The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Sihle Zikalala, has extended a warm welcome to the thousands of delegates and high-profile dignitaries, including 15 Heads of State, who have started arriving in Durban to attend the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) which kicks off at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) from tomorrow, 15 November 2021.

The Premier expressed confidence of a successful hosting of the IATF2021, which is the continent’s leading trade fair.

The fair which will be held over the next seven days is expected to yield massive economic spinoffs for the province and the country. It is projected that the hosting of the IATF2021 will result in a total direct spend of R235 million, a contribution of R580 million to the GDP and 1200 jobs.

Hosted by the Afrexim Bank in collaboration with the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the trade fair is expected to attract about 10 000 buyers and sellers, 1100 exhibitors, and will result in $40 billion in trade deals.

“This trade fair will serve as a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange in support of increased Intra-African trade and therefore it paves the way for the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). The hosting of this event also augurs well for our Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan. Not only will the successful hosting of the IATF 2021 reaffirm KwaZulu-Natal as the destination of choice for tourism, trade and investment, but it will also serve as a strategic platform to accelerate the reconstruction and transformation of the KZN economy,” Premier Zikalala said.

Premier Zikalala continued saying that while the provincial government was mindful that this is a continental event, it seizes the opportunity to promote local companies. A total of 80 South African companies will be exhibiting at the fair.

The provincial government has also assisted a total of 30 companies to exhibit, they include the following:

• 10 Creative Industry Clients (Funded through our relationship with DSBD)

• 8 SMMES funded through our relationship with Transnet

• 8 Small, Medium and Large Companies funded by One Stop Shop and Export Development Unit

• 2 Corporate companies funded through our relationship with Afrexim Bank

• 2 proudly South African KwaZulu-Natal companies to exhibit at the stand

A total of 150 KZN Youth based companies will participate in the fair over and above the other 150 youth-owned companies coming from other provinces and from over 40 African countries.

Media colleagues are urged to collect their accreditation at a marquee which has been set up at the Centrum Parking lot opposite the Durban Exhibition Centre. Please bring your identity documents for verification purposes. We urge members of the media to be patient as this is a strict and rigorous process.