind in the economic growth of cities. The greater metropolitan areas have opportunities for growth that smaller townships may never know about or be able access due lack geographic location. In a country with an unemployment rate over 35%, the informal sector is a lifeline to countless families who lack formal employment. Informal businesses provide livelihoods, employment and income for approximately 2.5 million people. The township economy is an integral part of the South African society and the people who lead these high-growth businesses are called Growth Entrepreneurs. These are businesses and markets based in townships that are operated by local entrepreneurs to meet primarily needs for their local communities and play an integral part in our economic development. Informal businesses in township communities provide a variety of goods and services for residents. 

A few examples include:

Purpose of the Event

Job creation, inclusive growth and growing the economy
Addressing the challenges entrepreneurs face
A platform for new markets and opportunities

Purpose of the Event

Job creation-min
Job creation, inclusive growth and growing the economy

The world is changing, and so are the ways in which we create jobs. For the economy to grow, small businesses need to increase and develop. The event aims to help SMME’s thrive by providing the necessary tools to transition from an informal business landscape into a formal one.

Long walk to freedom
Addressing the challenges entrepreneurs face

The event will focus on the challenges that entrepreneurs in the informal market sector face, such as access to finance and transactional facilities, business knowledge and skills, and access to mentorship.

Opportunity1
A platform for new markets and opportunities
Whether you are an aspiring township entrepreneur, established business owner, or a company providing services to small businesses – this event will help provide access and opportunities that may otherwise not be available.

What will we talk about?

The Takealot Township Economies Conference

The Takealot Township Economies Conference is a platform for SMMEs looking into the future and growth. With keynotes from experts in business, technology & innovation as well other township related issues; delegates can expect valuable information on how they too could be part of this new trend and grow their companies!

Township businesses, this is your time to shine!

The Takealot Township Economies Expo

The expo provides a platform for SMMEs to showcase their products and services, explore new markets and access skills development. With hosted features like the Finance Centre and Technology Lounge, we provide support that will help you run your business more efficiently. The “How-To?” Centre facilitates starting or registering a small business and provides tax support.

thank you to

Our 2023 sponsors

Testimonials

VENUE

Emperors Palace

64 Jones Rd, O.R. Tambo, Kempton Park, 1620

townshipeconomies