Yoco Exchange returns on 22 May 2025 at Mea Culpa, bringing together tech innovation, expert talks, and actionable insights to help South African entrepreneurs grow.
Yoco, South Africa’s leading payments platform, has announced the highly-anticipated return of Yoco Exchange, a one-of-a-kind business event for South African entrepreneurs, on 22 May 2025. It’s been five years since the last Yoco Exchange event, and this year promises to be bolder, smarter, and more impactful than ever.
As Yoco CEO Katlego Maphai explains, “When small businesses exchange ideas, they grow. That’s the heart of Exchange. We’re creating a space where business owners don’t just listen but connect, collaborate, and leave with actionable strategies to thrive.”
Grow. Challenge. Innovate.
Happening on 22 May 2025 at Mea Culpa in Kew, this year’s Exchange is dialled up in every way. It’s an insight-led experience where small, medium, and growing businesses come together to explore what’s next. Through expert-led talks, hands-on workshops and meaningful networking, the event promises to deliver actionable value for business owners who want to level up.
Thought leadership takes centre stage with a line-up of refreshingly real speakers. Expect honest, actionable conversations from some of the country’s most inspiring trailblazers, including Rabia Ghoor of swiitchbeauty, Robyn Keyser of Artclub and Friends and Katlego Maphai, Yoco’s CEO and co-founder. Alongside them, workshops led by Claire du Preez, Savannah and Ryan Fortune, and Dean Broadley go deeper into the tools and thinking that help businesses scale smarter.
But it’s not just about sitting back and soaking it in. Networking is reimagined at Exchange, with interactive formats designed to get attendees connecting with purpose. From Speedpoint Dating (Yoco’s take on rapid-fire networking) to industry-specific lounges, every moment is built to help business owners meet the people who can push their businesses forward.
Where Innovation Meets Intuition
What makes Exchange truly unique, though, is how it blends thought leadership with tech innovation.
Guests can expect live, AI-powered business reports, wearable stats, live dashboards, and data visualisations. And because real support means seeing the whole picture, Exchange is built around deep insight into how people work and grow, offering quiet work zones with great Wi-Fi and personalised spaces. It’s a rare moment where business owners can feel recognised, resourced, and recharged.
In addition, Exchange will serve as the first in-person look at Yoco’s latest product innovations, which include over 50 new features for point of sale, product cataloging, sales management, and more. Officially launched online on 9 April 2025, these features are designed to give business owners more time, money, and clarity. “We deeply understand the challenges small businesses face, and these innovations are built to help them stay ahead of the curve,” says Yoco Co-Founder and CPO Lungisa Matshoba.
Access to Exchange is open to selected merchants, but a limited number of public tickets are now available. Entrepreneurs hungry to grow alongside South Africa’s best minds can secure their tickets online here.
