African Chemicals Imbizo 2018
The recent signing of commitment to the African Continent Free Trade Area (AfCTA) by 27 African states creates significant opportunity for stronger intra-Africa trade and regional integration. Intra-Africa trade is seen as one of the ways in which the continent can build itself.
Durban Chemicals Cluster Project Manager, John White “For chemicals manufacturers, which are a key segment of Durban’s manufacturing base and a critical pillar of our industrial economy, the industrialising African continent represents a market of relatively untapped opportunity and future growth prospects. The African Chemicals Imbizo 2018 serves as an opportunity to harness this potential”.
There is undoubtedly room to grow the value of chemical exports from KwaZulu-Natal to the larger economies of sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria, Kenya and Angola are the three largest economies in sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa). Representatives of large firms from all three of these nations have responded positively to the African Chemicals Imbizo 2018. Other African countries that will be represented at the African Chemicals Imbizo 2018 include Botswana, Zambia, Mauritius, Tanzania, Seychelles, Namibia, Ghana and Zimbabwe.
“The African Chemicals Imbizo 2018 is an opportune platform for engagement with industry, stakeholders and government and the conference tackles critical industry-driven topics like investment and growth in Africa, policy and strategy, the future of manufacturing, health safety and legal compliance” says Nicole Martens of UN PRI, one of the event’s speakers. Key speakers at the conference include Jaco Maritz (CEO of How we made it in Africa), Gavin Dalgleish (MD for Illovo Group), Trudi Hartzenberg (CEO of the Trade Lade Centre), Claire Janisch (CEO of Biomimicry SA), Nicole Martens (Head of Africa and Middle East at UN PRI), and Dr Justin Barnes (Chairman of B&M Analysts).
Taking place 24 to 25 October at the Durban ICC it comprises four parts;
- a conference that brings together expert industry minds,
- an exhibition that presents innovative products and key services to the industry,
- study tours of the Durban manufacturing sector and critically,
- the hosting of 20 chemicals manufacturing trade partners from across Africa.
These trade partners will be arranged one-on-one business meetings with local producers to strengthen export trade and grow the local chemicals industry.
Despite a healthy growth in the domestic sales of chemicals, the South African chemicals manufacturing sector is in a challenging position. The dramatic rise in imports and consequent negative trade balance indicates that local producers have not capitalised on the associated growth and development in the sub-Saharan African market. The decline in exports is also suggestive that domestic manufacturers have found it increasingly difficult to compete effectively in these international markets. As a vehicle to drive exports and promote regional trade, the Durban Chemicals Cluster, in partnership with eThekwini Municipality, hosts the annual African Chemicals Imbizo.
This event represents an opportunity for chemicals manufacturers to engage with new buyers and grow their intra-African export market share.
The African Chemicals Imbizo 2018 is supported by eThekwini Municipality, Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal, the Industrial Development Corporation, the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority, the National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa and the Durban Chemicals Cluster. It is expected to host 350 delegates from across the sub-Saharan African continent.
The event offers industry a specialised chance to harness the potential of growing regional markets and network with production experts, key stakeholders and industry leaders from across the African continent.
To register for the African Chemicals Imbizo 2018, please contact DCCimbizo@bmanalysts.com or visit the Durban Chemicals Cluster website to find out more: www.durbanchemicalscluster.org.za/imbizo/