Under 45 CEOs of South Africa is a leadership, business-development and media platform created to connect, empower, elevate and recognise high-impact CEOs, founders and executive leaders aged 45 and below.
Under 45 CEOs of South Africa is a premium leadership and business platform created for ambitious CEOs, founders, managing directors and executive leaders who are not waiting for the future of business — they are building it.
We bring together a new generation of decision-makers who are creating companies, building teams, opening markets, driving innovation and shaping communities. The platform turns individual executive success into collective visibility, stronger networks and greater economic influence.
Our vision is to become one of Africa's most credible and influential platforms for CEOs and executive leaders under 45 — connecting exceptional leadership across industries, provinces and markets while showcasing the people building businesses, creating employment and shaping the continent's economic future.
Our mission is to build a high-value executive ecosystem that gives members access to meaningful relationships, leadership development, strategic partnerships, media visibility, mentorship, market opportunities and recognition. Every programme must move beyond conversation and contribute to stronger leaders, stronger businesses and a stronger economy.
Under 45 CEOs is positioned as a modern, selective and proudly South African executive community where credibility matters, contribution is valued and influence is earned. We sit at the intersection of leadership, enterprise, media, innovation, opportunity and economic impact.
Content, development, networking and recognition are designed to work together.
Long-form interviews with CEOs and founders sharing real leadership lessons.
Curated executive networking sessions built around quality conversations and connections.
Practical executive development focused on growth, finance, leadership and innovation.
Structured introductions between executives, partners, investors and opportunity networks.
Focused dialogue on industry-specific challenges, opportunities and economic trends.
Mentorship and leadership support for emerging and future CEOs.
A flagship leadership summit bringing together executives, partners and thought leaders.
Leadership insights, member profiles, market trends and measurable platform impact.
A structured national programme designed to build momentum from executive networking and leadership development into the flagship summit and inaugural awards.
The formal launch of Under 45 CEOs of South Africa, introducing the platform, founding members, strategic partners and the 2027 executive programme.
Day: Thursday
Time: 18:00–21:00
Location: Sandton / Johannesburg — venue TBC
Status: Approved launch date
Our first 2027 executive breakfast: platform introduction, curated networking, member onboarding and partner engagement.
Day: Thursday
Time: 07:30–10:30
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng — venue TBC
Status: Confirmed date
A practical executive-development session covering business growth, cash flow, governance, leadership and scale.
Day: Thursday
Time: 09:00–13:00
Format: In-person / Hybrid
Location: Johannesburg — venue TBC
Status: Confirmed date
A focused executive roundtable on market access, job creation, township economy growth, transformation and sector opportunity.
Day: Thursday
Time: 10:00–14:00
Location: Gauteng — venue TBC
Status: Confirmed date
Curated introductions between CEOs, corporates, suppliers, investors, professional advisers and strategic partners.
Day: Thursday
Time: 16:00–20:00
Location: Johannesburg — venue TBC
Status: Confirmed date
A premium breakfast focused on executive leadership, inclusion, future skills, mentorship and the next generation of CEOs.
Day: Thursday
Time: 07:30–10:30
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng — venue TBC
Status: Confirmed date
The flagship daytime gathering featuring keynote conversations, executive panels, exhibitions, partner engagement and national networking.
Day: Thursday
Time: 08:30–17:00
Location: Johannesburg / Sandton — venue TBC
Status: Confirmed date
Official finalist announcement, media engagements, finalist interviews, partner visibility and awards-campaign launch.
Day: Thursday
Time: 17:30–20:30
Location: Johannesburg — venue TBC
Status: Confirmed date
A premium black-tie gala recognising exceptional CEOs, founders and executive leaders under 45.
Day: Friday
Time: 17:00–Late
Location: Johannesburg / Sandton — venue TBC
Status: Confirmed date
The calendar begins with the official brand launch and Founding Members Reception on 25 February 2027, followed by executive engagements from March–June, stronger visibility in August, the September Leadership Summit, finalist media activity in October and the inaugural Awards Gala in November.
The dates above are approved for the 2027 programme calendar. Final venue contracts, ticket prices, registration links and sponsor packages will be published once operational arrangements are concluded.
Members receive meaningful event-value benefits while non-members remain welcome to attend selected public programmes. Pricing below is approved for planning and website publication, subject to final venue capacity and event terms.
Member attendance is complimentary. Non-members may attend at R750, subject to capacity and registration approval.
Register for Launch| Awards Gala Table Package | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Member Corporate Table | 10 guests | R15,000 |
| Standard Corporate Table | 10 guests | R25,000 |
| Premium / VIP Corporate Table | 10 guests | R35,000 |
The approved event pricing is designed to provide a visible benefit to affiliated members while supporting sustainable event delivery. Membership remains R5,000 once-off affiliation and R1,000 monthly by debit order only.
Competitive awards are based on independent verification and adjudication. Membership, sponsorship or table purchases do not guarantee recognition.
Membership is subject to application, verification and approval. Competitive award recognition remains fully independent from membership fees.
Complete the membership application below. JavaScript will submit the application directly to info@u45ceos.co.za without opening the applicant's email program.