In the wake of global challenges and heavy tariffs imposed on different sectors, especially the automotives, by the United States of America, two Gqeberha-based companies will be exploring export opportunities in Algeria and other African markets during the fourth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) that will take place in Algiers, Algeria from 4-10 September 2025.
The two companies, Hart Automotive and Ezi System, will be part of the 30 companies that are supported by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) to showcase the products at the fair. This is part of the department’s efforts to develop export markets for South African products and services, and to recruit new foreign direct investment into the country.
The Managing Director of Hart Automotive, a company that manufactures windscreen brackets and plastic components, Mr Gerald Barth says he is both excited and anxious about the trip to Algeria
“I am optimistic that I will access new markets and forge new business opportunities. I will be away from my business for almost two weeks and I feel a bit of pressure to convert this opportunity into tangible deals. Our main clients are automotive suppliers that supply directly to the automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). We also manufacture non-automotive products that we supply the agricultural sector with,” says Barth.
Barth says the company, which started in 2018 and currently employs six people, has been on an entrepreneurial journey of persistence, resilience and innovation.
“We did not only manage to make a breakthrough in the very difficult automotive sector, but we survived COVID-19 and also attained our quality management certification. The business has grown steadily over the past seven years, and our turnover has grown on average by 25 percent. Having a clear plan and an executional road map ensures that the business is geared for growth,” says Barth.
Ezi System, which employes 20 people, manufactures modular structure systems and has clients locally and across the globe. The owner of the business, Mr Allen Cunningham says he aims to attract new business in Africa, and possible distributors from other countries at the fair.
“We know our business and products, we are keen to share our abilities and knowledge with the rest of the continent. Also, this might be a great opportunity to get traction in Africa, especially in the north and west of the continent,” says Cunningham.
The Owner of Ezi System, Mr Allen Cunningham and his co-workers at their factory in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
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E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
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