KUGOMPO CITY- The Eastern Cape Export Symposium wrapped on a high note at the East London International Convention Centre on 20th August in KuGompo City. Hosted by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), the two-day gathering brought together government, business and industry experts to position Eastern Cape products for global markets.
The programme featured five panels, including Beyond Export Readiness and Digital Exports 101: Building Africa’s next export industry through connectivity, cloud, artificial intelligence(AI) and digital trade.
Opening the symposium, Trade Advisory Managing Director Dr Martin Cameron presented an economic reality check on the province’s trade and investment position.He outlined the current state of trade between South Africa and other regions, highlighting key indicators, trends and challenges.
“Whether you are an investor, a policy-maker or a business leader this analysis will offer valuable insights into the dynamics shaping trade and investment activity,” Cameron said.
The first panel, moderated by Agro-processing Chief Director Ncumisa Mcatha-Mhlauli, focused on connecting Eastern Cape products to global buyers and off-take opportunities in 2026.
Eastern Cape Cannabis Industry panellist Dr Shikisha Gallow said the province must identify markets before developing products.
“We are guilty of this quite a few times. We rush to grow something and invest time developing a product for export, then we look around and say, where are the buyers?” Gallow said.
“It is very important to identify who the international buyer is, what product is required, what they will pay and how we beneficiate that product locally so that we are exporting value, not just raw products.”
The second panel on digital exports was moderated by Services Industry Director Dr Dean Hoff.
Furthermore, UK-South Africa Tech Hub Director at the British High Commission Milisa Mabinza, said technology geopolitics is now a major global policy area.
“We are seeing entire government departments being formed around the geopolitics of technology, which looks at forming alliances across multiple countries around national interests and technology,” Mabinza said.
In addition, Coega Special Economic Zone Customs Manager Gerda Smit said entrepreneurs need more than infrastructure they need trade facilitation guidance to navigate import and export regulations.
The symposium underscored a clear message; the Eastern Cape has the products and potential but unlocking global markets will require stronger buyer linkages, digital innovation and streamlined trade support.
Photograph: EC Export Symposium/Supplied
Amahle July
23 August 2026
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