News

South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to unlock new growth opportunities for local businesses and strengthen regional integration. Opening the IATF2025 South Africa Business Roadshow in Johannesburg, Mr. Humphrey Nwugo, Regional Director (Southern Africa) at Afreximbank (https://www.Afreximbank.com/), emphasised the urgency of mobilising concrete action. “This is the time to ensure that South Africa's public and private sectors are not only present but strategically positioned to seize the immense opportunities that IATF2025 will present.”  

Mr. Nwugo underscored South Africa's pivotal role in the continent's integration journey, citing its strong economic foundations, entrepreneurial energy, and institutional capacity - well positioned to integrate into African value chains. 

“We are here to invite South Africa to lead. We want to see the country's private sector on full display in Algiers,” he added. The Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025), set to take place in Algiers from 4–10 September 2025, is poised to be a landmark market event and gateway to unprecedented trade and investment prospects across Africa. 

E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, highlighted the critical importance of IATF2025, taking place amid global instability, climate change, and shifting trade dynamics. 

“Despite these headwinds, Africa has the capacity to navigate the challenges, accelerate industrial development, and realise the vision of a fully integrated continent,” he said. 

He stressed the urgency of building regional value chains in sectors like automotive and agribusiness, which offer vast potential for inclusive growth. Strengthening these interconnected ecosystems will support technology transfer, diversify intra-African trade, and create new opportunities for small and medium enterprises across the continent. 

Speaking at the event, the Honourable Sihle Zikalala, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, noted South Africa's strong positioning to drive industrialisation, innovation, and regional value chain development.  

“South Africa views the AfCFTA as a historic opportunity to deepen economic ties with our neighbours, expand market access for our goods and services, and promote inclusive, job-rich growth,” said Minister Zikalala.  

“The IATF2025 must be viewed as more than just a marketplace, and rather as a strategic tool for implementation, where policy meets practice. South Africa has a critical role to play in driving this vision, underpinned by entrepreneurial spirit, institutional strength, and a dynamic SMME ecosystem. Through partnerships and public-private collaboration, we can develop world-class infrastructure across Africa while reducing our reliance on foreign exchange by trading in our own currencies,” he added. 

H.E Ms. Baleka Mbete, founder NaLHISA and former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa was also in attendance. 

The Roadshow convened over 350 business leaders, policymakers, creatives, and investors, as well as senior representatives from African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union Commission (AUC), and the AfCFTA Secretariat. Themed "Harnessing Regional and Continental Value Chains: Accelerating Africa's Industrialisation and Global Competitiveness under the AfCFTA," the event spotlighted strategies to build resilient supply chains and boost intra-African trade. 

Accelerating intra-African trade is pivotal to unlocking industrial opportunities tailored to the continent's strengths. It reduces dependence on external markets, builds economic resilience, and enables value addition within Africa. When African nations trade more with one another, they retain more wealth, create higher-quality jobs, and foster inclusive growth through regional value chains. 

With the AfCFTA creating a single market of 1.4 billion people, Africa gains the scale and efficiency needed to compete globally. A stronger internal market also improves the continent's bargaining power in international negotiations, strengthens its integration into global supply chains, and sets the stage for long-term economic transformation. 

South Africa's strong industrial base, advanced financial sector, and world-class infrastructure position it as a regional anchor for AfCFTA implementation. According to South African Revenue Service (SARS) and UN COMTRADE, South Africa recorded merchandise exports of $110.5 billion and imports of $113.2 billion in 2023, resulting in a modest trade deficit of $2.7 billion. Trade made up 65.7% of GDP (World Bank, 2023), demonstrating South Africa's deep integration into global markets. 

Notably, intra-African trade remained a national strength. As reported in Afreximbank's 2024 African Trade Report, South Africa exported $29.6 billion and imported $9.6 billion from African partners, with intra-African exports comprising 26.8% of total exports. Key sectors such as automotive, agro-processing, and financial services are already benefiting and poised to grow further through regional integration and value chain expansion. 

Dr. Gainmore Zanamwe, Director, Trade Facilitation and Investment Promotion, Afreximbank, highlighted ongoing efforts to enable seamless intro-Africa trade: “Afreximbank is deeply committed to unlocking Africa's industrial and trade potential by building enabling ecosystems from financing to infrastructure and standards. Through platforms like the Africa Trade Gateway and Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), we are removing long-standing barriers to intra-African trade, allowing businesses to transact in local currencies and access real-time market intelligence.”  

Dr. Zanamwe also emphasised the growing role of South Africa and Algeria in regional value chains, especially in manufacturing and automotive sectors. He encouraged South African companies to participate actively in IATF2025, pointing to over $13 billion in EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contracts facilitated by Afreximbank. He also highlighted funding vehicles such as the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the Africa Direct Investment Initiative, and the $2 billion Export Agriculture for Food Security programme. 

“IATF2025 is not just an exhibition - it's a business gateway. With 2,000+ exhibitors, 35,000 visitors, and 140+ participating countries, we project over $44 billion in trade and investment deals. This is South Africa's opportunity to lead,” he said. 

In closing, H.E. Ambassador Ali Achoui, Algeria's Ambassador to South Africa, extended a warm invitation to South African businesses: 

“Welcome to Algeria - a country with the third-largest GDP in Africa, no external debt, and ranked first in Africa and the Arab world in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We are proud to host IATF2025 and are committed to facilitating streamlined visa processes by reducing documentation requirements to ease access for all African participants.” 

