First-Ever Kasi Tech Series with Bulelani Balabala TEA
Township businesses contribute significantly to local economic activity, yet many remain digitally excluded. National data shows that while over 70% of South Africans have access to the internet, fewer than 30% of small businesses actively trade online. In township economies the gap is even wider, with limited access to structured incubation, digital infrastructure and technology focused enterprise support.
Many township tech founders operate in isolation with no real support or community. There are very few technology incubation platforms located inside township communities.
At the same time, thousands of township-based businesses continue to operate manually, without automation systems, cloud infrastructure or AI enabled tools that could help them scale beyond their immediate location. In response to this gap, The Kasi Tech Series has officially been announced under the theme AI, Automation and Cloud for Township Businesses.
The series forms part of a wider digital transformation call driven by TEA. A 4-part series roll-out will support tech founders and tech enables businesses with digital skills and accessible innovation solutions. The Kasi Tech Series is a township digital innovation platform that brings together tech founders, digital service providers and small businesses ready to digitise.
The objective is practical enablement. Equip entrepreneurs with real tools that improve efficiency, unlock new markets and build scalable enterprises. The engagement is aligned to real market opportunities within the evolving ICT landscape in South Africa, with a strong focus on application rather than theory.
Who should attend:
• App developers and coders
• Founders building AI or software solutions IT support and tech solution providers
• Young people building digital products
• Small businesses looking to digitise operations
What will be covered:
• Practical AI tools for small businesses
• How automation reduces manual work and improves productivity
• Cloud solutions and digital infrastructure for scalable growth
• Positioning township tech businesses for supplier and partnership opportunities
Attendance is free. Registration is compulsory. This series will be taking place in Soweto on the 25th March 2026 and will be travelling out to other townships.
Boilerplate
Overview on TEA For the past two decades, TEA has played a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s township entrepreneurship landscape, consistently delivering tangible impact. To date, over 100,000 entrepreneurs have benefited from its training and support programme while more than 500 township-based businesses have received funding and growth assistance.
Through a combination of workshops, skills development, research, and financial support, TEA continues to uplift entrepreneurs who are often overlooked by mainstream platforms yet are building thriving businesses within their own communities.