Joburg receives 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Congress torch

23 March 2016

 

The City of Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Councillor Ruby Mathang, has been handed the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) torch as the countdown to the ninth edition of the international entrepreneurship showpiece – to be held in Johannesburg in March 2017 – began in earnest.

 

The torch was presented to MMC Mathang in the South American city of Medellin, Colombia, at the conclusion of the eighth edition of the much sought-after global congress, held from 13-17 March, and as part of the build-up to the Johannesburg event.

The Medellin congress attracted thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers and start-up champions from more than 160 countries. They were at the congress to seek new ways to help founders start and scale new ventures.

MMC Mathang has promised the more than 5 000 delegates who will converge into Johannesburg for next year’s event a “mind-blowing experience”.
The congress will be held from 13-17 March. Johannesburg was awarded the rights to host the conference in Milan, Italy, in 2015. It will be the first time an African city hosts the event. The hospitality industry is expected to benefit to the tune of R50-million during week-long congress.

MMC Mathang said he could not over-emphasise the significance of hosting such an important global event.

“It’s through such events that lasting partnerships are built across the world. Not only will local entrepreneurs benefit from the experience but they will also be guiding global players on the growing African market,” he said.