Durban will host Engage Trade and Services Africa from October 6 to 8, 2026, bringing international buyers together with African exporters and service providers for three days of business matchmaking, exhibitions, roundtables and workshops.
The event will take place at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) and is designed to connect vetted buyers directly with African businesses seeking export opportunities, investment and new partnerships.
Business matchmaking at the centre
Unlike traditional trade exhibitions, Engage uses a structured hosted-buyer model. International buyers are brought to Durban and matched with African suppliers through pre-arranged business-to-business meetings.
According to Rex Bowden, founder and managing director of Catalyze, the platform gives African exporters direct access to international buyers actively sourcing products and services from the continent.
“For African exporters and service providers, the platform offers direct, pre-scheduled access to international buyers,” Bowden said.
The event is not open to the general public and is focused on targeted commercial meetings rather than conventional exhibition foot traffic.
Sectors and opportunities
The event will bring together manufacturers, producers, importers, distributors, retailers, investors and service providers across sectors including:
- Agriculture and fresh produce
- Food and beverages
- Natural and organic products
- Cosmetics
- Textiles and fashion
- Medical devices
- Technology
- Logistics and infrastructure
- Engineering
- Professional and business services
The Hosted Buyer Programme is aimed at qualified retailers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, manufacturers and procurement professionals with purchasing authority.
Bowden said the platform draws participants from more than 30 countries and has a network of more than 250 African exporters and 350 vetted buyers and partners.
He said previous events have generated thousands of scheduled business meetings and engagements over three days.
Durban positioned as trade gateway
Invest Durban’s Farah Goolam said the event further strengthens Durban and KwaZulu-Natal’s position as a gateway for trade into and out of Africa.
The city’s port infrastructure, logistics networks and growing business-events sector support its role as a regional commercial hub.
Registration is now open for Engage Trade and Services Africa, including applications for exhibitors, delegates and the Hosted Buyer Programme.