Durban is positioning local businesses for greater access to international markets, investment and trade as the third reSURGEnce Durban Conference are underway. The conference builds on the R127-million economic contribution generated by its two previous editions.
The five-day programme opened with a Mayoral Civic Reception on Saturday evening, 24 October, at Coast of Dreams, Durban Exhibition Centre. The reception welcomed international delegations, business leaders and partners ahead of the main conference and exhibition.
Hosted by eThekwini Municipality in partnership with The New York Christian Times, the conference runs until 28 October under the theme “Decreasing Barriers by Increasing Access”.
More than 100 international delegates are expected, with delegations from the United States, Japan, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria. On 26 and 27 October, the main conference will run alongside an exhibition at which approximately 150 businesses will showcase their products and services.
Delivering the keynote address at the reception, eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba highlighted the conference’s economic impact. The 2024 and 2025 editions collectively contributed R127-million to the City’s gross domestic product and supported approximately 190 jobs on an annual-equivalent basis.
Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba said: “Through reSURGEnce, we are strengthening Durban’s position as a gateway to African and international markets, while creating opportunities for local businesses to connect with investors, access new markets and build strategic partnerships. Our priority is to ensure that these engagements translate into tangible economic opportunities, support enterprise growth and contribute to sustainable job creation. By connecting local businesses with international networks, we are advancing inclusive economic growth and positioning eThekwini as a competitive investment destination.”
An impact survey of previous editions highlighted the value of business networking. Businesses surveyed in 2025 reported establishing valuable contacts through business-to-business engagements, while others reported ongoing discussions with potential partners.
Dennis Dillon, Co-founder and United States Convener of reSURGEnce, said: “By bringing the world to Durban, we are not just opening markets; we are unlocking human potential and connecting local innovation with global capital. International delegates have expressed interest in eThekwini’s real estate, agriculture and food processing, energy and manufacturing sectors, as well as in African-produced goods.”
The main conference and exhibition will explore investment, African and diaspora trade, access to finance and procurement, women and youth entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, technology and innovation, agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, energy, real estate, tourism, and the creative economy.
Deal room meetings will facilitate investment and partnership discussions. Business-to-business engagements on 28 October will connect local enterprises with international counterparts to explore commercial opportunities.
The programme also includes the Economic Revival Dialogue today, 25 October, focusing on faith, leadership, community empowerment and economic transformation.
For more information, visit www.reSURGEnceConference.com or follow @reSURGEnceConference on social media.
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