Top Co Working Spaces for Startups in South Africa

Coworking spaces in South Africa are transforming how startups work, offering reliable internet, power backup, and collaborative environments. Whether you’re in Cape Town, Johannesburg, or beyond, these spaces cater to the needs of the country’s 2.4 to 3.5 million SMMEs. Here’s what you need to know:

WeWork: Flexible memberships, 24/7 access, and networking events in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban.
AfricaWorks: Affordable hot desks (from £20/day) and a growing presence in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Workshop17: Award-winning spaces with flexible plans, IT support, and community-driven growth across South Africa and Mauritius.
Spaces: Global provider with 11 South African locations, offering modern designs and premium amenities.
Cube Workspaces: Six boutique locations with flexible options, starting at R2,100/month for hot desks.
Inner City Ideas Cartel: Lifestyle-driven coworking with gym access, rooftop pools, and exclusive networking events.

Quick Comparison

Coworking Space	Locations	Starting Prices (Monthly)	Features
WeWork	Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban	R2,600 (Hot Desk)	24/7 access, meeting rooms, networking
AfricaWorks	Cape Town, Johannesburg	£20/day (Hot Desk)	Affordable, flexible, global partnerships
Workshop17	South Africa, Mauritius	R2,180 (Hot Desk)	IT support, community events, scalability
Spaces	Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban	Contact for pricing	Premium amenities, ergonomic designs
Cube Workspaces	Cape Town, Johannesburg	R2,100 (Hot Desk)	Boutique spaces, on-site café, flexibility
Inner City Ideas Cartel	Cape Town	R2,000 (Hot Desk)	Lifestyle perks, gym, rooftop pools

These coworking spaces provide more than just desks – they’re hubs for productivity, networking, and growth in South Africa’s startup ecosystem.

How to Start a Coworking Space – Interview with Co-Hoots Co-Founder

1. WeWork

WeWork has made its mark in South Africa’s main business hubs, with locations in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. These offices are conveniently situated near transportation links, making them accessible for startups and their teams ^[4].

Membership options are flexible, offering choices like private offices, dedicated desks, and an all-access pass for daily bookings. Amenities include high-speed internet, printing services, mail handling, and refreshments, designed to keep operations running smoothly. Members also enjoy 24/7 building access, professional conference rooms, and private phone booths for confidential conversations ^[5]^[6].

WeWork goes beyond just providing office space. Their events connect startups with industry professionals and mentors, fostering collaboration within South Africa’s startup scene ^[4]. The All Access membership allows businesses to book meeting rooms or offices as their needs grow ^[5].

To meet local business demands, WeWork offers backup power systems and professional mail management services. Their digital tools make it easy for members to manage bookings and access services without hassle ^[5]^[6].

2. AfricaWorks

AfricaWorks runs a 2,000-square-meter coworking space in Cape Town and has plans to expand to Johannesburg. Their flexible workspaces cater to both startups and established corporations, attracting clients like Spotify, TikTok, Flutterwave, and MSF Africa ^[7]^[10].

"Coworking spaces are a relatively new phenomenon across Africa, and the emergence mirrors the shift in how professionals globally engage with their work environments." – Gregoire Schwebig, Founder and CEO of AfricaWorks ^[10]

Membership options include hot desks, shared offices, and private offices, accommodating businesses at different growth stages. Hot desks in Cape Town start at £20 per person per day, making it an affordable choice for early-stage startups ^[7].

AfricaWorks offers amenities such as high-speed internet and meeting rooms, aligning with industry standards set by competitors like WeWork ^[7]^[8]. Through partnerships, like the one with the Africa Scotland Business Network, members also enjoy exclusive discounts, adding to the affordability ^[9].

The coworking space welcomes a mix of startups and global companies, creating opportunities for collaboration within its dynamic business community ^[10]. By focusing on accessibility and fostering connections, AfricaWorks plays a key role in supporting South Africa’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.

While AfricaWorks builds thriving communities, other coworking spaces like Workshop17 continue to push the envelope in South Africa.

