Grahamstown

Outsourced CFO (OCFO) has announced that it will host its annual Scale-Up Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, on Thursday, 19 March 2026. The in-person event, taking place at Innovation City, will bring together founders, executives, entrepreneurs and advisors for an evening of focused discussion on what it truly takes to scale a business sustainably. OCFO is a leading financial strategy and cloud accounting firm headquartered in Cape Town. The firm provides fractional CFO services, cloud accounting implementation and strategic finance advisory to growth-focused businesses locally and internationally. By partnering with entrepreneurs and executive teams, the firm helps strengthen financial visibility, improve governance and build the systems required for sustainable, long-term growth. Against this backdrop, the conference seeks to address a central question facing business leaders today: how can growth be achieved without compromising financial stability, operational control or long-term value? While the Scale-Up Conference is particularly relevant to businesses navigating expansion, it is equally valuable to founders in the earlier stages of their journey. Establishing strong financial systems, clear reporting structures and disciplined decision-making from the outset can materially reduce friction later. By understanding the principles of scale early, founders are better positioned to build companies that are resilient, fundable and capable of sustainable growth. Louw Barnardt, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of OCFO, said the firm continues to observe that scaling challenges often stem from foundations that were never properly laid. “Founders are naturally focused on winning customers and proving their model in the early days,” said Barnardt. “That drive is essential. However, if financial visibility, governance and internal accountability are treated as secondary, those gaps become far more costly during periods of growth. The purpose of …

Outsourced CFO (OCFO) will participate as a sponsor at the 2026 The Lekker Network Summit, taking place on 11 and 12 March 2026 at Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West, just outside Cape Town. The two-day summit marks the first anniversary of The Lekker Network community and will bring together 300 South Africans from across 32 countries for a programme centred on insight, connection and shared impact. OCFO’s involvement forms part of its broader commitment to supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems and engaging meaningfully with growth-focused business leaders. As one of the sponsors of the summit, the company will play an active role in the Padel Tournament on Day Two, providing prizes and connecting with attendees during what is expected to be a lively and well-attended activity. The tournament sits within a wider programme of keynote sessions, fireside conversations, curated member discussions and outdoor experiences. Louw Barnardt, Co-Founder and MD at OCFO, said the firm values opportunities to contribute to communities where ambitious founders gather. “The Lekker Network has built a strong global community of South Africans who are serious about building businesses and supporting one another,” said Barnardt. “For us, being involved is about showing up, adding value and strengthening relationships within that ecosystem.” In addition to its involvement in the Padel Tournament, OCFO will contribute to the summit’s content programme. Ayanda Vabaza-Mvandaba, Non-Executive Director at OCFO, will facilitate an interactive workshop during the event. “Many founders treat their bank balance like a countdown clock rather than a dashboard,” said Vabaza-Mvandaba. “This workshop focuses on moving from ‘Growth at all costs’ to ‘Capital efficiency.’” Barnardt said the firm’s participation reflects its belief that sustainable growth requires both strong financial systems and collaborative networks. “Scaling a business successfully requires more than …

The global business environment heading into 2026 is opening up meaningful opportunities. According to Outsourced CFO (OCFO), a global financial consultancy firm specialising in fractional and outsourced CFO services, organisations that plan decisively and invest with confidence are better positioned to benefit than those taking an overly cautious approach. According to Etienne Raubenheimer, Executive Head of CFO Services at OCFO, businesses will continue to operate against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, uneven economic growth and ongoing cost pressures. However, he believes these conditions are increasingly favouring organisations that combine ambition with disciplined financial planning. “Uncertainty does not automatically mean risk,” said Raubenheimer. “For businesses that understand their numbers and plan properly, 2026 can be a year to move forward while others hesitate.” Raubenheimer notes that many organisations are entering 2026 with stronger foundations than they realise. Balance sheets have been stabilised, cost structures refined and financial systems improved over recent years. This has created a platform from which businesses can pursue selective expansion, whether through new markets, product development, acquisitions or targeted investment in people and technology. Financial planning for 2026 is therefore less about aggressive growth and more about intelligent expansion. Businesses are focusing on profitability, cash flow resilience and return on investment, supported by detailed forecasting and scenario planning. This allows leadership teams to act with confidence when opportunities arise, while maintaining control in volatile conditions. “Growth in 2026 is about precision,” Raubenheimer said. “It is about knowing where to invest, when to invest and how each decision impacts cash flow and long-term value.” He adds that access to high-quality financial insight will be one of the most significant differentiators in the year …