SA and Germany Strengthen Trade and Investment Ties with Key Networking Event

The "Partnering in Business with Germany" event will be held from 12-13 September 2024 at the Southern Sun Sandton in Gauteng.

The promotion of trade and investment linkages between South Africa and Germany will take center stage at an upcoming network event hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (dtic), in collaboration with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Change, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

The "Partnering in Business with Germany" event will be held from 12-13 September 2024 at the Southern Sun Sandton in Gauteng. The global initiative is designed to strengthen trade relations between the two nations and enhance export opportunities for South African businesses.

This follows the signing of a Joint Declaration on Cooperation in April between the dtic and the German Ministry, which formalized a programme to train and mentor emerging South African exporters seeking access to the German market.

Lerato Mataboge, dtic Deputy Director-General for Exports, emphasized that the programme aims to equip small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) with the skills and networks necessary to secure export deals and attract investment from Germany. By focusing on diversification, the initiative helps companies with limited experience in international markets prepare for global expansion.

The programme also serves German enterprises by reducing risks and transaction costs as they explore new markets in South Africa. "Through this collaboration, participants are not only trained but also connected with German firms interested in doing business with South African companies," Mataboge said.

Since the partnership's inception, 234 South African companies have traveled to Germany, gaining firsthand exposure to German business practices and engaging with potential export partners. An alumni networking event, first held in Cape Town in 2023, continues to foster ongoing collaboration between past beneficiaries.