Standard Bank will be one of the sponsors of the 13th annual Buy Local Summit and Expo, hosted by Proudly South African, to be held at the Sandton Convention Centre on 17 and 18 March 2025. As one of the most significant platforms for championing locally manufactured goods, the event also serves as a crucial enabler for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), supporting their growth, market access, and long-term sustainability.
While SMEs play a vital role in the South African economy through their significant contribution to employment as well as innovation and local value chains, they continue to face challenges when it comes to securing consistent demand and expanding their reach. The Buy Local Summit and Expo directly addresses these challenges and more, by providing a high-impact platform for SMEs to showcase their products and services, connect with key industry players, and explore opportunities to integrate into larger supply chains.
“As a trusted partner for growth to entrepreneurs as they start, manage and grow their operations, Standard Bank’s support of local businesses is essential for building a resilient and inclusive domestic economy. The Buy Local Summit and Expo provides a crucial opportunity for SMEs to demonstrate their capabilities and establish strategic partnerships. Prioritising local procurement not only strengthens supply chains but also stimulates economic activity, fosters innovation, and creates much-needed jobs. Furthermore, through a number of our Enterprise Supplier Development programmes, as a bank, we are creating engagement platforms with SMEs, where we provide insights, tools as well as networking opportunities that empower local businesses and foster sustainable growth,” says Naledzani Mosomane, Head of Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) at Business & Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa.
The two-day event will feature exhibitions and networking sessions aimed at helping SMEs scale their operations and overcome barriers such as limited access to finance, market linkages, and business development support. These engagements will also highlight how localisation contributes to long-term economic stability, reducing reliance on imports and promoting a competitive, self-sufficient local business environment.
Happy Makhumalo Ngidi, Proudly South African Chief Marketing Officer, noted: “Localisation is a collective endeavour; thus, Proudly SA is thrilled to have Standard Bank’s on board as a partner for this year’s summit and expo. We appreciate the bank taking strides and going this localisation mile with us ensuring that we collectively help transform South African lives by boosting the economy and alleviating unemployment. When businesses, consumers, and policymakers commit to buying local, we create a ripple effect of economic growth, job creation, and industry development that benefits the entire country. The Buy Local Summit and Expo is more than just an event; it is a movement that champions South African businesses and encourages a shift in mindset towards supporting local.”
Beyond financial gains, increasing demand for locally produced goods strengthens industries such as manufacturing, retail, and agriculture, ensuring that more businesses thrive in a competitive market. The Buy Local Summit and Expo also aligns with national efforts to empower SMEs as engines of economic transformation by facilitating dialogue between entrepreneurs, corporates, and policymakers.
Mosomane adds: “Local procurement is not just about supporting small businesses. It is about strengthening South Africa’s entire economy to turn possibility into opportunity. The more Standard Bank integrates SMEs into established supply chains, the more we build a robust, inclusive economy that can compete on a global scale. The Buy Local Summit and Expo plays a key role in making this a reality.”
As SMEs continue to navigate an evolving economic landscape, platforms like the Buy Local Summit and Expo remain crucial in positioning them for success. The event is not just about promoting local goods, it is about fostering a culture of economic empowerment, where businesses of all sizes can collaborate, innovate, and drive sustainable growth for South Africa.
For more information on the Buy Local Summit and Expo and to REGISTER FOR FREE as either a delegate or a buyer, please visit: https://proudlysa.co.za/buy-local-summit/.
Nutmeg
Hans Karlsen grew a start-up from zero to $1.6 million revenues in first two years of operation. Over and above being a successful startup founder, Karlsen is a natural leader, enabler, engineer and negotiator with over 25 years of industry experience in a variety of high technology sectors. Karlsen has served as a CEO, managing director, board member, senior advisor and finance director (CFO). He describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur” with the drive, persistence, passion and ability to identify and pursue high-value opportunities.