2026
Township Economy Summit
Tracks
The 8th Township Economy Summit 2026 goes beyond a single conversation by hosting industry-focused tracks unpacking opportunities, information and solutions in the 4 key focus industries that are driving the Township Economy.
Track 01
Kasi Tech & Digital Transformation
Technology is changing the way businesses operate, compete and connect with customers.
Key focus areas
- Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies for township business growth
- Digital payments, financial technology and access to financial services
- E-commerce, digital platforms and access to new markets
- Digital skills, technology adoption and business automation
- Partnerships that support township technology entrepreneurs and digital inclusion
Track 02
Manufacturing eKasi
Township manufacturing has the potential to become a significant driver of local production, employment and economic growth.
Key focus areas
- Technology, machinery and automation to improve township manufacturing
- Access to corporate procurement and national supply chains
- Product development, quality standards and manufacturing compliance
- Funding, production infrastructure and support for small manufacturers
- Building partnerships between township producers, established manufacturers and retailers
Track 03
Mobility & Logistics eKasi
Transport and logistics play a critical role in connecting township businesses to customers, suppliers and markets.
Key focus areas
- Last-mile delivery and township-based courier opportunities
- Technology and digital platforms transforming transport and logistics
- Access to corporate logistics contracts and distribution opportunities
- Fleet management, route optimisation and operational efficiency
- Partnerships that connect township logistics businesses to national supply chains
Track 04
Retail & Wholesale eKasi
Spaza shops, township retailers and wholesalers have long played an important role in serving communities, creating livelihoods and supporting local economic activity.
Key focus areas
- The future of spaza shops and township retail in a changing economy
- Wholesale access, bulk buying and improved distribution networks
- Digital payments, stock management and retail technology
- E-commerce, consumer behaviour and new retail opportunities
- Partnerships between township retailers, manufacturers, brands and wholesalers
Kasi Tech & Digital Transformation
Track 01
Kasi Tech & Digital Transformation
Technology is changing the way businesses operate, compete and connect with customers.
Key focus areas
- Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies for township business growth
- Digital payments, financial technology and access to financial services
- E-commerce, digital platforms and access to new markets
- Digital skills, technology adoption and business automation
- Partnerships that support township technology entrepreneurs and digital inclusion
Manufacturing eKasi
Track 02
Manufacturing eKasi
Township manufacturing has the potential to become a significant driver of local production, employment and economic growth.
Key focus areas
- Technology, machinery and automation to improve township manufacturing
- Access to corporate procurement and national supply chains
- Product development, quality standards and manufacturing compliance
- Funding, production infrastructure and support for small manufacturers
- Building partnerships between township producers, established manufacturers and retailers
Mobility & Logistics eKasi
Track 03
Mobility & Logistics eKasi
Transport and logistics play a critical role in connecting township businesses to customers, suppliers and markets.
Key focus areas
- Last-mile delivery and township-based courier opportunities
- Technology and digital platforms transforming transport and logistics
- Access to corporate logistics contracts and distribution opportunities
- Fleet management, route optimisation and operational efficiency
- Partnerships that connect township logistics businesses to national supply chains
Retail & Wholesale eKasi
Track 04
Retail & Wholesale eKasi
Spaza shops, township retailers and wholesalers have long played an important role in serving communities, creating livelihoods and supporting local economic activity.
Key focus areas
- The future of spaza shops and township retail in a changing economy
- Wholesale access, bulk buying and improved distribution networks
- Digital payments, stock management and retail technology
- E-commerce, consumer behaviour and new retail opportunities
- Partnerships between township retailers, manufacturers, brands and wholesalers
Retail & Wholesale eKasi
Spaza shops, township retailers and wholesalers have long played an important role in serving communities, creating livelihoods and supporting local economic activity. These businesses form part of an extensive trading network that connects manufacturers, distributors and suppliers directly to township consumers. As consumer behaviour changes and technology transforms the retail industry, township businesses face new opportunities to improve how they buy, sell and manage stock. Digital payments, e-commerce, smarter distribution systems and stronger wholesale partnerships can help local traders become more competitive. The future of township retail depends on strengthening these businesses while connecting them to more efficient and inclusive supply chains.
Key focus areas:
- The future of spaza shops and township retail in a changing economy
- Wholesale access, bulk buying and improved distribution networks
- Digital payments, stock management and retail technology
- E-commerce, consumer behaviour and new retail opportunities
- Partnerships between township retailers, manufacturers, brands and wholesalers
We look forward to this important conversation on how township retail and wholesale businesses can become more competitive, sustainable and better connected to larger markets. To participate or contribute to this conversation, please reach out to our team.
Kasi Tech & Digital Transformation
Technology is changing the way businesses operate, compete and connect with customers. For township entrepreneurs, digital transformation presents an opportunity to overcome traditional barriers to growth, access new markets and build businesses that can compete beyond their communities. From artificial intelligence and digital payments to e-commerce, business management systems and emerging technologies, township businesses are increasingly finding new ways to operate more efficiently. As South Africa moves towards a more digital economy, the question is how we ensure that township entrepreneurs are not left behind but become active participants and innovators in this transformation.
Key focus areas:
- Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies for township business growth
- Digital payments, financial technology and access to financial services
- E-commerce, digital platforms and access to new markets
- Digital skills, technology adoption and business automation
- Partnerships that support township technology entrepreneurs and digital inclusion
We look forward to exploring how technology can become a practical tool for growing township enterprises, creating opportunities and building an inclusive digital economy. To participate or contribute to this conversation, please reach out to our team.
Manufacturing eKasi
Township manufacturing has the potential to become a significant driver of local production, employment and economic growth. Across South Africa, township entrepreneurs are producing everything from clothing, furniture and food products to building materials, household goods and industrial components. However, growing these businesses requires more than production capacity. It requires access to modern machinery, technology, reliable supply chains, industry standards and sustainable markets. As manufacturing continues to evolve, the opportunity exists to strengthen township-based producers, improve their competitiveness and position them as meaningful suppliers to corporate South Africa, government and larger industries.
Key focus areas:
- Technology, machinery and automation to improve township manufacturing
- Access to corporate procurement and national supply chains
- Product development, quality standards and manufacturing compliance
- Funding, production infrastructure and support for small manufacturers
- Building partnerships between township producers, established manufacturers and retailers
We look forward to an important conversation on how township manufacturing can move from small-scale production towards sustainable industrial growth. To participate or contribute to this conversation, please reach out to our team.
Mobility & Logistics eKasi
Transport and logistics play a critical role in connecting township businesses to customers, suppliers and markets. From local delivery operators and courier businesses to township transport services and distribution networks, mobility remains essential to the movement of goods, people and services. The growth of e-commerce, digital platforms and on-demand delivery services is creating new opportunities for township entrepreneurs to participate in the logistics economy. With technology improving how businesses manage deliveries, track goods and plan routes, there is an opportunity to develop more efficient and inclusive logistics networks that connect township communities to the broader economy.
Key focus areas:
- Last-mile delivery and township-based courier opportunities
- Technology and digital platforms transforming transport and logistics
- Access to corporate logistics contracts and distribution opportunities
- Fleet management, route optimisation and operational efficiency
- Partnerships that connect township logistics businesses to national supply chains
We look forward to exploring how innovation, technology and meaningful partnerships can strengthen township mobility and logistics businesses. To participate or contribute to this conversation, please reach out to our team.