The Kasi Tech Series has successfully ignited a new wave of township innovation, while directly confronting one of South Africa’s most pressing economic challenges: the digital transformation gap facing township entrepreneurs.
This training was hosted in the heart of Soweto, the event brought together township entrepreneurs, innovators and digital service providers, creating a powerful platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and real solutions aimed at unlocking growth in the digital economy.
Digital transformation refers to the integration of digital tools, platforms and systems into everyday business operations, from marketing and payments to customer engagement and data management. While this shift is driving growth globally, many township businesses remain locked out of these opportunities.
Despite South Africa being home to over 520 townships, a significant number of small businesses within these communities still operate without access to essential digital skills, tools, or infrastructure. This limits their ability to scale, compete and participate meaningfully in the modern economy. 80% of township businesses don’t use payment devices whereas 95% have confirmed that they would like access to such tools, TEA Township Economy Survey on Informal and Formal Enterprises.
Entrepreneurs in these areas often face challenges such as:
• Limited access to affordable digital tools and platforms
• A lack of practical digital skills and training
• Barriers to market access and online visibility
• Minimal exposure to tech-driven business models
Rather than treating digital transformation as a distant concept, the initiative brings it directly into township communities, equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools and networks needed to digitise and grow their businesses.
Founder and CEO of TEA, Bulelani Balabala, emphasised the urgency of bridging this gap:
“There is a powerful shift happening in the townships. We are seeing entrepreneurs who are not waiting for access but are building solutions with what they have. The Kasi Tech Series is about unlocking that potential and connecting it to real opportunities.”
The event featured practical insights from ecosystem builders and digital experts, reinforcing that access to knowledge and tools remains one of the most powerful drivers of transformation for township entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneur and ecosystem builder Mashudu Modau highlighted the accessibility of learning in the digital age, encouraging entrepreneurs to take ownership of their growth:
“We are living in the era of the ‘University of YouTube,’ where access to knowledge is no longer the barrier. The real opportunity is for entrepreneurs to consistently learn, apply and build using the tools already available to them.”
Software engineer Bongani Mhlanga focused on the role of automation, cloud tools and AI in enabling small businesses to operate more efficiently and compete on a larger scale:
“Automation and cloud tools are no longer luxuries reserved for big business. They are practical, accessible solutions that allow township entrepreneurs to save time, reduce costs and focus on what truly drives growth.”
Adding to this, Clement Sibusiso Sekade shared practical insights on how artificial intelligence is already transforming small businesses:
“AI is no longer just for big tech companies. Township entrepreneurs can use it today to market better, automate daily tasks and make smarter decisions. The entrepreneurs who adopt these tools will move faster and compete stronger as a business.”
Collectively, these insights reinforced a central message from the event: digital transformation is not about complexity, but about using the right tools to solve everyday business challenges and unlock growth
Through a panel discussion, live engagements and ecosystem building, the event tackled real-world challenges such as adopting digital tools, leveraging online platforms, and building sustainable tech-enabled businesses within township environments.
More than just a single event, the Kasi Tech Series marks the beginning of a long-term movement focused on developing, connecting and commercializing township entrepreneurs across South Africa.
