By Akani Nkuna
South African exporters recorded 82 prospective trade leads and met 341 buyers at Angola’s largest international trade exhibition, as local companies sought new markets across the continent.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said on Monday that more than 2,000 visitors attended the South African pavilion at the Feira Internacional de Angola (FILDA), which was held from 21 to 26 July.
Officials facilitated 55 business-to-business meetings between South African companies and potential buyers, distributors and commercial partners.
The exporters, supported by the department, represented the agro-processing, steel and metal fabrication, engineering, mining and chemicals sectors.
The department said the leads were promising opportunities that could translate into future contracts, partnerships and export growth.
La RicMal Wines owner Malcolm Green said his company received a positive response from importers and distributors in Angola, particularly regarding the quality, pricing and packaging of its products.
“We received a good response from importers and distributors based on the quality of the product, the price and the packaging. There are also businesses operating in Angola that serve markets beyond the country’s borders, including neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Namibia who showed interest in doing business with us. This creates an opportunity for our products to enter Angola and subsequently move into other regional markets,” he said.
Green said FILDA could provide South African companies with access to markets beyond Angola.
“My experience from FILDA is that the opportunity for South African businesses is now. FILDA has grown, and there is a clear appetite among the international business community to invest in Africa. I see Angola as a gateway, with FILDA serving as an important conduit for South African businesses seeking to access other African markets,” he said.
Johannesburg-based steel fabrication company InfraPower Engineering used the exhibition to explore export opportunities and partnerships with businesses from Angola, Zimbabwe, India and other participating countries.
Managing director Rakgomo Maetje also held discussions with the Chamber of Commerce in Angola about possible future projects, including transmission infrastructure that could create opportunities for the company.
“The exhibition generated strong interest in our products, with visitors making inquiries and requesting pricing on some of the offerings. We are pleased that we participated and look forward to engaging further with the clients and potential clients we have met,” Maetje said.
Lizwile Engineering executive director Nomagugu Mvelase said the company had established relationships with several Angolan businesses and was pursuing opportunities in infrastructure, mining, energy, oil and gas.
“We are also pursuing opportunities in other African markets, including Ghana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Kenya. Our technical expertise and experience in delivering projects under challenging conditions positions us to contribute meaningfully to infrastructure development across the continent,” she said.
TLT-Turbo Africa sales and marketing director Vusi Madlopha said the company was exploring opportunities linked to refinery upgrades and underground mining operations in Angola’s oil, gas and mining industries.
He said engaging with local businesses also helped companies better understand the languages and cultures that shape commercial relationships in different African countries.
Eastern Cape-based Analit Africa Consumer Brands, which manufactures cooking oil, also identified potential distributors, investors and commercial partners.
“We have identified potential distributors and partners interested in establishing relationships and investing in the business. We also engaged with representatives from a major bank, who requested a business plan, while major retailers and packaging companies expressed interest in further discussions,” founder and brand development executive Lungisa Lutshaba said.
The department said participation in the exhibition formed part of the government’s efforts to expand export markets and strengthen trade promotion for South African companies across Africa.
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