Spaza Supplier Connect Conference 2026 – Gauteng Edition
Theme: Building Stronger Spaza-Supplier Networks
Time: 07:30 – 17:00
Legend:
Highlighted rows = Supplier Speaking Opportunities (sponsored slots).
| Time | Session | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 07:30 – 08:30 |
Registration, Tea & Supplier Expo Opens
|
Delegates arrive, register, collect name tags and enjoy morning tea/coffee while visiting supplier exhibition stands. |
| 08:30 – 08:45 |
Official Welcome & Opening Remarks
|
Conference host introduces the Spaza Supplier Connect Conference, outlines objectives, theme and housekeeping. |
| 08:45 – 09:15 |
Opening Keynote: The State of Township Retail & Spaza Shops in South Africa
|
An overview of informal retail trends, opportunities and current challenges facing Spaza shop owners in South Africa. |
| 09:15 – 09:45 |
Regulation & Compliance for Spaza Shops
|
Invited representatives from the Department of Small Business Development and local authorities unpack trading permits, registration, food safety and compliance requirements for Spaza shops. |
| 09:45 – 10:15 |
Supplier Speaking Opportunity 1
|
|
| 10:15 – 10:35 |
Morning Tea Break & Networking
|
Tea/coffee, light snacks and networking time in the exhibition area with suppliers and fellow Spaza owners. |
| 10:35 – 11:05 |
Training: Money Management & Cash Flow Basics for Spaza Shops
|
Practical tools to track sales, expenses and profit, improve cash flow and avoid common money mistakes in small shops. |
| 11:05 – 11:35 |
Supplier Speaking Opportunity 2
|
|
| 11:35 – 12:15 |
Panel Discussion 1: Competing and Winning in a Tough Retail Environment
|
Spaza owners, wholesalers and ecosystem partners discuss pricing, service, stock, promotions and surviving competition from big retailers and delivery services. |
| 12:15 – 13:00 |
Lunch, Networking & Expo Visits
|
Buffet lunch served. Delegates visit stands, meet suppliers and continue conversations started in earlier sessions. |
| 13:00 – 13:30 |
Training: Health, Safety & Food Standards in Your Spaza
|
Practical guidance on food storage, expiry dates, cleanliness and safety to protect customers and meet regulations. |
| 13:30 – 14:00 |
Supplier Speaking Opportunity 3
|
|
| 14:00 – 14:30 |
Access to Finance & Support Funds for Spaza Shops
|
Overview of funding options, spaza support programmes and business development services to help shops grow and formalise. |
| 14:30 – 15:00 |
Supplier Speaking Opportunity 4
|
|
| 15:00 – 15:20 |
Afternoon Tea, Lucky Draw & Expo Networking
|
Tea/coffee and snacks, informal networking plus a quick lucky draw for delegates who engaged with exhibitors. |
| 15:20 – 15:50 |
Panel Discussion 2: Going Digital in Township Retail
|
Conversation on WhatsApp ordering, delivery services, loyalty programmes and simple digital tools to keep customers coming back. |
| 15:50 – 16:10 |
Case Study Session: From Small Spaza to Sustainable Business
|
Short case studies showing how Spaza shops have professionalised operations, built stronger supplier relationships and grown steadily. |
| 16:10 – 16:30 |
Prize Giving, Exhibitor Awards & Closing Announcements
|
Recognition of prize winners, best exhibition stand and most engaged Spaza delegate, plus closing remarks and next steps. |
| 16:30 – 17:00 |
Networking Cocktail & Supplier Connect Session
|
End-of-day cocktail function with light snacks, offering a relaxed space for final networking and deal-making. |
