Africa and Middle East eager to do business with KZN

Delegates from across Africa and the Middle East gathered in Durban for the JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference (AMEC) 2025, where KwaZulu-Natal’s trade and investment opportunities were firmly in focus.

Hosted by Junior Chamber International under the theme “Cultivating Resilient and Innovative Leaders,” the conference brought together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and business leaders to strengthen partnerships and explore opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) used the platform to showcase the province’s investment potential and export opportunities. Speaking at the Trade and Investment Forum, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Rev Musa Zondi, reaffirmed the province’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment that supports inclusive and sustainable growth.

“It is an honour and privilege to welcome you to KwaZulu-Natal, a province of breathtaking beauty, bold ambition, and boundless potential,” said Zondi. “KwaZulu-Natal proudly hosts this Trade and Investment Forum not only as a province open for business, but as a partner committed to inclusive, sustainable development through strategic investment and regional cooperation.”

Zondi outlined the provincial government’s vision to position KwaZulu-Natal as one of the most attractive investment destinations on the African continent, supported by policy reforms, streamlined regulatory processes, and digital investment facilitation tools.

Central to these efforts is the TIKZN One Stop Shop, which enables investors to access permits, land, incentives, and infrastructure support through a single coordinated platform. “As government, we believe we must not be the bottleneck but the bridge. The private sector is a key partner in investment, job creation, skills development, and innovation,” he said.

“To all international and regional delegates here today, we invite you to see KwaZulu-Natal not only as a destination for investment, but as a partner in unlocking growth and opportunity across the continent,” he added.

The conference reinforced KwaZulu-Natal’s role as a strategic gateway for trade, supported by world-class port infrastructure and its positioning within regional and global supply chains. As AfCFTA implementation accelerates, the province continues to strengthen logistics, infrastructure, and export readiness to unlock greater intra-African trade.