The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in partnership with Nedbank and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, will host the AfCFTA – South Africa Private Sector Roundtable Breakfast Session at the Nedbank Head Office in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Friday, 28 February 2025.
The Private Sector Roundtable Breakfast Session seeks to provide businesses that already have a commercial presence on the continent with an opportunity to have an interactive engagement with the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau, and the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA, Mr Wamkele Mene, on market access opportunities for South Africa’s private sector in key countries under the AfCFTA, as well as gain insights into the challenges faced by businesses across the continent.
Minister Tau will deliver the keynote address, highlighting the South African government’s commitment to ensuring the private sector maximises the benefits of the AfCFTA. Mr Wamkele Mene will also address the gathering, providing insights into the implementation of the Agreement and the opportunities it presents for South African businesses.
Tau emphasises the importance of South African businesses beginning to expand their exports of goods and services continentally, urging them to seize the competitive advantage offered by the AfCFTA. He stresses that early expansion will allow South African companies to establish themselves as leaders in key sectors across the continent.
“The AfCFTA is a game-changer for Africa’s economic landscape. It offers unprecedented market access, fosters industrialisation, and enhances competitiveness. South African businesses must position themselves strategically to take full advantage of this transformative agreement,” he says.
The Roundtable will serve as a platform for engagements on how businesses can leverage the AfCFTA to expand their footprint across the continent. Discussions will focus on practical steps to enhance trade facilitation, market access, and investment opportunities under the Agreement.
He underscores the crucial role of private sector participation in driving economic integration and sustainable growth across the continent.
“The success of the AfCFTA depends on our ability to build competitive industries, enhance regional value chains, and ensure that businesses of all sizes can access new markets. This requires collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to fostering a thriving intra-African trade environment,” concludes Tau.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Yamkela Fanisi – Ministerial Spokesperson
Department of Trade, Industry and Competition
E-mail: YFanisi@thedtic.gov.za
Mobile: 076 034 6551
OR
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
X: @the_dtic
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Website : https://www.thedtic.gov.za/
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