The Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) has officially launched its expanded 2027 Annual Conference and Expo (Confex), which will be held at Emperors Palace in Boksburg on 24 and 25 February 2027.
The event, which has been extended from one day to two days, aims to strengthen South Africa’s franchising sector while placing greater emphasis on collaboration and business opportunities across the African continent.
FASA Chief Executive Officer Freddy Makgato said the conference marks a new chapter for both the association and the franchising industry.
“We need to break barriers to build South Africa’s economy. This is a new journey for FASA, and we are changing how we work. We believe in entrepreneurship and in partnerships that help people build sustainable businesses,” he said.
Held under the theme Implementing Franchising Today, the conference will bring together franchisors, franchisees, investors, suppliers, policymakers and aspiring entrepreneurs. The programme is designed to promote business ownership, skills development, networking and investment opportunities.
A key feature of the 2027 event is its expanded African focus. FASA recently became a member of the Africa Franchise Association, a continental body that unites national franchise associations and industry experts to strengthen franchising across Africa. Eight franchise associations have already joined the network.
Makgato said the partnership would broaden discussions and encourage greater collaboration between African markets.
“The African focus will broaden the conversations and connections available through Confex, while supporting collaboration across markets. It also reinforces the role that franchising can play in enabling entrepreneurs through established systems, training, mentorship and operating support,” he said.
FASA has called on government, the private sector and industry partners to support the initiative, saying early participation will help shape a platform that delivers practical solutions and creates new opportunities within the franchising sector.
The conference is being presented in partnership with key industry stakeholders, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in supporting entrepreneurship and economic growth.
FASA Head of Sponsorships Warren Hickinbotham said the event offers businesses an opportunity to align themselves with entrepreneurship, job creation and economic transformation.
“If you believe, like I do, that South Africa builds itself one entrepreneur at a time, one job, one skill and one franchise at a time, then this is where you put your name behind that belief,” he said.
According to FASA, the decision to expand the conference to two days follows feedback from delegates and sponsors requesting more time for learning, networking and business engagement. The programme will include keynote presentations, panel discussions, breakaway sessions, exhibitions and business meetings.
For the first time, the exhibition will also be open to members of the public without requiring conference registration, giving aspiring entrepreneurs an opportunity to engage directly with franchise brands and learn more about business ownership.
The event will also see the return of the FASA Awards, which will recognise excellence within South Africa’s franchising industry.
FASA said Confex 2027 aims to build a stronger and more connected franchising sector for South Africa and the African continent.
