reSURGEnce Conference 2025: Pioneering Economic Equity and Innovation in Africa

As the curtains were drawn on the reSURGEnce Conference 2025, held in Durban, the event was heralded as a new era for African business, where catalytic connections and collaborations that reach beyond the continent were formed.

Over four days, leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers convened to share ideas and initiate concrete actions, poised at reshaping the African business landscape.

The conference spotlighted pressing inquiries regarding economic equity, with Reverend Dennis Dillon leading proceedings.

He asked “In a world where economic progress is celebrated, why are Black communities across Africa, America, and the diaspora still receiving the thinnest slice of the pie?”

That set the tone for deliberations throughout the sessions held at Durban's International Convention Centre, which highlighted the necessity for meaningful engagement and inclusive growth as some of the predominant themes of the conference.

In his closing address, City Manager Musa Mbhele pointed out the key successes and tangible outputs from the conference.

He articulated that the event effectively connected local businesses to global markets through structured programmes designed to bolster export readiness, offer mentorship, and organise trade missions.

“Notable achievements included a collaboration between Melba’s Restaurant in New York and Mushroom Lounge in Durban, illustrating how cultural partnerships can pave the way for international opportunities,” Mbhele noted.

He revealed that plans were already underway to expand these initiatives into various sectors, including hospitality, fashion, technology, and the creative industries.

On the subject of establishing the city as a Pan African Tech Hub, Mbhele described the conference's adoption of a collaborative triple helix approach, aligning government, academia, and industry to spark inclusive economic growth.

This cooperative strategy, he highlighted, was intended to position Durban as a frontrunner in tech innovation across the African continent.

The city's ambitious superblock redevelopment plan aimed to revitalise Durban’s central business district and harbour, enticing investment from global players.

To enhance job creation, the city announced a new framework dubbed “Bankable by Design,” aimed at assisting entrepreneurs in accessing funding through structured mentorship.

The conference resolved to integrate its outcomes into ongoing urban regeneration efforts.

“A dedicated annexure, the Resurgence 2025 Tracker, will be incorporated into bi-weekly ICR (inner city regeneration) reports to monitor crucial streams such as international investment pipelines and the development of tech hubs,” Mbhele stated.

Looking ahead, he revealed that organisers planned to host a workshop within the week to convert insights from the conference into actionable project charters, focusing particularly on assisting struggling entrepreneurs with finishing their unfished products. 

The forthcoming year will also concentrate on establishing diaspora trade networks that harness the $2.2 trillion (R38 trillion) African American buying power, alongside launching community innovation hubs tailored for youth-led ventures.

“These initiatives will culminate in a presentation of achievements at reSURGEnce 2026, further strengthening partnerships and investment opportunities,” Mbhele concluded.

"The reSURGEnce Conference 2025 has undoubtedly laid a robust foundation, ensuring that its outcomes seamlessly integrate into Durban’s core strategies.

“By utilising the ICR structure, Durban stands ready to meet the commitments set forth, showcasing its capability to lead in African entrepreneurship and trade,” Mbhele

DAILY NEWS