The second Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2021) commenced at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 15 November. President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the keynote address at the opening session. 

The weeklong IATF2021 is expected to inject a direct spend of about R235 million into eThekwini and contribute about R580 million to the City’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and create approximately 1 200 jobs. 

President Ramaphosa said the event provides a unique and valuable platform for South African businesses to access an integrated African market of over 1.2 billion people with a GDP of over US$2.5 trillion created under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The IATF2021 is a trade show hosted by the South African government in conjunction with African Export-Import Bank. It provides a platform for goods and services from across 55 countries to link international buyers, sellers, and investors. It also allows participants and visitors to profile and share market information and investment opportunities in support of intra-African trade and the economic integration of the continent. 

It offers South Africa an opportunity to profile and market proudly South African goods and services, build lasting networks, and establish collaborations that will increase South Africa’s goods and services exports into the continent and position the country as a partner of choice. 

IATF2021 runs until 21 November and members of the media who are planning to cover the event should register by clicking on this link: https://www.intrafricantradefair.com/en/user/register or for any registration queries, contact evashnee.naidu@reedexpoafrica.co.za.

Durban Tourism Deputy Head Winile Mntungwa said they hosted an activation at King Shaka International Airport over the weekend where IATF2021 delegates, from more than 55 countries, were given a warm Durban welcome. “More than10 000 delegates and 1 100 exhibitors are expected to descend on the City to exchange ideas on this platform which is expected to facilitate more than $40 billion US dollars’ in trade and investment deals,” she said. The exhibition platform aims to bring together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services and explore business and investment opportunities in Africa.

Mntungwa said the City grabbed the opportunity to partner with the provincial government for the event. From a tourism aspect, she said the conference will boost local tourism. “There was huge loss of revenue from postponed events. This resulted in a decline of visitors and a decrease of tourism contribution to the City’s GDP which resulted in job losses. We have high hopes of what will be achieved by IATF2021 in terms of boosting the local economy,” she concluded.
nonduduzo.ngcongo@durban.gov.za