Free State companies will join over 80 South African companies that are supported by government to showcase their products and services at the second edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) that will take place from 15-21 November 2021.
More than a thousand companies from across Africa are expected to exhibit their products at the trade fair, and thousands of visitors are expected to pass through the turnstiles of Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre to see the best of what the continent has to offer.
Botebo Farming, a wine company owned by a young black female, Ms Tebogo Ditsele, has made a cut to join the more than 80 other companies to showcase its wines at the trade fair. Her participation has been made possible by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) through its Export Marketing Investment Assistance (EMIA) Scheme whose objective is to develop export markets for South African products and services, and to recruit new foreign direct investment into South Africa.
Ditsele says the trade fair has come at the right time as the Covid-19 pandemic has affected most of the businesses, including hers. She says she sees the trade fair as a door-opener to Africa’s market.
“I am hopeful that the fair will open new markets for my wines, so we can also increase the staff complement which is seating at six at the moment. I look forward to capturing the market with my sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc, Merlot, rose and sparkling wines which are made of quality grapes from the Free State and are easy on the palate,” says Ditsele.
Mr Fuzile Tyson Mpeake of Mpeake Creations that manufactures automotive components, says he is looking forward to showcasing his capabilities and have meaningful meetings that can lead to partnerships with big brands. He says he has already identified companies that he wishes to have meetings with at the trade fair.
“I describe the automotive sector as one that has unlimited opportunities, particularly for a young person like me,” says Mpeake.
According to the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ms Nomalungelo Gina, government financially supports Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in particular, to participate in international exhibitions such as the IATF201 as part of its efforts to promote industrialisation, exports, job creation and economic growth.
“Companies that manage to successfully find a market for their products in different countries will be obliged to increase their production of goods that they will export to service the new markets. Increasing production means that more people will be employed and investment will be made in the machinery required to increase production. And the products exported will increase foreign revenue for the country. Above all, African companies clinching deals at the IATF and thereafter starting to trade with each other, will go a long way in achieving what the trade fair is all about, which is increasing the intra-African trade in line with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement,” adds Gina.
Enquiries:
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 299 8512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
Follow us on Twitter: @the_dti
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