As South Africa celebrated National Entrepreneurship Month in November 2024, the KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference brought together entrepreneurs, government officials, and private sector representatives, to spotlight the vital role small businesses play in the province’s economic growth. Facilitated by Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal under the theme “Unlocking KZN’s Economic Potential: Driving Trade and Investment to Transform the Province’s Future,” the event also integrated the annual Export Week, highlighting the importance of fostering export-ready enterprises.
Integrated Approach to Investment and Export
The seamless integration of the Investment Conference with Export Week aimed to bridge the gap between investors and exporters, fostering collaboration to enhance KwaZulu-Natal’s position on the global stage.
Chairperson of the Board of Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal, Khanyisani Shandu, highlighted the importance of this approach: “By aligning these flagship events, we create a unique platform for robust dialogue and collaboration, ultimately driving trade, investment, and economic transformation.”
The exhibition component showcased SMMEs and Black Industrialists, offering them opportunities to network with potential investors and buyers. This dynamic space included business matchmaking sessions and valuable exposure to international markets
Sharing Inspiring Entrepreneurial Stories
The exhibition component of the conference provided entrepreneurs the opportunity to sell and market their products and services to the more than 700 people in attendance. Among the exhibitors was Pindiwe Filtane, CEO of Akili Timber, a sawmill startup based in Richmond. Transitioning from IT to revive her late husband’s business, Filtane aimed to preserve jobs for the company’s 40 employees. Despite her initial lack of industry knowledge, she persevered and now successfully exports timber. “TIKZN trained us to become export-ready and guided us through the application process. They facilitated connections to new markets, and we are now in talks with a client in South Korea,” said Filtane. “They have truly walked this journey with us, and we are grateful for their partnership.”
Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Rev Musa Zondi emphasised the significance of the conference’s timing during National Entrepreneurship Month. “This exhibition demonstrates why SMMEs are the true engines of our economic growth. It also showcases KwaZulu-Natal’s readiness to seize opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area. What struck me most was the passion and unwavering determination of these entrepreneurs. Each
product, each innovation, carries a compelling story of vision and resilience. When we talk about unlocking KZN’s economic potential, we mean unlocking opportunities for everyone, the established industrialists and the emerging entrepreneurs such as the ones in the next room. Our role as government is to continue supporting these visionaries as they expand their horizons beyond our borders,” said Zondi.
TIKZN has assisted fashion designer Makhosazane Ntshangase to expand her business beyond KZN. “Through overseas trade trips and platforms like this conference, I’ve been able to establish valuable connections. For example, after a TIKZN-facilitated trip to the Seychelles, I launched the South Coast Annual Business Fair and formed partnerships for inter-country exchange,” said Ntshangase. She expressed optimism about forming more partnerships during the conference. Ntshangase’s designs were showcased at Africa Fashion Week London last year, through TIKZN’s support. She emphasised the power of networks in scaling a business.
Also still reaping the benefit of the TIKZN trade show in London is Phumzile Zama, founder of Polka.dot.coco, who crafts sustainable accessories from African print offcuts. Operating from her home in Amandawe, Scottburgh, on the KZN South Coast, Zama hopes to expand her business and uplift her community. Her participation in Africa Fashion Week London, facilitated by TIKZN, provided global exposure and valuable insights. “Through this exposure, we learned how international business operates and identified our target markets. This has helped us refine our products and focus our marketing efforts,” said Zama.
These three entrepreneurs were among those who were able to attend the ExportMasterclass at the KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference. Facilitated by TIKZN board member Dr Sakhile Mpungose, the session titled “Enhancing Export Competitiveness through Improved Logistics Infrastructure,” offered valuable insights into how businesses can leverage infrastructure to expand their reach in global markets. This workshop equipped KwaZulu-Natal’s exporters with practical strategies to compete effectively on the international stage.
This included vital information on government services aimed at empowering small businesses. Participants had the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders offering funding solutions, export guidance, and business facilitation, including the KZN InvestSA One-Stop Shop, a flagship initiative designed to streamline the investment and trade process by providing a range of services, including business registration, visa facilitation, regulatory compliance, and support for accessing both local and international markets.
The private sector also raised their hands to assist entrepreneurs. Kennedy Bungane, Group CEO of African Bank, encouraged SMMEs to seize the moment. “Now is the time for SMMEs to access finance and back themselves in this province. The private sector is here to support small businesses and stimulate the economy,” said Bungane.
Charting the Future
For entrepreneurs like Filtane, Zama, and Ntshangase, the event was not just a showcase but a stepping stone toward greater achievements. Participants left with renewed optimism and actionable tools to grow their businesses.