The Eastern Cape is strengthening its position as a competitive trade and investment destination as government, business leaders, investors and international partners converged for the 7th Eastern Cape Export Symposium and Exhibition. Held in KuGompo City this week, under the theme “Powering Trade Opportunity: Leveraging Infrastructure, Energy and Strategic Partnerships in a Changing Global Economy,” the two-day programme focused on turning economic opportunities into practical investments, exports, businesses and jobs.
Addressing delegates, Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane highlighted the province’s significant export potential, noting that businesses already export vehicles and components, agricultural products, wool and mohair, processed foods and other products to international markets. In 2024, the province recorded approximately R76 billion in exports.
The Premier called for greater diversification of export markets, particularly across Africa, the Middle East and Asia, while emphasising the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area. He also stressed the need to move beyond exporting raw materials by increasing local processing, manufacturing, packaging and beneficiation to retain more value within the province.
The symposium also highlighted the importance of infrastructure, energy and logistics in improving competitiveness, with discussions focusing on ports, rail, major infrastructure projects and reliable energy supply.
As the symposium brought together exporters, investors, buyers and development finance institutions, the Eastern Cape Provincial called for stronger partnerships and a sharper focus on implementation to ensure that opportunities translate into investment, production, skills development and sustainable jobs.
The gathering also featured Ministers and senior government representatives from across the African continent, with participation from Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Representatives from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the European Union and the British High Commission were also part of the programme.
Their participation demonstrates the strategic importance of the Eastern Cape Export Symposium as a platform for strengthening regional and international trade partnerships, expanding market access and unlocking investment opportunities for the province.
