This past week, over 200 of South Africa’s most forward-thinking entrepreneurs gathered for the long-awaited return of Yoco Exchange, a signature experience by Yoco, one of Africa’s largest fintech companies, empowering over 200,000 businesses through open commerce. Yoco Exchange is a one-of-a-kind event that brings together business owners and thought leaders to grow, challenge, and innovate.
“Yoco Exchange was built on the idea that when businesses come together and share ideas, they grow. We were blown away by the energy, insights, and collaboration that emerged from the event,” says Yoco Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer, Carl Wazen. “It reinforced our commitment to understanding small businesses’ needs and equipping them with the tools to thrive.”
An Insights-Driven Knowledge Exchange
Held at Mea Culpa in Kew, Johannesburg, the event showcased design and tech-forward installations, including an oversized Yoco machine that welcomed guests into the world of Yoco, and a giant Yoco receipt with the day’s agenda. Inside, the content was just as unmissable:
- Unfiltered thought leadership: Guests were welcomed to Exchange by event host Loyiso ‘DJ Loyd’ Mdebuka, seasoned DJ, business owner, and restaurateur, with digital entrepreneur and international property consultant, Yolenda Jawe, kicking off the talks by focusing on how to be adaptable to growth as a business owner. Next up was Robyn Keyser of Artclub and Friends, who shared insights on creativity, resilience, and staying true to one’s purpose. Yoco CEO and Co-Founder Katlego Maphai closed off the day, taking guests through a short trip down Yoco memory lane.
- The real journey: In this straight-talking session, Savannah and Ryan Fortune shared the lessons they’ve learned the hard way while building their business. It offered a rare dose of honesty about the realities of entrepreneurship and reminded everyone in the room that figuring it out as you go is part of the journey.
- AI in small business: Claire du Preez delivered a high-impact session on harnessing AI by unpacking smart, accessible ways small businesses can automate, analyse, and act faster with the right tools in place.
- Merchant success stories: Throughout the day, attendees heard from Yoco merchants who’ve scaled their businesses, revealing how access to tools, data, and support helped them turn challenges into momentum.
- Exclusive product previews: Attendees also got a look at Yoco’s latest product innovations, which include over 50 new features that are designed to give business owners more time, money, and clarity into their business.
More Than a Moment
Beyond being an event, Yoco Exchange is a statement that entrepreneurship in South Africa is alive, evolving, and worthy of celebration.
In a world where running a business often feels isolating, Yoco Exchange offers something rare: a space for business owners to step out, recharge, and reconnect with their purpose and peers.
It’s a reminder that growth doesn’t happen in isolation, but rather through collaboration, reflection, and shared momentum. And if this year’s return showed us anything, it’s that Yoco Exchange isn’t just back, it’s a must for present and future small business owners.