3. Workshop17

Workshop17 operates across seven locations in Cape Town and Johannesburg, serving over 2,000 members, including 500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) ^[11]. Recognized as the Best Co-working Space at the 2022 Global Startup Awards, their spaces are strategically located in key business hubs like the V&A Waterfront Watershed and The Bank in Rosebank. They even have plans to expand to Mauritius ^[11]^[13].

"Coworking spaces must evolve beyond desks. At Workshop17, we create ecosystems where startups can thrive through collaboration."

Membership options are designed to suit businesses at various stages, starting with hot desking packages priced at R2,180 per month. Flexible plans are also available ^[12]. Members gain access to essential amenities such as 24/7 availability, IT support, professional meeting spaces, and networking events – all geared toward helping businesses grow.

Workshop17 also offers a proprietary software platform that simplifies workspace management. Their corporate-grade facilities support smooth virtual collaboration, which makes them especially appealing to tech startups and digital entrepreneurs. Additional services, like business address options and logistics solutions, are available to support e-commerce ventures ^[12].

Their focus on collaboration and resource-sharing has made Workshop17 a key player in empowering South African startups to succeed. While Workshop17 emphasizes creating collaborative ecosystems, other spaces, such as Spaces, cater to startups with tailored solutions for their specific needs.

Feature	Benefit for Startups
24/7 Access	Flexible working hours for growing businesses
IT Support Helpdesk	On-demand technical assistance
Community Events	Networking opportunities with industry peers
Multi-location Access	Work from various city locations
Corporate-grade Facilities	Professional spaces for client meetings

4. Spaces

Spaces, a global coworking provider with over 900 locations worldwide, has made its mark in South Africa with 11 locations spread across cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. Its standout location is the flagship site at V&A Waterfront, a seven-story facility offering 24/7 access and reflecting the brand’s high standards ^[3]^[14]. This site is especially popular among tech startups and digital entrepreneurs who value a professional setting with extensive amenities.

Spaces locations are designed with modern, light-filled interiors and ergonomic layouts aimed at boosting productivity. Members enjoy key features like high-speed internet, printing facilities, and fully-equipped meeting rooms. Additional perks include gym access and comfortable break-out areas, creating a well-rounded work environment ^[3].

Amenity Category	Offerings
Workspace Options	Hot desks, Private offices, Meeting spaces
Technical Infrastructure	High-speed internet, Printers, Copiers
Business Services	Reception support, Mail handling

One of Spaces’ biggest advantages is its global network and flexible membership plans. This setup allows startups to adjust their workspace needs as they grow, without being tied to long-term contracts ^[3]. Beyond workspace, Spaces supports businesses with networking events and workshops, connecting members to an international community of professionals.

While Spaces excels in offering global reach and premium amenities, Cube Workspaces provides a more localized and boutique coworking experience tailored to smaller-scale needs.

5. Cube Workspaces

Cube Workspaces offers coworking spaces in Cape Town and Johannesburg, with six well-placed locations: Cape Town CBD, Rondebosch, Waterfront, and Johannesburg’s Bryanston, Fourways, and Morningside ^[15]. Notable spots like Cape Town’s Icon Building and Morningside’s 205 Rivonia Road combine convenience with top-tier amenities ^[16]^[17].

Location Type	Monthly Rate (2025)
Hot Desk (CBD Cape Town)	From R2,100
Private Office (Morningside)	R626 – R15,591 (size dependent)

Cube Workspaces is tailored for startups, offering flexible office solutions and an environment designed to encourage growth. Members enjoy perks like an on-site café with barista service, plus essential business support services ^[15]. The spaces are thoughtfully designed with natural light, ergonomic furniture, and breakout areas to boost productivity.

Long-term clients, including Think Tank Software Solutions and Mentjies Attorneys, commend Cube Workspaces for its dependable infrastructure and professional management ^[15].

"The reception and management team demonstrate exceptional professionalism and a sense of urgency in addressing queries", says a representative from Mentjies Attorneys ^[15].

For startups, Cube Workspaces provides flexible options that can grow with teams of 1 to 4 people, allowing adjustments as space needs evolve ^[17].

