ELISA Confab Event

Marc is at heart inspired by possibility, most alive when putting his energies into work that contributes to societies thriving. He sees a direct line from his work in business financial literacy to building a much-needed entrepreneurial class across Africa. Through his ability to distil things down to their core, he makes finance simple for non-financial people. He only managed to spend the first 10 years of his working life in the corporate world. He did his MBA in 1997 at UCT, whereafter the autonomy and freedom of self-employment and entrepreneurship summonsed him. In 2012 he came across a business financial literacy training opportunity, and at this relatively late stage of life discovered his gift and passion for teaching. Since then Marc has run in-person business financial literacy workshops in South Africa, Ghana, South Sudan, India, Rwanda, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Tanzania, and his inner explorer looks forward to training in every African country. He relishes public speaking, loves motorbikes and travelling, and as his legacy aims to create a “Venture Factory” to carry forward his spirit of innovation, that helps build a better world.

When you attend ELISA CONFABS you receive:

• 1 hour of virtual learning on the most important topics in entrepreneurialism


• the opportunity to ask questions directly to the CONFAB speaker


• networking opportunities with attendees from all over the world


• business development and visibility

Confabs are free events open to the entire ELISA portal community, which includes high potential entrepreneurs and founders with bold ideas for solving the greatest challenges we face in Africa. Attendees also include industry executives, investors, venture capitalists, philanthropists, researchers, educators, government regulators, policy makers, founders and entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

During the confab, an inspirational speaker or thought leader provides remarks for 10-minutes focusing on their professional journey, particularly as it relates to entrepreneurism in Africa. This is followed by randomly assigned small group virtual breakout sessions where attendees connect with others, discuss bootstrap briefs and gain recognition for their business, project or idea.

The mission of ELISA is to create jobs and support entrepreneurship in Africa. ELISA members and sponsors discover new opportunities for innovation, connect with others who share the mission, and grow professionally.