Artisans, entrepreneurs and industry experts gathered in Kempton Park for Fusion Fest 2026, hosted by Allan Grey Makers, to explore ways to strengthen South Africa’s artisan sector.

Held under the theme “Catalysing South Africa’s Artisan Ecosystem”, the event focused on how improved access to skills, funding, markets and business support can help young artisans turn their skills into sustainable businesses and create jobs in their communities.

According to Seth Mulli, programme director of Allan Gray Makers, South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis remains a significant challenge, with almost one in every two young people in the labour force unable to find work.

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With youth unemployment at 47.4%, Mulli said new approaches to job creation are crucial.

He said entrepreneurship, supported by the right resources, can help people earn a living while building businesses that help address the lack of employment opportunities.

“By 2035, South Africa will have a coordinated trades entrepreneurial ecosystem catalysing the launch of 200 000 and growth of 20 000 artisan-led trades businesses,” said Mulli.

Reflecting on Fusion Fest 2025, Mulli said Allan Gray Makers assessed the artisan ecosystem against 10 conditions: institutions, culture, networks, infrastructure, demand, intermediaries, talent, knowledge, leadership and finance.

“We consolidated 10 conditions into five goals not because the system became simpler, but because shared action must become clearer. Five goals that can be owned, resourced and measured,” he said.

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Five conditions for a different future:
Connected

The first goal is to create an ecosystem in which organisations and individuals know one another and understand their respective roles.

Mulli said this would help build trust and alignment, allowing ideas, referrals and capital to move more freely while reducing duplication and ensuring gaps in the sector are addressed.

Evidence-led

The second goal focuses on research and shared learning across the sector.

A National Trades Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Intelligence Dashboard is already in place and is intended to provide shared evidence to inform policy, programme design, funding, and coordinated action.

The aim is to move away from relying on individual experiences and anecdotes about artisans towards information that can be used across the sector.

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Talent-rich

The third goal is to develop a stronger pipeline of artisans and artisan entrepreneurs.

This includes encouraging more young people to consider the trades through TVET colleges, apprenticeships and other pathways that can lead to employment and enterprise.

Entrepreneur-friendly

The fourth goal is to improve support, finance and access to markets for trade businesses.

Mulli said more artisan-led businesses need to start and grow, requiring business support suited to artisan enterprises, finance that reflects their specific risks, and markets that recognise quality, credibility and compliance.

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A culture of responsible entrepreneurship

The fifth goal is to build greater respect and visibility for artisans and artisan entrepreneurs.

The vision is for responsible artisan entrepreneurs to be visible in schools, communities, the media and the wider economy – not as a fallback career option, but as builders of businesses, livelihoods and national capability.