Since 2018, IATF has secured more than $100 billion in trade deals, welcomed over 70,000 visitors, more than 4500 exhibitors and has become Africa's most influential trade and investment platform. 

The event will feature: 

• A trade exhibition 
• The Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) showcase of fashion, music, film, sports, gastronomy, arts and craft, and literature 
• A four-day Trade and Investment Forum 
• The Africa Automotive Show 
• Special Country Days and Global Africa Day celebrations 
• B2B and B2G matchmaking 
• The AU Youth Start-Up programme 
• The Africa Research & Innovation Hub 
• AfSNET to promote sub-national trade and cultural exchange 
• IATF virtual. 

To register for IATF2025 or learn more, please visit: www.IntrAfricanTradeFair.com 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact: 
media@intrafricatradefair.com  
press@afreximbank.com

About the Intra-African Trade Fair:
Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the AfCFTA Secretariat, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is designed to boost intra-African trade and investment. It provides a unique platform for businesses to connect, exchange trade and market information, and explore opportunities to scale across Africa. IATF is open to African and global companies committed to supporting the continent's industrialisation and transformation. 

About The Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC):  
JTC, the official sponsor of the IATF2025 South Africa Business Roadshow, is focused on promoting Johannesburg as a business and leisure destination and often supports various events within the city.  

With over 1 gigawatt of solar equipment supplied in South Africa in the past year, Trinasolar (www.Trinasolar.com) returns to the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) reaffirming its position as a long-term partner in Africa's clean energy journey. At this year's event in Cape Town, the company is spotlighting its next-generation solar and battery storage solutions, designed to withstand extreme weather, harsh environmental conditions, and evolving grid demands across the continent.

“As the energy crisis and climate volatility continue to impact South Africa and the broader African region, Trinasolar is focused on delivering real solutions that enable long-term energy security,” said Vincent Wu, Global Sales Vice President and MEA MU Head at Trinasolar. “Our high-efficiency PV modules and advanced energy storage systems are engineered to meet the challenging realities on the ground. Through our presence at AEF, we're reinforcing our commitment to supporting Africa's transition to a greener, more stable energy future; one built on innovation, resilience, and strategic collaboration.”

Taking centre stage is the launch of the Vertex N 630W (NED19RC.20), Trinasolar's newest ultra-durable solar module. Tailored for Africa's diverse and often unpredictable conditions, the module features reinforced mechanical design, anti-dust and corrosion-resistant components, and a record-breaking 55 mm hail resistance rating, which is more than double the industry standard.

Certified for fire safety and built to perform in environments rich in salt, ammonia, and sand, the module delivers a maximum power output of 630W and up to 23.3% efficiency. Its low-voltage, high-string design is compatible with leading inverters, while reducing system costs and installation time for commercial and utility-scale developers.

“We're seeing strong momentum across the region, especially in the commercial, industrial, and utility-scale sectors where innovation and ease of installation matter,” said Zaheer Khan, Regional Director for South Africa, Trinasolar MEA. “Installers and partners are drawn to solutions like the Vertex N 630W, not just for its performance, but because it addresses real operational challenges in tough environments.

“In just the past year, Trinasolar has delivered over a gigawatt of technology solar equipment in South Africa alone,” Khan added. “It's a milestone that reflects our growing footprint, trusted relationships, and long-term commitment to the region. And we're just getting started.”

Trinasolar's growing Africa portfolio includes solar modules, smart tracker systems, energy storage solutions, and floating PV technologies. These offerings are designed to meet the continent's diverse energy needs with quality, flexibility, and integration at the core. With local presence in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and warehouse facilities in Durban that maintain 10–20 megawatts of stock for quick nationwide delivery, Trinasolar supports rapid deployment across the region. Its expanding footprint includes commercial engagement in Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco, and other strategic markets.

Over the past decade, Trinasolar has played a key role in shaping South Africa's solar market—driving utility-scale projects, enabling C&I growth, and supporting the country's path toward decentralisation and clean energy. As Africa's energy transition accelerates, Trinasolar remains focused on scaling integrated systems, expanding local talent and operations, and collaborating closely with governments, utilities, and private sector partners to deliver long-term energy resilience.

Trinasolar will be exhibiting at Booth B15 at the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town from 17–20 June, where its senior team will be available for business meetings and stakeholder discussions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Trinasolar.

For media inquiries please contact:
Mariam Agag – PR Manager, Trinasolar MEA
Email: mariam.agag@trinasolar.com

Lojayne Mohsen – Senior Consultant, Fekra Communications
Email: lojayne.mohsen@fekracomms.com

David Gyampo, Account Manager – Razor PR
Email: david.gyampo@razorpr.co.za

About Trinasolar (688599. SH):
Founded in 1997, Trinasolar Co Ltd (stock symbol: Trinasolar; stock code: 688599) is engaged mainly in PV products, PV systems and smart energy. PV products include R&D, production and sales of PV modules. PV systems consist of power stations and system products. Smart energy comprises mainly PV power generation and operations and maintenance, smart solutions for energy storage, smart microgrid, and development and sales of multi-energy systems. We are committed to leading the way in smart PV and energy storage solutions and facilitating the transformation of new power systems for a net-zero future.

On June 10, 2020, Trinasolar was listed on the Science and Technology Innovation Board (STAR Market) of the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE). It was the first PV and energy storage company to go public on the STAR Market providing PV products and systems, as well as smart energy. For more information, please visit www.Trinasolar.com.