After a two-year forced hiatus due to Covid lockdowns and restrictions, one of Africa’s most established multi-sector trade shows returns to Johannesburg. 

In its 28th year, SAITEX is co-hosted with food & beverage show Africa’s Big 7 and the Halal International Trade Expo at the Gallagher Convention Centre from 19–21 June 2022.

The multi-sector trade exhibition features retail products such as electronics and home appliances, homeware, cosmetics and household products, as well as building materials and tools.

“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,” observed 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 remarked.

 

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 master-classes 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-depth learning, development and discussion

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 small, medium and micro entrepreneurs (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, centring on 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.

Prestigious participants and a unique sourcing platform

 

SAITEX is honoured to have participation at the event from Mpho Parks Tau, Gauteng MEC, Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture & Rural Development; Saki Zamxaka, CEO of Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP); Tshokolo Nchocho, CEO of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC); and Xolile George, CEO of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

 

Mr Schiff noted 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 the latest products and services from a global manufacturing base, as well as to establish partnerships and complete import and export deals,” he concluded.  

 

Registration for SAITEX is currently open. For more information or to register, please click here