02/10/2026
BIWA 2026: Eastern Cape Brings Academia, Business and Government Together
By Akhona Matshele
A powerful platform linking innovation, entrepreneurship, higher education and economic development
The 3rd International Conference on Business Innovation and Incubation (BIWA) and Gala Dinner is underway at the Premier Hotel East London ICC in the Eastern Cape, bringing together higher education institutions, government, business and other stakeholders to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, research and economic development.
The conference creates a platform for sharing knowledge, strengthening partnerships and connecting academic ideas with practical business opportunities and community development. It seeks to build stronger links between universities, industry, government and society, while supporting entrepreneurship and the development of future professionals.
The Hon. Stella Tembisa Ndabeni, Minister of Small Business Development, is the keynote speaker, highlighting the importance of small businesses and entrepreneurship in expanding economic opportunities.
Walter Sisulu University’s Vice-Chancellor’s Office is represented by Prof. Thandi Mgwebi, who delivered conference reflections. Contributions are also coming from Durban University of Technology Business School, Vaal University of Technology, the Department of Higher Education and Training, Nelson Mandela University (NMMU), Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Mandela University Hub, Aspire Amathole and other stakeholders.
The presence of the Ulwazi High School Principal, who was invited and honoured for attending, further reflects the importance of connecting schools with higher education, professional development, innovation and the world of work.
For the Eastern Cape, BIWA provides an important space where academia, business and government can collaborate on solutions that promote skills, enterprise development, research and opportunity. It demonstrates that innovation becomes more meaningful when knowledge, business and society work together.
BIWA is therefore not simply a conference, but a bridge between education and enterprise, research and innovation, and ideas and economic opportunity.