The 2025 Township Economy Alliance Summit (TEAS), held from 20–21 November, brought together entrepreneurs, policy thinkers, financiers and ecosystem builders for two days of candid dialogue on unlocking township growth across transportation, manufacturing and the green economy.
Coming against the backdrop of South Africa hosting G20 and B20 engagements, the summit mirrored many of the global themes pulsing through international policy discussions: local supply-chain strengthening, inclusive digitalisation, climate-linked enterprise opportunities, and community-rooted industrialisation.
“Much of the summit focused on the intersection between the micro reality of township enterprise and the macro forces reshaping business from energy insecurity and logistics bottlenecks to new climate-linked markets, electric mobility, circular manufacturing and digitally enabled transport systems,” says Buli Ndlovu, Executive Head for Marketing at Nedbank. “International signals, such as the growth of micro-factories in Southeast Asia, solar-powered mobility hubs in Kenya, and community-run waste-to-energy models emerging across South America, were referenced as examples of innovation at the edges.
Delegates were challenged to adapt these global patterns locally: establishing fit-for-township e-mobility services, tapping into the rising demand for green retrofits, adopting small-batch manufacturing technologies, and positioning township businesses as early movers rather than late adopters.
Across plenary sessions and workshops, entrepreneurs raised the practical barriers confronting township firms including fragmented financing pathways, slow scale-up, limited industrial infrastructure and transport inefficiencies. Summit discussions emphasised that inclusive growth requires coordinated effort across the private sector, government and community-based networks.
“But despite these setbacks, township entrepreneurs are rising above the challenges,” acknowledges Ndlovu. “We heard case studies and testimonies from various businesses on how they’re scaling their businesses and becoming profitable especially in the areas transportation, manufacturing and the Green Economy.”
Over the course of the Summit, entrepreneurs engaged in six economic and participated in a vibrant exhibition featuring township manufacturers, creatives and high-growth SMMEs. A specialised Pitching Clinic, led by industry expert Marang Marekimane, sharpened participants’ business narratives and investment readiness, culminating in the highly anticipated Ultimate Kasi Pitching Challenge.
Winners of the 2025 Challenge were recognised as follows:
- 1st Place: Patrick Thokkie – Lifeway Imphatho R70 000,Nedbank POS ,Support
- 2nd Place: Lindelwa Mahlalela – LeeConnect R40 000
- 3rd Place: Tieho Tsiane – Oplene Group R30 000
- Finalists: Zenande Ndaba (Queens Greens), Tshepo Sethosa (Sightkicktracker), and Pule Motloung (Soweto Drift Academy) R10 000 each
These finalists exemplify the innovation and determination that continue to redefine township enterprise. Their achievements align strongly with Nedbank’s ongoing efforts to expand access to finance, strengthen entrepreneurial capability and support market-ready businesses.
On Saturday, 22 November, the two-day summit closed with the Township Economy Awards, honouring entrepreneurs who are shaping new markets, reimagining local manufacturing, strengthening community transport services and advancing sustainability-oriented business models. Awardees spoke candidly about the realities of building in tough economic conditions, but also about the momentum created when township talent is recognised, invested in and placed at the centre of economic potential.
A notable highlight was the return of Kasi Delivery Kas’spiti, last year’s triple-award winner, announcing its expansion to a 200-vehicle fleet. The success stands as a testament to the long-term impact of platforms such as TEAS and the importance of continued support from partners like Nedbank.
As the founding host, Bulelani Balabala closed the event with a reflection that echoed throughout the three days: ‘We are united, we are rising, and we are transforming communities one Kasi at a time.’
Nedbank remains steadfast in its mission to uplift township enterprises through accessible finance, tailored business solutions, mentorship and visibility. Its partnership with TEAS demonstrates a shared belief in the power of township entrepreneurs to shape South Africa’s economic future.