SAITEX draws business leaders from across the continent
Africa’s international trade platform returns in person in June
After a two-year forced hiatus due to Covid lockdowns and restrictions, one of Africa’s most established multi-sector trade shows is back.
In its 28th year, SAITEX is being co-hosted with food and beverage show Africa’s Big 7 and the Halal International Trade Expo at the Gallagher Convention Centre between 19 and 21 June 2022.
“For almost three decades, SAITEX has been bringing buyers and sellers together, but this year feels markedly different, as it has been such a long time since our exhibitors and visitors last engaged in person,” says Portfolio Director of Food, Hospitality and Trade of dmg events Evan Schiff.
“This represents a unique opportunity for industry professionals to reconnect and develop strategic trade partnerships for future intra-Africa growth,” he says.
With leading buyers and suppliers from over 25 countries showcasing their latest products and service innovations across seven exhibitor zones, the expo will also feature a series of technical masterclasses run over three days, aimed at paving the way forward for businesses across the trade and township economy sectors.
According to Schiff, in 2019, over 4,900 industry professionals attended the event, and of these visitors, almost two thirds had senior decision-making roles within their businesses.
In 2022, several interactive workshops and panel discussions will offer a dynamic mix of in-depth learning, development and discussion, led by a range of high-profile trade experts, financial institutes, and entrepreneurs in the sector. The ministerial keynote address will be given by the Honourable Rajeshkumar Indukant Modi, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce in Zimbabwe.
Visitors looking for support on access to SMME finance can attend a dedicated workshop hosted by Banking Association of South Africa on how to mobilise funding for SMMEs, while a fireside chat presented by SHE Trades will focus specifically on assisting female entrepreneurs to unlock new market opportunities.
Technological solutions and IT and software make up a significant percentage of products on exhibit at the show, and there will also be several workshops supported by e-Commerce Forum Africa, centering around the implementation of new digital strategies to protect, manage and grow business in a post-Covid marketplace.
The increasing importance of Africa’s township economy will also be recognised at SAITEX. In a stakeholder engagement session presented by the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, public and private stakeholders will delve into the details of the recently passed Township Economic Development Bill and the Township Economy Partnership Fund, considering its impact on individual businesses and existing commercial activity moving forward.
SAITEX is honoured to have Mpho Parks Tau, Gauteng MEC, Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture & Rural Development, Saki Zamxaka, Chief Executive Officer, Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP), Tshokolo Nchocho, Chief Executive Officer, Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Xolile George, Chief Executive Officer, South African Local Government Association (SALGA).*
Schiff says that with an estimated 355 million middleclass consumers, Africa has one the most rapidly growing retail markets in the world, making SAITEX a must-attend event for business owners, entrepreneurs, retailers, wholesalers and distributors from across the continent.
“SAITEX provides a unique platform for African importers and exporters to source latest products and services from a global manufacturing base, as well as establish partnerships and complete import and export deals,” he concludes.
Registration for SAITEX is currently open. For more information or to register, please click here.
ENDS
SAITEX
SAITEX is the original multi-sector trade-show allowing local and international importers and exporters to test, explore and take advantage of inbound and outbound trade opportunities within the African Region for over 27 years. SAITEX facilitates tangible international and local trade relationships, whilst providing a platform for the private sector to demonstrate the innovations, solutions and services they have to offer Africa.
The exhibition features retail products such as electronics and home appliances, homeware, cosmetics and household products as well as building materials and tools.
SAITEX hosts a series of webinars, podcasts interviews and newsletter releases throughout the show campaign. The purpose of the digital offering is to provide accurate and relevant content about the industry, latest trends and innovative solutions as well as insight into how the industry is evolving in the lead up to the event.
SAITEX will be held from the 19-21 June 2022, at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa. The 3-day expo ensures digital access to credible content and connections for professionals unable to attend the live event.
dmg events – South Africa
dmg events is a leading organiser of face-to-face events and a publisher of trade magazines.
We aim to positively impact the African economy and community by providing platforms for public and private sector professionals to connect and forge strong relationships that will drive the future of the African continent.
dmg events has a portfolio of 80 events managed across 11 offices worldwide with two of those offices based in South Africa. The team organises 14 events in Africa, bringing together more than 30,000 professionals from the Construction, Infrastructure, Coatings, Mining, Transport, Food & Beverage, Trade and Hospitality sectors.