Africa’s biggest event for exporters and importers of products from around the world is forecast to be the most successful in 25 years following a surge in business confidence across Southern Africa and interest from the world.

It follows the election of South Africa’s new President, Cyril Ramaphosa and the fall of Robert Mugabwe in Zimbabwe. This week in Rwanda 44 countries backed plans for a new African trade bloc, styled on the European Union.

Ramaphosa pledged SA’s support and said the new deal will “yield great benefits for all countries on the continent as well as big business, small companies and micro-traders.”

Once in place it would simplify Africa’s current import and export bureaucracy and speed up cross-border trade. But it also offers an opportunity for importers from across the world to enter Africa with one product in one place.

This new business-focused momentum is the heart of a three-day conference at SAITEX 2018, the premier conference and trade show that connects exporters, leading brands and manufacturers with importers, distributors and retailers.

South Africa is considered the gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa and SAITEX brings more than 36 countries to exhibit as well as buyers from around the world for three days in Johannesburg.

“But SAITEX it is more than a trade show – it is one of the few events that attracts international government officials, diplomats and business leaders to discuss trade partnerships and agreements,” said Christine Davidson, Vice President of dmg events MEA, which organises SAITEX.

“And because of the fast-moving economic changes in the region, we have ensured this established meeting place facilitates further dialogue at influencer level. This year there is a new three-day conference at SAITEX: The Trade Development Forum. Alongside it, the vast exhibition floor will be packed with a wide range of products from around the world, everything from tools, electronic goods and gadgets to appliances, textiles and toys.”

Other key subjects on the discussion agenda includes SADC country spotlights, provincial showcases and key programmes highlighted by the Gauteng government.

To find out more about SAITEX 2018 go to www.saitexafrica.com

Press information

SAITEX 2018 runs from June 24-26 at The Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. SAITEX is Africa’s largest international product sourcing expo. It includes consumer electronics and home appliances, homeware and household, building materials supplies and tools as well as fashion and giftware. It attracts hundreds of manufacturers and suppliers showcasing the most advanced products. more details www.saitexafrica.com

dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa was founded in 1989 and has operated in the Middle East since 1995 and owns some the region’s biggest shows including The Hotel Show Dubai and The Big 5, the Middle East’s biggest construction event. Headquartered in Dubai, UAE and with satellite offices in India, South Africa and the UK, dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa organises more than 80 events across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, North America and Europe. The events attract more than 250,000 customers every year and provide opportunities for trade professionals to do business, network and learn. For more information visit www.dmgeventsme.com

DMGT manages a balanced multinational portfolio of entrepreneurial companies, with total revenues of almost $3bn, that provide a diverse range of businesses and consumers with compelling information, analysis, insight, news and entertainment. The company employs more than 10,000 people and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.  DMGT aims to provide the highest quality information, insight and services to attractive growth markets in innovative ways, building on a track record of earnings and dividend growth. For more information visit www.dmgt.com

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