The Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Tembisa Ndabeni, has announced the appointment of Vuyani Jarana as Chairperson for the Startup20 Engagement Group for South Africa’s Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency.
In a statement on Monday, the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) said it has been entrusted with leading South Africa’s Startup20 Engagement Group, one of the officially recognised G20 Engagement Groups.
As Chairperson, Jarana will lead Startup20’s strategic direction, appoint task force chairs, coordinate high-level meetings and events, and guide the development of the Startup20 Policy Communiqué, which will contribute to the official G20 Leaders’ Declaration.
The Minister also appointed 22 On Sloane as the Secretariat of the Startup20 Engagement Group for South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
Startup20 advocates for startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the G20 level, developing policy recommendations to advance the global startup ecosystem and foster inclusive innovation.
“To support this effort, 22 On Sloane has been appointed as the Country Secretariat for Startup20 during South Africa’s G20 Presidency. Twenty-two (22) On Sloane is Africa’s largest startup campus, playing a pivotal role in advancing the startup and MSME ecosystem across the continent.
“Twenty-two (22) On Sloane serves as headquarters for the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Africa, which is represented in 43 African countries, and as the country headquarters of GEN Global which has a presence in 180 countries globally aimed at supporting entrepreneurs to start and scale,” the department said.
As Secretariat, 22 On Sloane will support Jarana to coordinate and manage all Startup20 activities in South Africa, including stakeholder engagements, task force operations, international collaboration efforts, policy drafting, and logistical delivery of the Startup20 agenda.
The organisation will also facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues and policy consultations to ensure that Africa’s entrepreneurial voice is firmly embedded in the ensuing global conversations.
According to the department, Jarana brings a wealth of experience to this crucial role, with more than 25 years of leadership in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.
A seasoned business transformation leader, Jarana previously served as Group Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer of Vodacom Business within the Vodacom Group.
He also held the role of Chief Executive Officer of South African Airways, where he spearheaded critical restructuring efforts.
Currently he is the Founder and CEO of Ilitha Telecommunications, a company dedicated to delivering superfast, affordable broadband to underserved peri-urban and rural communities.
He also serves as Chairperson of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), a key institution driving South Africa’s scientific, industrial, and technological innovation agenda.
“His extensive experience and expertise will be invaluable in driving our efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa. He is a respected and seasoned business leader whom I am confident will lead the Startup20 Engagement Group with dedication and focus, ensuring that this serves as a legacy for our country and the ecosystem,” the Minister said.
The G20 is an international forum of both developing and developed countries, which seeks to find solutions to global economic and financial issues.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency commenced on 1 December 2024 and will run until 30 November 2025. It is taking place under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.” - SAnews.gov.za
