EU-South Africa Matchmaking Event 2026

The European Commission (EC), through the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP), will host the EU–South Africa Matchmaking Event in Cape Town, South Africa in the context of the Africa Tech Festival from 17 to 19 November 2026. 

The event will be jointly organised by the European Commission through the ECCP, in collaboration with the Department of the Small Business Development (DSBD), and Enterprise Europe Network (EEN). 

The EU–South Africa Matchmaking Event will bring together cluster organisations and SMEs from the European Union (EU), non-EU countries participating in the Single Market Programme/COSME Strand, and South Africa. It will provide participants an excellent chance to promote Cluster to Cluster (C2C), Cluster to Business (C2B), and Business to Business (B2B) collaborations.

Africa Tech Festival is one of Africa’s leading technology and innovation events. In 2025, the event welcomed more than 350 exhibitors, 13 500 visitors and 250 distinguished speakers. The event brings together technology companies, industry leaders, research organisations, policymakers and innovation stakeholders from across Africa and internationally. Participation will provide European cluster organisations and SMEs with opportunities to engage with South Africa’s innovation ecosystem, identify potential partners and establish new business and collaboration opportunities.

• Digital technologies (including AI and gaming); 

• Green energy and clean technologies; 

• Textile and clothing; 

• Transport (including maritime, green mobility and EVs).