Although Cube Workspaces focuses on professional service and premium locations, Inner City Ideas Cartel offers a more lifestyle-driven coworking experience.

6. Inner City Ideas Cartel

Inner City Ideas Cartel runs multiple locations in Cape Town, including flagship spaces in Green Point and Claremont. These spaces combine work and lifestyle amenities in a way that’s hard to find elsewhere ^[18].

Membership Type	Rate (2025)
Daily Pass	R200
Monthly Hot Desk	R2,000
Fixed Desk	R3,500
Cartel Club	R2,150 (VAT incl.)

Members have access to modern facilities designed to encourage productivity and collaboration. Amenities include 24/7 access, communal kitchens, and well-equipped meeting rooms ^[18]. The Cartel Club membership takes things up a notch with perks like gym access, rooftop pools, an international network of partner spaces, and exclusive networking events ^[19].

"Inner City Ideas Cartel creates spaces that spark inspiration, boost productivity, and catalyze connection among dynamic business professionals and social changemakers", says a company representative ^[19].

For startups aiming to balance work-life integration with growth, Inner City Ideas Cartel is a great option. Their app makes booking easy and even connects users to lifestyle perks like gym facilities and social spaces ^[18]. The organization also hosts exclusive events and fosters a professional community, helping startups connect and grow their networks ^[20].

Rather than just offering office space, Inner City Ideas Cartel delivers a complete business lifestyle. Positioned in the premium coworking market, it offers a strong value for startups looking for a professional yet wellness-focused environment ^[20].

Comparison Table

To help startups choose the right coworking space, here’s an overview of South Africa’s top options as of January 2025:

Coworking Space	Locations	Key Features	Monthly Pricing (Starting From)
WeWork	• Johannesburg (Sandton, Rosebank) • Cape Town (Strand Street)	• 24/7 Access • Meeting Rooms • High-speed Internet • Business Services	• Hot Desks: R2,600 • Dedicated Desks: R3,300 • Private Offices: R5,600
Inner City Ideas Cartel	• Cape Town (Green Point, Claremont)	• Cartel Club Access • Gym Facilities • Rooftop Pools • Networking Events	• Hot Desks: R2,000 • Fixed Desks: R3,500 • Cartel Club: R2,150
Workshop17	• Multiple locations in South Africa • Mauritius	• Customizable Workspaces • Community-driven Growth • Flexible Terms • Event Spaces	Contact for Pricing

Location Insights: WeWork’s Sandton office (155 West Street) stands out with competitive pricing – hot desks start at R2,600 and dedicated desks at R3,300. Meanwhile, their Cape Town location (80 Strand Street) is priced higher due to its central location and premium facilities.

Options for Scaling: WeWork provides private offices for teams of various sizes, with rates ranging from R5,940 to R100,060 depending on location and team size ^[21]. Workshop17’s presence across multiple cities and Mauritius highlights its appeal for businesses seeking flexibility and networking opportunities.

This table gives startups a quick overview of coworking spaces designed to meet diverse needs, helping them find the right fit for their growth journey in South Africa’s evolving workspace landscape.

Conclusion

Coworking spaces are reshaping South Africa’s entrepreneurial scene, providing startups with environments designed to support growth. With an estimated 2.4 to 3.5 million SMMEs in the country ^[1], these spaces have adapted to cater to the varied needs of emerging businesses.

The success of providers like Workshop17 highlights the growing demand for flexible workspaces. For instance, Workshop17 Watershed in Cape Town now supports more than 470 entrepreneurs and 100 businesses ^[3]. This spirit of collaboration is a hallmark of coworking spaces across South Africa, creating opportunities for startups to thrive.

When choosing a coworking space, startups should focus on more than just the basics. Important factors to evaluate include:

Opportunities for networking and building connections
Flexible workspace options to accommodate team growth
Access to resources that support skill development
Convenient and secure locations

The coworking landscape in South Africa continues to evolve, catering to both remote workers and larger organizations ^[2]. These spaces go beyond being simple offices – they serve as hubs designed to give startups an edge in a competitive market.