FASA and Absa bring the franchise growth agenda to Gauteng with a Breakfast Session on 20 October, following well-attended sessions in the Free State, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
The Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA), in partnership with Absa, will host its Gauteng networking event for SMEs, entrepreneurs, franchisors, funders and investors on Tuesday, 20 October with the FASA Breakfast Session.
The breakfast is part of a 2026 provincial series that has already visited the Free State (27 August), Limpopo (10 September) and Mpumalanga (22 September). The series comes as FASA pushes for franchising to be recognised as a practical tool for job creation and economic growth.
Taking franchising to the regions
“The series aims to take franchising out of the boardroom and into regional business hubs,” says FASA CEO Freddy Makgato, who is also President of the Africa Franchise Association. “Each session brings together franchisors, franchisees, funders and aspiring owners to cover how franchising works, how it is financed and what it demands of an owner.”
The economic case
The Breakfast Sessions have drawn strong attendance, demonstrating clear value. There is growing interest from other provinces in participating, engaging, and accessing funding opportunities to help businesses scale or franchise. FASA says franchising’s contribution to GDP has grown from 10% to 15% over the past decade, and the sector now generates nearly R1 trillion a year. FASA’s 2023/24 survey counted 727 franchise systems and 68,463 franchisees, employing about 500,000 people.
The sector is largely home-grown, with 88% of concepts developed locally, and FASA estimates that every 14 direct jobs support a further seven indirect jobs in supplier networks.
What FASA wants to change
FASA’s aim is for that contribution to grow, which Makgato says depends on widening access. “If we want franchising to grow steadily while creating job opportunities, it has to reach more entrepreneurs, more funders and more policymakers, in every province. That is why we are taking these conversations to the regions, and why access to finance and a supportive policy environment remain central to our agenda.”
A long-standing partnership
Absa has sponsored FASA’s provincial breakfast sessions and has backed national events, including the FASA National Conference and Expo in Boksburg in February 2026. “Franchising is a partnership model, and partnerships are built in rooms like these,” says Makgato.
Event details
- FASA Breakfast Session: Tuesday, 20 October, Indaba Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre, cnr William Nicol Drive and Pieter Wenning Road, Fourways
- Entrance fee: R150
- RSVP: https://forms.gle/NruFehZntwqDkz5j8
- Who should attend: SMEs, entrepreneurs, aspiring franchisees, franchisors, investors, funders and industry stakeholders
- Bookings: (060) 504-8886 or mpho.mashego@fasa.co.za
