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NWDC facilitates market access for emerging exporters at Engage Trade Africa
When Engage Trade Africa 2026 opened at the Durban Convention Centre this year, 12 emerging exporters from the North West Province were there, ready for buyer-exporter matchmaking and market-access exposure.
The North West Development Corporation (NWDC), through its Trade and Investment facilitation unit, secured the participation of the 12 companies through an approved application to the dtic.
Their participation was made possible following NWDC’s successful application to the Sector Specific Assistance Scheme (SSAS) of the dtic. The SSAS enables the growing and developing of South African emerging exporters, by introducing them to international markets.
Engage Trade Africa (ETA) is one of the African continent’s leading platforms for driving international trade. It functions by bringing buyers and sellers together in one event, combining workshops, practical site visits and most importantly, targeted business to business (B2B) meetings.
The North West-based companies that participated through the facilitation of the NWDC were: Baki Bra, Afri Cadecor, Tau Namagadi, Releight, Beige Butterfly, Ramotshwedi 1019 Sauces, Inyama Yethu, Deepmoon Trading Enterprise, Marabou Essentials, Agnisito Trading, Finess Beauty and Siwela Wines.
Engage Trade Africa 2026 opened on 6 October with informative workshops focused on trade logistics, export certification, and market access strategies. Participants built practical capability to navigate trade agreements, customs compliance, and export documentation, while engaging directly with industry leaders through association roundtables on trade policy, finance, and sustainability. The day then shifted from strategy to experience with a curated afternoon excursion to Jonsson Workwear.
When the matchmaking event continued on the second and third days, the venue was optimised to create a vibrant, marketplace-style environment. Exporters had easy access to a curated product showcase along the perimeter of the meeting space. It allowed exhibiting companies to participate in both pre-arranged business-to-business (B2B) meetings and informal social networking outside the formal event sessions.
The North West companies that participated benefited from buyer exposure and extensive networking opportunities, averaging 11 B2B meetings per company during the event. Five of the companies reported that their measurable event outcomes in the form of business value or revenue generated, exceeded the amount of R50 000, while the collective estimated potential business value reported by all 12 companies exceeded R820 000.
Registered companies from the North West Province who are export-ready are encouraged to contact the trade and investment division of the NWDC for consideration for future market access outreach programmes.
Article by Annemarie Marx
NWDC Communication Specialist
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I absolutely loved the event! It was a wonderful experience, and I’m grateful to NWDC for creating such a valuable opportunity for businesses to connect, showcase their products and services, and explore new opportunities for growth. I truly enjoyed meeting and networking with other entrepreneurs, sharing ideas, and learning from one another. We found the event particularly beneficial for increasing our visibility, networking with potential clients and partners, and exploring ways to contribute to the growth of businesses through technology.
Thank you NWDC for granting Tau Namagadi to take part in Engage Trade Africa as an exhibitor. I have learnt new things that I was not aware of when it comes to exports, and was given the opportunity to interact with potential buyers and partners.
I had a wonderful and informative experience. Inyama Yethu formed a partnership with Siwela wines, secured access to Onoma for product display and resale. The representatives of NWDC ensured that we were well taken care of, and would assist whenever we needed assistance. It was an informative trip indeed.
The well-organisedExpo at the ICC was an amazing platform for Deep Moon Trading Enterprise. It gave us great exposure, valuable networking opportunities and connections with potential clients and suppliers. It was well-organized and empowering for small businesses like ours. Thank you to NWDC for the opportunity.
This was an incredible opportunity to meet international buyers and connect with local support systems as well. I'm grateful to have attended this event through NWDC.
The event was well organised and gave me significant international and local exposure. Most people liked our products, and I hope the follow-ups with the buyers will bear fruit. I thank NWDC heartily for the invitation to our company.
I was very impressed with NWDC during the Engage Trade Africa event. The experience I had was quite amazing. I was given the opportunity to generate leads, form partnerships, and engage with other stakeholders in the same line of work.
