Sub-Saharan Africa alone has 44 million MSMEs, with 3 million located in South Africa. The AfCFTA presents vast opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), consisting of 55 countries, 1.3 billion people and an export potential of $22 billion. MSMEs play a vital role in driving the AfCFTA and boosting Africa’s industrial capacity.
The AfCFTA Secretariat also recognises the role of MSMEs in driving intra-Africa trade and has created the AfCFTA Private Sector Strategy, focusing on four priority sectors: pharmaceuticals, automotive, agro-processing, and transport and logistics.
To support the operationalisation of the AfCFTA and ensure MSMEs take advantage of the new market opportunities, it is important that MSMEs are capacitated with the necessary skills, resources, and support. The AfCFTA Private Sector Strategy highlights that MSMEs need to be supported to improve their competitiveness through practical assistance in developing business plans, creating efficient recruitment processes, and leveraging innovation support.
The 2025 AfCFTA Conference convenes stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and financial institutions, to explore effective strategies for empowering MSMEs to maximise the benefits of the AfCFTA. The conference will discuss support mechanisms for MSMEs, including government policies that promote a conducive business environment and initiatives aimed at reducing trade barriers.
Theme: Empowering MSMES: Catalysts for Regional Trade and Growth.
Our truly phenomenal speaker line-up includes :
- Prof. Rajen Pillay | Ceo: Garuda Capital (PTY) LTD (Chairperson)
- Dr Mbulelo Nokwequ | Head of Department | Department for Economic and Small Business development, and Tourism and Environmental Affairs Free State
- Anathi Mlungwana | Unit Head: Trade Facilitation Coega Development Corporation
- Lwazi Mboyi | Chief Executive Officer | Cross Border Road Transport Agency
- Mark Brits | Executive Director Centre of Excellence in Financial Services
- Lehlogonolo Masoga | Interim Group Executive: Trade, Investment & Industrialization | LEDA
- George Sebulela | President | African United Business Confederation
- Nico Jobe Mabaso | Registered Business Rescue Partitioner | IMCSA: Founder & Managing Partner at Veltistos Solutions Pty LTD
- Joseph Upile Matola | Acting Head of the Economic Resilience and Inclusiveness Programme | South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)
- Dr Mthandazo Ngwenya | Managing Director Development Advisory & Impact (DAI) | Bigen
- Dr Lardo Stander | CEO Tshwane Economic Development Agency
- Jabu Mabobo | Executive Director | Southern African Business Development Forum (SABDF)
- Dr Sifiso Falala | CEO | Sovereign Africa Ratings
- Edmond Shoko-Lekhuleni | Technical Manager | AFROSAI-E
- JX Gumede | Founder | JX & Co
- Derrick Kaufmann | Managing Partner and Head of Corporate and Mergers and Acquisitions: South Africa | Andersen in South Africa
- Yamani Selana | Director Indirect Tax & International Trade Practice: South Africa | Andersen in South Africa
Registration:
To register, please complete the registration form and email it to mlambo@millasa.co.za or register online at https://millasa.co.za/afcfta-2025/. Kindly indicate on the registration form if you are attending virtually or in person.
For group bookings, contact us at:
Call: +27 21 556 9253
WhatsApp: +27 79 013 7629
We look forward to welcoming you to Johannesburg in July 2025!
