Business

KwaZulu-Natal Entrepreneurs Set to Shine at Cairo’s Intra-African Trade Fair

November 3, 2023

4 mins read

KwaZulu-Natal entrepreneurs have been selected to participate in the Intra-African Trade Fair in Cairo, offering them a chance to display their products and services to a global audience. The fair provides access to an integrated African market of 1.3 billion people, with a combined GDP exceeding $3.5 trillion. It is expected that their participation in this global event will significantly boost KZN’s economy, further establishing the region as a hub of excellence in trade and innovation.

What is the Intra-African Trade Fair and how does it benefit KwaZulu-Natal entrepreneurs?

The Intra-African Trade Fair provides a platform for 21 KwaZulu-Natal entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to a global audience, gaining insights into market trends and demands. The fair offers access to an integrated African market of 1.3 billion people, with a combined GDP exceeding $3.5 trillion. The entrepreneurs’ participation in this global event is set to leave a lasting impact on KZN’s economy, further establishing the region as a hub of excellence in trade and innovation.

Embarking on the Road to Cairo

The Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) will be held in Cairo from November 9th to 15th, 2023, offering an exceptional opportunity for 21 KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) entrepreneurs to present their products and services to a worldwide audience. These entrepreneurs were carefully selected by Trade & Investment KZN, the province’s development arm, through a stringent selection process that prioritized promoting the finest offerings from KZN, especially those originating from townships and rural areas.

The path to IATF started with an intense selection process focused on identifying KZN’s most promising entrepreneurs. These individuals were chosen based on their potential to significantly impact the provincial economy and contribute to the “Buy KZN Product” campaign.

While attending the fair, KZN entrepreneurs will interact with over 32,000 visitors and establish connections with potential distributors and buyers, gaining insights into market trends and demands. This chance to showcase the Zulu Kingdom on a global stage is anticipated to enhance the “Buy KZN Product” campaign and solidify KZN as a center for innovation and trade.

United for Success

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union Commission, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat have joined forces to organize the IATF. This esteemed event offers businesses a platform to access an integrated African market of 1.3 billion people, with a combined GDP exceeding $3.5 trillion.

Collaboration among various entities, such as the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), has been crucial for the success of this initiative. These entities have collectively deployed resources to cover logistics and other necessary expenses for KZN entrepreneurs traveling to Cairo.

Furthermore, the ongoing partnership between Trade & Investment KZN and Transnet Port Terminal has been instrumental in assisting numerous entrepreneurs through the export capacity-building program, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate international markets.

Showcasing Entrepreneurial Excellence

The presence of KZN entrepreneurs at the IATF is expected to significantly boost foreign exchange earnings as more products are exported globally. This accomplishment is a testament to the entrepreneurs’ dedication and hard work, as well as the support they have received from various organizations.

The entrepreneurs’ trip to Cairo serves as a reminder that there are no limits to what they can achieve. By pushing the boundaries of innovation and trade, KZN entrepreneurs are laying the groundwork for a more prosperous and interconnected future for their province and beyond.

Celebrating KZN’s Creativity

The Intra-African Trade Fair provides an unparalleled opportunity for these 21 KZN entrepreneurs to display their creativity and the value of their products and services. As they engage with thousands of visitors from around the world, they will not only represent themselves but also the entire Zulu Kingdom. Their participation in this global event is set to leave a lasting impact on KZN’s economy, further establishing the region as a hub of excellence in trade and innovation.

Connecting Townships and Rural Regions

One of the primary goals of the IATF and the “Buy KZN Product” campaign is to showcase the vast potential of products and services from townships and rural areas. By providing these entrepreneurs with a global stage to promote their offerings, the IATF helps bridge the gap between these often underrepresented regions and the larger markets. This increased visibility can lead to new partnerships, investments, and opportunities, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and prosperous KwaZulu-Natal.

In conclusion, the Intra-African Trade Fair is a remarkable opportunity for KwaZulu-Natal entrepreneurs to leave their mark on the global stage. Their journey to Cairo is a testament to their determination, creativity, and the commitment of various organizations to support and promote the province’s economy. As they showcase their products and services, these entrepreneurs are not only contributing to the “Buy KZN Product” campaign but also shaping the future of trade and innovation in their region.

1. What is the Intra-African Trade Fair?

The Intra-African Trade Fair is an event that provides a platform for African entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to a global audience, gaining insights into market trends and demands. It offers access to an integrated African market of 1.3 billion people, with a combined GDP exceeding $3.5 trillion.

2. How many KwaZulu-Natal entrepreneurs were selected to participate in the Intra-African Trade Fair?

21 KwaZulu-Natal entrepreneurs were carefully selected by Trade & Investment KZN, the province’s development arm, through a stringent selection process that prioritized promoting the finest offerings from KZN, especially those originating from townships and rural areas.

3. How does the Intra-African Trade Fair benefit KwaZulu-Natal entrepreneurs?

The Intra-African Trade Fair provides a platform for KwaZulu-Natal entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to a global audience, gaining insights into market trends and demands. It offers access to an integrated African market of 1.3 billion people, with a combined GDP exceeding $3.5 trillion. Their participation in this global event is set to leave a lasting impact on KZN’s economy, further establishing the region as a hub of excellence in trade and innovation.

4. When will the Intra-African Trade Fair be held in Cairo?

The Intra-African Trade Fair will be held in Cairo from November 9th to 15th, 2023.

5. What is the goal of the “Buy KZN Product” campaign?

The goal of the “Buy KZN Product” campaign is to showcase the vast potential of products and services from KwaZulu-Natal townships and rural areas. It helps bridge the gap between these often underrepresented regions and the larger markets, contributing to a more equitable and prosperous KwaZulu-Natal.

6. How will KwaZulu-Natal entrepreneurs benefit from attending the Intra-African Trade Fair?

KwaZulu-Natal entrepreneurs attending the Intra-African Trade Fair will interact with over 32,000 visitors and establish connections with potential distributors and buyers, gaining insights into market trends and demands. This chance to showcase the Zulu Kingdom on a global stage is anticipated to enhance the “Buy KZN Product” campaign and solidify KZN as a center for innovation and trade.

7. What organizations have joined forces to organize the Intra-African Trade Fair?

8. How will KZN entrepreneurs benefit from the ongoing partnership between Trade & Investment KZN and Transnet Port Terminal?

The ongoing partnership between Trade & Investment KZN and Transnet Port Terminal has been instrumental in assisting numerous entrepreneurs through the export capacity-building program, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate international markets. This partnership will help KZN entrepreneurs expand their reach beyond South Africa and tap into new markets.

Emma Botha
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