Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) shone on the global stage at the 2024 Maputo International Fair (FACIM), taking home the prestigious Best International Pavilion Award. The accolade, presented by FACIM’s Director General, Gil da Conceitcao Bires, celebrated TIKZN’s visually striking and welcoming pavilion, which combined vibrant images of South Africa’s tourism hotspots with compelling displays of its infrastructure capabilities.
The recognition capped a successful week for the South African delegation whose participation in the Fair was facilitated by TIKZN’s Acting Export Promotion Manager Christina Pillay. They were among 2500 exhibitors from 25 countries at 59th edition of FACIM, Mozambique’s oldest multi-sector trade fair, held from 26 August to 1 September 2024. Their product offering showcased the rich potential of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) at this dynamic platform for promoting trade, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.
“FACIM 2024 reaffirmed our commitment to leveraging platforms that position KZN as a hub for trade and investment,” said TIKZN CEO, Sihle Ngcamu. “The award for Best International Pavilion underscores our dedication to excellence in showcasing South Africa’s economic potential.” The pavilion not only promoted KZN’s industrial strength but also captured the essence of South African heritage and hospitality, making it a standout feature of the trade show.
Showcasing KZN’s Competitive Edge
TIKZN’s participation at FACIM spotlighted 11 South African companies representing diverse sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, and renewable energy. The TIKZN pavilion, served as a hub for business-to-business (B2B) meetings, networking, and live product demonstrations.
Key highlights included high-profile visits from the likes of South Africa’s High Commissioner to Mozambique, Simphiwe Nyanda, who toured the pavilion, engaging with exhibitors and reinforcing ties between the two nations. More than 200 B2B meetings were conducted between South African exhibitors and international businesses, resulting in agreements and orders valued at millions of rands. These included Natal Razor Wire securing a R1.5 million order which will creating five new jobs. PolyArcs recorded 32 meetings, resulting in a preliminary order valued at up to R1.5 million. Polypropylene bag manufacturers Zilon Bulk Bags, held 22 meetings and secured 3 orders valued at up to R1.5 million.
These outcomes highlight Mozambique’s importance as a trade partner and the untapped potential of the SADC market. The enduring partnership between South Africa and Mozambique reflects a shared commitment to fostering regional economic integration, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods across borders. TIKZN’s success at FACIM 2024 marks another step toward achieving this vision. By embracing platforms like FACIM, TIKZN not only opens doors for local businesses but also reinforces its role as a catalyst for sustainable growth and economic cooperation in Southern Africa.