The Eastern Cape is set to welcome business leaders, exporters, investors, policymakers and development partners from across South Africa, the African continent and international markets when it hosts the 7th Eastern Cape Export Symposium and Exhibition from 19–21 August 2026 at the East London International Convention Centre (ICC) in KuGompo City (previously East London).
Hosted by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), the province’s flagship export promotion event showcases the Eastern Cape’s export capabilities while creating meaningful opportunities for businesses to establish commercial partnerships, attract investment and expand into regional and international markets.
This year’s Symposium marks an important milestone through its co-hosting with the Continental Energy Infrastructure and Investment Forum (CEIIF), creating an integrated platform that brings together trade, investment, infrastructure and energy. Convened in partnership with key government departments, development finance institutions, industry bodies and strategic partners, the event recognises the critical role that infrastructure, energy security and collaboration play in strengthening competitiveness and unlocking sustainable economic growth.
Held under the theme: “Powering Trade Opportunity: Connecting Infrastructure Opportunities, Energy and Strategic Partnerships in a Changing Global Economy,” the Symposium will bring together government leaders, business executives, exporters, investors, development finance institutions, industry experts and international partners to examine practical solutions for expanding market access, strengthening regional value chains and unlocking new investment opportunities.
As global supply chains continue to evolve and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) creates new opportunities for intra-African trade, the Symposium provides a strategic platform for positioning African businesses to compete more effectively in regional and international markets.
The Eastern Cape is uniquely positioned to host this engagement. With an established industrial base, three commercial ports and two Special Economic Zones, the province continues to play an important role in facilitating trade, investment, industrialisation and regional economic integration.
The two-day conference and exhibition programme, taking place on 19 and 20 August 2026, will feature:
- High-level keynote addresses and plenary sessions
- Expert-led panel discussions
- Specialised workshops
- Business-to-business matchmaking engagements
- A 60-stand exhibition showcasing export-ready businesses and investment opportunities
- A Hosted Buyer Programme connecting export-ready businesses with verified international buyers, investors and strategic partners
The exhibition will showcase innovative products, services and investment opportunities from businesses and institutions across multiple sectors, providing exhibitors with direct access to buyers, investors, financiers, government representatives and industry leaders seeking commercially viable partnerships.
Eastern Cape Premier, Mr Oscar Mabuyane, said the Symposium reflects the province’s ambition to strengthen its position as one of South Africa’s leading destinations for trade and investment.
“The Eastern Cape has established itself as one of South Africa’s leading destinations for trade and investment. This year’s Symposium reflects our ambition to build stronger partnerships between government, industry and international markets, and to move from dialogue to delivery on the opportunities before us. I welcome all delegates to the Eastern Cape and look forward to the outcomes this platform will deliver for our province and our country.”
Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, Ms Thobile Buthelezi, said the integrated event demonstrates ECDC’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment and economic growth.
“CEIIF and the Export Symposium reflect ECDC’s commitment to creating platforms that connect policy with implementation, opportunity with investment, and ideas with delivery. By bringing together government, industry, investors and development partners, we are moving from opportunity to implementation, and from dialogue to delivery.”
The Symposium is expected to attract delegates from across South Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and international markets, further reinforcing the Eastern Cape’s position as a strategic gateway for trade, investment, industrialisation and export development.
Find out more: www.ecexportsymposium.co.za
