SA government to lead business delegation to Intra-African Trade Fair in Algeria

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) is gearing up to take a South African business delegation, comprising 30 companies, to the fourth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Algeria this week.

This pivotal event aims to bolster intra-African trade by forging connections among businesses, investors, and policymakers from across the continent and its diaspora.

According to Zuko Godlimpi, the deputy minister of the dtic, the IATF presents a remarkable opportunity for South Africa to showcase a diverse range of goods and services, attract new investments, and promote regional integration, all while advancing the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“Participating in international exhibitions like these is critical to the dtic's mandate and the objectives of the Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024-2029 to grow the economy, create jobs, industrialisation, localisation, inclusive growth, and growing the domestic market and exports,” Godlimpi said.

“Algeria, as the host country, presents significant strategic importance as it is the third-largest economy in Africa. It is of importance that we establish direct trade routes to improve trade between the two countries.”

While South Africa currently enjoys a trade surplus under the AfCFTA framework, Godlimpi noted that preferential trade with Algeria has historically been limited.

He stressed the pressing need for both countries to amplify their efforts in fostering and supporting preferential trade under the AfCFTA, which would facilitate maximised market access alongside the new trade preferences that arise from the agreement.

Moreover, Godlimpi said the IATF serves as a platform for promoting cross-border partnerships between small and medium enterprises, crucial for integrating regional value chains and diversifying exports amid fluctuating conditions in traditional markets.

“The trade fair will also foster small and medium enterprise cross-border partnerships, enabling regional value chain integration, and diversifying exports against the backdrop of volatilities in traditional markets,” Godlimpi said.

The IATF places a particular emphasis on sectors such as agriculture, automotive, mining, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and energy. The fair will also integrate trade and investment forums along with industry conferences taking place throughout the event.

Building on the success of previous editions held in Cairo in 2018 and 2023, and Durban in 2021, the IATF 2025 in Algiers is projected to attract an estimated 35 000 attendees and more than 2 000 exhibitors, including businesses from the African continent and globally, who will showcase their goods and services to visitors and buyers while exploring opportunities and exchanging trade and market information.

This is projected to translate into over $44 billion in trade and investment deals.

The biennial IATF is organised by Afreximbank in partnership with the African Union Commission and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and aims to increase intra-African trade and showcase the investment opportunities across Africa.

The fourth edition will feature a wide participation of production and service companies, alongside an investment and trade forum highlighting Africa’s potential for economic integration.

BUSINESS REPORT