The urgent need to ramp up local procurement of goods and services has never been more critical, especially as small and medium-sized businesses—the backbone of South Africa’s economy—face growing challenges. Potential disruptions to global supply chains, compounded by escalating geopolitical uncertainties, threaten to destabilize local economies. Proudly South African believes that increasing support for locally sourced products and services will help insulate the country from external economic shocks and promote job creation within local enterprises.
In response to this pressing need, Proudly South African is gearing up for its 13th Buy Local Summit & Expo scheduled for 17-18 March at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The event aims to energize both the public and private sectors to increase local procurement in line with this year’s theme: “Building a Resilient Economy Through Localisation.”
A Premier Local Procurement Campaign
The Buy Local Summit & Expo is Proudly South Africa’s flagship event, drawing nearly 200 local exhibitors, over 1,500 delegates, 450 trade buyers, and 160 stakeholders from the public and private sectors. As the nation’s premier local procurement campaign, the summit is supported by key government departments, state-owned enterprises, and leading private sector companies. This event goes beyond simply urging support for local enterprises—it provides practical and actionable steps to help businesses grow.
Four Key Activations
The Buy Local Summit & Expo offers four major activations, each designed to provide tangible benefits for exhibitors and attendees alike:
- Exhibitions: Exhibiting at the Buy Local Summit & Expo offers businesses an invaluable opportunity to boost their visibility and market presence. As the largest local procurement event of its kind, it provides a platform for companies ranging from multinational brands to small artisanal producers to showcase their offerings. Eustace Mashimbye, CEO of Proudly South African, emphasizes the benefits: “This event helps exhibitors expand their reach, interact with decision-makers, and connect with new customers.” Additionally, the Business Solutions Hub offers exhibitors expert advice and guidance on a range of operational challenges, helping small businesses overcome barriers to growth and scale more quickly.
- Business Matchmaking: One of the most impactful features of the summit is its matchmaking component, where small businesses are paired with larger companies to explore potential inclusion in the latter’s supply chain. Mashimbye highlights, “Through matchmaking, we give small businesses access to markets they otherwise wouldn’t have, helping them connect with key decision-makers who can drive their growth.”
- Interactive Panel Discussions: The summit will feature engaging panel discussions with industry experts, addressing topics ranging from the economic impact of illicit trade to challenges within the local fashion industry. These discussions provide attendees with valuable insights into current market dynamics and strategies for overcoming challenges.
- The Localisation Dinner: The Localisation Dinner is a highlight of the summit, bringing together more than 280 influential figures from both the private and public sectors. The dinner fosters meaningful discussions aimed at advancing local procurement strategies, helping to strengthen South Africa’s economy and create job opportunities.
The Global Shift Toward Local Procurement
As businesses worldwide pivot toward local sourcing, the Buy Local Summit & Expo underscores the importance of local procurement in the context of global supply chain disruptions. Mashimbye stresses that by encouraging businesses to source goods and services locally, “we are building a resilient economy that can withstand external shocks, foster job creation, and promote sustainable economic growth within our communities.”
A Resilient Future for South Africa
The Buy Local Summit & Expo is made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors including ABSA (headline sponsor), DSBD, dtic, Santam, Transnet, Gauteng Economic Development, GEP, South 32, SAB, AITF, Sasol, Telkom, Standard Bank, IDC, and Nestlé ESAR. Their commitment to local talent and economic growth is vital to building a thriving, resilient South African economy.
To learn more about Proudly South African and its initiatives, visit www.proudlysa.co.za.
