International buyers explored sourcing opportunities offered by South African manufacturers and exporters at Engage Trade Africa 2026 in Durban this week with interest spanning food products, automotive components, pharmaceuticals and other manufactured goods.
Buying delegations from Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Egypt, Malaysia, India, Switzerland, the United States and neighbouring SADC countries attended the event, which connected prospective customers with local suppliers, government representatives and trade support organisations.
Among the buyers were Saudi-based Panda Retail, Nairobi’s Luton Hospital, convenience network SG Convenience and Kenyan distributor Hasbar.
Products attracting interest included processed agricultural goods, food and beverages, fast-moving consumer goods, automotive components, pharmaceuticals, personal protective equipment and workwear, furniture, textiles and packaging.
The gathering focused on translating trade and investment discussions into practical business opportunities, Engage Trade Africa Managing Director Rex Bowden said.
“This year we have brought everybody into the same room because investment and trade go hand in hand. You cannot build factories without markets and you cannot grow trade without infrastructure, finance, logistics and customers,” Bowden said.
Durban’s connections to regional markets through the North-South Corridor are central to its role as a trade gateway, Invest Durban Chief Executive Russell Curtis said.
Alongside the buyer engagements, speakers outlined support available to smaller businesses navigating export logistics, market access and payment risks.
Small enterprises could access free cross-border trade training through DHL’s GoTrade programme to help them start and expand exports, DHL Express Area Sales Manager and GoTrade Facilitator Predeshnee Munsamy said.
Financial protection against buyer non-payment is another consideration for exporters, said Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa (ECIC) Head of Short-Term Insurance Ntombifuthi Mdluli.
A gap in the short-term trade insurance market particularly affected small, medium and micro enterprises, Mdluli said.
The corporation covers political and commercial risks, including buyer insolvency and non-payment, Mdluli added.
Digital sales channels also offer opportunities for businesses to expand their customer base, said Takealot Marketplace Business Development Manager Oreratile Molapo.
The platform has 4.4 million active buying customers and is exploring possible expansion into neighbouring countries, including Lesotho and Eswatini, he said.
