STARTUP20, a G20 Engagement Group supported by the Department of Small Business Development and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, has appointed Vuyani Jarana (pictured) as its chairperson and 22 On Sloane as its secretariat.
The appointments were announced by the Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Tembisa Ndabeni in April. Startup20 (SU20) advocates for startups and MSMEs at the G20 level, developing policy recommendations to advance the global startup ecosystem and foster inclusive innovation.
SU20 says 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.
He is currently 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.
SU20 says Jarana’s appointment is a timely step as South Africa assumes the G20 Presidency and seeks to elevate Africa’s voice in global economic governance.
As the only African permanent member of the G20, South Africa views the Presidency as a powerful platform to advance the continent’s development priorities. The G20, comprising 19 nations, the European Union, and the African Union, plays a central role in driving multilateral cooperation to boost the global economy, promote sustainable growth, and address shared international challenges.
To support SU20’s efforts, 22 On Sloane, the country’s largest startup campus, will act as its secretariat. The company 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.
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.
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.
