From Policy to Impact: University Leaders Convene to Drive Entrepreneurial Transformation in Higher Education

In May 2026, the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) programme will bring together senior university leadership, government stakeholders, and industry partners in Cape Town for the highly anticipated Entrepreneurial Executive Leadership Workshop (EELW) 2026.

Anchored on the theme “From Policy to Impact: Driving Implementation and Measurable Outcomes in Entrepreneurial Universities,” the workshop marks a significant evolution in the national conversation on entrepreneurship in higher education, shifting the focus from frameworks and intent towards execution, scalability, and measurable impact.

Implemented by Universities South Africa in partnership with Absa and funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training through the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP), the EDHE programme continues to play a catalytic role in positioning South Africa’s universities as drivers of innovation, enterprise development, and socio-economic transformation.

The EELW 2026 is designed as a focused, high-level engagement for Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Deans, and senior institutional leaders responsible for embedding entrepreneurship across teaching, learning, research, and institutional strategy.

The workshop will provide a platform for strategic dialogue, peer learning, and practical engagement on how universities can translate entrepreneurial strategies into actionable, institution-wide implementation.

The programme features an impressive lineup of keynote speakers and sector leaders, including:

• Dr Nombasa Tsengwa, former CEO of Exxaro Resources and Founder and CEO of L’inyathelo.com, bringing a private sector perspective on what industry expects from universities in terms of innovation, talent, and scale.
• International speaker from the UK, Prof Ceri Nursaw, CEO of the National Council for Entrereneurship Education, NCEE, bringing an international perspective on Global Lessons in Entrepreneurial Universities.
• Mr Sanley Godi, Head Coverage: Public Sector Business Banking, from Absa providing a message of support on behalf of the Absa Group.
• Prof Thandi Lewin, Deputy Director General from the University Education Branch of the Department of Higher Education and Training, delivering a message of support on behalf of the Department of Higher Education and Training.
• Ms Anita Nel, Director at Innovus from Stellenbosch University, speaking on building a High-Impact Technology Transfer and Commercialisation System.
• Dr Tonny Omwansa, CEO of the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), who will offer continental insights into national innovation systems and the evolving role of universities.
• In addition, leadership voices from across South Africa’s higher education sector will contribute to panel discussions and thematic engagements, including Deputy Vice-Chancellors and senior executives responsible for research, innovation, and institutional transformation unpacking institutional barriers to implementation.
• Prof Eugene Cloete, Chief Executive Officer of the Cape Higher Education Consortium (CHEC), will lead a discussion on strategic leadership and execution in advancing the entrepreneurial university.
• Industry leaders from the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), The Mr Price Foundation, and Absa will discuss how Research, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship Pipelines can be strengthened. Speakers such as Mr Octavius Phukubye, CEO of the Mr Price Foundation, Ms Nonhlanhla Magagula, Head of Citizenship Programmes: Group Marketing & Corporate Affairs from Absa, and Ms Tandokazi Nquma-Moyo, General Manager: Strategic Partnerships, Business Development and Stakeholder Relations, from TIA will participate.

The EELW 2026 programme is structured around key thematic areas aimed at addressing current gaps in implementation, scalability, and measurable impact across the higher education sector. Discussions will focus on how universities can move from strategy to implementation by translating entrepreneurship policies and frameworks into actionable institutional plans, while also embedding entrepreneurship across teaching, learning, research, and co-curricular activities.

The programme will further explore the development of scalable entrepreneurial ecosystems through stronger collaboration between universities, industry, and communities, alongside advancing approaches to measuring impact and driving accountability through meaningful indicators that move beyond participation metrics. In addition, the workshop will place significant emphasis on research commercialisation and industry linkages, with conversations centred on strengthening innovation outputs, intellectual property development, and strategic partnerships that contribute to economic and societal impact.

Panel discussions will unpack critical challenges, including institutional barriers to implementation, while showcasing practical approaches and lessons from across the sector.

The workshop is proudly supported by Absa, whose continued investment in the EDHE programme reflects a shared commitment to advancing entrepreneurship, strengthening institutional capability, and enabling inclusive economic growth.

Through this partnership, the EELW continues to serve as a strategic platform for aligning higher education with national development priorities and industry needs.

As the higher education sector continues to evolve, the EELW 2026 represents a critical inflection point, one that moves beyond dialogue towards implementation and measurable outcomes.

By convening leadership at the highest level, fostering collaboration, and prioritising execution, the workshop aims to accelerate the development of entrepreneurial universities that are equipped to drive innovation, create sustainable enterprises, and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s socio-economic future.

To learn more about this convening of leaders, please visit the EDHE website.