Durban becomes first South African city to join world trade centre association
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Date: 2025-07-29 16:55:35

Durban becomes first South African city to join world trade centre association

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
29 JULY 2025
 
DURBAN BECOMES FIRST SOUTH AFRICAN CITY TO JOIN WORLD TRADE CENTRE ASSOCIATION
 
In a historic move to elevate trade and investment in Africa, eThekwini Municipality yesterday, 28 July officially announced the establishment of South Africa’s first World Trade Centre (WTC) at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC).
 
Durban was granted a license that designates the Durban ICC as the home of WTC Durban.
 
The formal signing ceremony was attended by Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli on behalf of eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba. 
 
In his keynote address, Councillor Ntuli said: “World Trade Centre Durban will become an enabler of economic transformation. We are leveraging an already world-class facility, the Durban ICC, to elevate Durban’s standing and impact on the global stage.”
 
Also in attendance was eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele, Durban ICC Chief Executive Officer Lindiwe Rakharebe, and representatives from the World Trade Centre’s Association (WTCA). 
 
Mbhele described the development as a pivotal moment. “The acquisition of the WTC license represents a giant leap toward realising our vision of becoming a globally competitive, resilient, and economically inclusive City.”
 
Durban now joins a global network of over 300 WTC in nearly 100 countries, including cities such as New York, Tokyo, Amsterdam, and Nairobi. 
 
The license gives Durban exclusive rights to the WTC brand and access to an international ecosystem of over one million affiliated companies.
 
Rakharebe noted the transformation of the Durban ICC into a full-scale trade and business hub.
 
She said: “WTC Durban will support everything from global trade exhibitions and trade missions to small business incubation and matchmaking.”
 
The WTC will promote business confidence, support localisation, and create jobs by connecting local enterprises to global markets. 
 
Implementation will begin with brand activation and feasibility studies, followed by infrastructure roll-out.
 
Durban was chosen as the first South African city for the WTC due to its status as Africa’s leading port city and major manufacturing and logistics hub. 
 
The City is home to major companies like Toyota, Unilever, and Aspen, and benefits from infrastructure such as Dube Trade Port Special Economic Zone and King Shaka International Airport among many others.
 
Robin Van Puyenbroeck, Executive Director of Business Development at WTCA, welcomed the City to the organisation.
 
“We are delighted to welcome Durban to our global family. WTC Durban holds immense potential to foster African trade integration and connect with global markets.”
 
With this development, Durban strengthens its position as a strategic gateway for trade between Southern Africa and the world, aligning with national and local development goals.
 
The implementation phases of WTC Durban will begin with brand activation, followed by infrastructure development and then full-scale operations.
 
ENDS
Jointly issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate and the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.