South African Exporters Invited to Apply for Fully Funded International Exhibition Programme
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has officially opened applications for registered South African manufacturers and exporters to secure fully sponsored exhibition space at several major international trade exhibitions scheduled for 2027.
The opportunity was announced by the dtic within the past 48 hours and forms part of the department’s National Pavilions Programme, which supports South African companies seeking to expand into international markets.
Successful applicants will receive government support covering exhibition space, booth construction and freight costs, significantly reducing the financial barriers associated with participating in major global trade events.
Opportunity Details
The issuing authority is the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic).
The programme targets registered South African manufacturers and exporters looking to grow their international customer base across strategic industries.
Current opportunities include:
PDAC 2027, Canada
- Sector: Metals, mining and capital equipment
- Application deadline: 1 October 2026
Korea International Boat Show 2027, South Korea
- Sector: Maritime and boatbuilding
- Application deadline: 12 October 2026
Gulfood 2027, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Sector: Premium agro-processing
- Application deadline: 15 October 2026
The programme is expected to support South African businesses in showcasing locally manufactured products to international buyers while strengthening export competitiveness.
Who Can Participate
The opportunity is aimed at:
- Registered South African manufacturers
- Registered South African exporters
- Companies operating within the mining equipment sector
- Maritime and boatbuilding businesses
- Agro-processing companies
- Technology manufacturers participating in future National Pavilion events
Applicants must satisfy the dtic’s eligibility requirements before being considered for sponsorship.
Why It Matters
International trade exhibitions provide direct access to buyers, distributors and investment partners that may otherwise be difficult for smaller exporters to reach.
By funding exhibition infrastructure and freight, the dtic lowers participation costs while encouraging South African companies to expand exports into North America, Asia and the Middle East.
The initiative also supports South Africa’s broader industrialisation and export growth strategy by increasing the global visibility of locally produced goods.
Businesses interested in participating should prepare their applications well ahead of the published closing dates due to the competitive selection process.
