South Africa is a nation brimming with innovation, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit. At the forefront of celebrating and elevating these efforts is Proudly South African’s Buy Local Summit & Expo, an annual event dedicated to strengthening the local economy through homegrown talent, goods, and services.
This year, the 13th edition of the summit, themed “Building a Resilient Economy Through Localisation,” will take place on 17 and 18 March at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The event promises to be a powerhouse of local procurement, bringing together nearly 200 exhibitors, 1,500 delegates, 450 trade buyers, and 160 key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
Why Local Procurement Matters
South African businesses are the heartbeat of the economy, and supporting local has never been more critical. As the country navigates economic uncertainties, initiatives like the Buy Local Summit & Expo play a vital role in fostering economic resilience.
Eustace Mashimbye, CEO of Proudly South African, emphasizes the importance of local procurement:
“The Buy Local Summit and Expo provides exhibitors with enhanced visibility and a captive audience that stretches beyond their geographical confines. Through this event, exhibitors can expand their market reach, showcase their offerings to a wider audience, and interact with prospective customers who would have otherwise remained oblivious to their products and services.”
Key Activations at the Summit
The Buy Local Summit & Expo is more than just an event—it’s a movement. Structured around four key activations, the summit is designed to deliver tangible results for exhibitors and attendees:
- Exhibitions:
A platform for local businesses to showcase their products, increase brand visibility, network with industry leaders, and connect with procurement decision-makers. - Business Matchmaking:
A structured networking opportunity that pairs exhibitors with major industry players for potential inclusion in their supply chains.
“One of the biggest hurdles that stifles the growth of small to medium-sized businesses is lack of access to markets. Through matchmaking, these companies can get a foot in the door and interact with decision-makers who can enable them to scale up and take their businesses to the next level,” says Mashimbye. - Panel Discussions:
Industry experts will unpack pressing topics such as the impact of illicit trade on the economy and challenges facing the local fashion industry. The summit will be officially opened by Gauteng Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile, with Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition Parks Tau delivering the keynote address. - The Localisation Dinner:
The grand finale of the event, where over 280 executives, captains of industry, and key stakeholders will gather for a night of strategic discussions, collaboration, and commitment to local procurement.
A Global Shift Towards Local Sourcing
Mashimbye highlights the global trend towards local sourcing:
“Owing to the convergence of economic, environmental, and consumer-driven factors, businesses globally have been embracing a transformative trend towards local sourcing. This strategic shift reflects a departure from traditional global supply chains towards more localised procurement strategies.”
By encouraging the sourcing of goods and services from nearby suppliers, businesses can foster economic growth within their communities. This support translates into job creation, increased spending in local markets, and the development of robust business ecosystems that contribute to overall prosperity.
A Collaborative Effort
The Buy Local Summit & Expo is made possible by the unwavering support of its sponsors, including ABSA (headline sponsor), DSBD, dtic, Santam, Transnet, Gauteng Economic Development, GEP, South32, SAB, AITF, Sasol, Telkom, Standard Bank, IDC, and Nestlé ESAR. Their commitment fuels an initiative that not only promotes South African businesses but also helps build a future where the economy thrives on local talent and resources.
The Bigger Picture
Supporting local is not just about buying a product—it’s about investing in the future of South Africa. The Buy Local Summit & Expo is a shining example of what can be achieved when businesses, government, and consumers come together with a shared goal: a stronger, more resilient economy built on homegrown success.
Key Takeaways:
- The Buy Local Summit & Expo is South Africa’s premier local procurement campaign, fostering economic resilience through localisation.
- The event features exhibitions, business matchmaking, panel discussions, and a localisation dinner to drive tangible results for participants.
- Supporting local businesses creates jobs, boosts spending, and strengthens community ecosystems.
- The summit enjoys the support of key government departments, state-owned entities, and private sector giants.
By championing local businesses, the Buy Local Summit & Expo is paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for South Africa.
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