South African Businesses to Explore AfCFTA Opportunities at Private Sector Roundtable

Johannesburg, 26 February 2025 – South African businesses seeking to expand their footprint across the continent will gather at the AfCFTA – South Africa Private Sector Roundtable Breakfast Session, set to take place on Friday, 28 February 2025, at the Nedbank Head Office in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in collaboration with Nedbank and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the event will provide a strategic platform for businesses already operating in Africa to engage with Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau, and AfCFTA Secretary-General, Mr Wamkele Mene.

Unlocking Market Access Under AfCFTA

The Roundtable will focus on market access opportunities for South African private sector players in key African economies under the AfCFTA agreement, as well as the challenges businesses face in expanding their operations across the continent.

Minister Tau, who will deliver the keynote address, is expected to highlight South Africa’s commitment to ensuring its businesses benefit from AfCFTA by scaling up their exports of goods and services across Africa. He has urged businesses to move swiftly in securing a competitive edge under the trade agreement.

“The AfCFTA is a game-changer for Africa’s economic landscape. It offers unprecedented market access, fosters industrialisation, and enhances competitiveness. South African businesses must position themselves strategically to take full advantage of this transformative agreement,” said Tau.

AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene will also provide insights into the implementation of the agreement, discussing how South African companies can tap into new markets and strengthen regional value chains.

Driving Regional Economic Integration

The discussions will cover trade facilitation, investment opportunities, and industrialisation, with a focus on equipping businesses with the tools and strategies to navigate intra-African trade.

Minister Tau emphasised the crucial role of the private sector in driving economic integration and sustainable growth, stating that the success of the AfCFTA depends on strong industrial development and regional collaboration.

“The success of the AfCFTA depends on our ability to build competitive industries, enhance regional value chains, and ensure that businesses of all sizes can access new markets. This requires collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to fostering a thriving intra-African trade environment,” he concluded.

Strategic Positioning for South African Businesses

With the AfCFTA Agreement creating the world’s largest free trade area, South African businesses are being urged to capitalise on emerging opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, finance, and digital services, among other sectors.

The Roundtable Breakfast Session will serve as a strategic engagement for South African companies to network, address trade barriers, and chart a path for long-term success in intra-African trade.