800 black firms to gather for the Black Industrialists and Exporters Conference

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), will host the second Black Industrialists and Exporters Conference at the Sandton International Convention Centre on 20 March 2024.

The day-long conference will provide a platform for an exchange of ideas, knowledge and information on the achievements of the Black Industrialists Programme since its inception in 2015, as well as challenges and opportunities presented by the programme.

There will also be an exhibition that will showcase proudly South African products manufactured by Black Industrialists and an awards ceremony that will recognise and reward Black Industrialists that have contributed significantly in the country’s industrialisation, job creation, poverty alleviation, innovation and transformation efforts.

More than 1 300 delegates, including 800 black firms, 73 panellists and speakers, 139 exhibitors, nine buyers from the country’s biggest retailers and seven ministers participated in the inaugural event that took place in Sandton in July 2022.

The objective of the Black Industrialists Programme is to increase the participation of black South Africans in the ownership and control of productive enterprises in key sectors and value chains of the country’s economy.

President Cyril Ramaphosa graced the inaugural event which took place in Sandton in 2022. He officially opened the conference and later handed over certificates to deserving and distinguished Black Industrialists in various categories.

In his keynote address, President Ramaphosa described the conference as “an opportunity to reflect on progress in advancing redress and equity in the South African economy.” – SAnews.gov.za