Proudly South African to Intensify Calls for Local Procurement at Buy Local Summit & Expo 2025

Strengthening South Africa’s Economy Through Local Procurement

As South Africa grapples with economic uncertainty and supply chain disruptions due to global geopolitical challenges, the Proudly South African Buy Local Summit & Expo 2025 is set to reinforce the critical need for local procurement. Taking place on 17 and 18 March 2025 at the Sandton Convention Centre, this premier event will champion the theme: “Building a resilient economy through localisation.”

With over 200 exhibitors, 1,500 delegates, 450 trade buyers, and 160 key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, the summit serves as a crucial platform for fostering local industry growth.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Localisation

The Buy Local Summit & Expo 2025 is more than just a conference—it is a strategic movement that connects local producers with buyers, decision-makers, and policymakers. The event comprises four key activations, ensuring tangible business outcomes:

1. Exhibitions: Showcasing South African Excellence

The exhibition floor will feature a diverse range of South African businesses, from multinational brands operating locally to small-scale artisans. The event presents a valuable marketing opportunity for companies to increase brand visibility, expand their market reach, and forge connections with procurement specialists.

“The Buy Local Summit & Expo provides exhibitors with enhanced visibility, allowing them to connect with a national audience that might otherwise never encounter their products. Many homegrown businesses have leveraged this platform to scale their operations significantly.”

Eustace Mashimbye, CEO of Proudly South African, highlights the exhibition’s impact:

2. Business Solutions Hub: Empowering SMMEs

A dedicated Business Solutions Hub will offer exhibitors and attendees expert guidance on crucial business challenges. Specialists will provide free strategic consultations on topics such as:

• Operational efficiency
• Regulatory compliance
• Market expansion strategies

“Small and medium-sized businesses often lack the financial resources to hire consultants. Through the Business Solutions Hub, we bridge this gap, offering tailored solutions that enable local businesses to shift from survival mode to sustainable growth.”

Mashimbye emphasizes:

3. Matchmaking: Connecting SMMEs to Big Business

A critical component of the event is its matchmaking sessions, which connect SMMEs with large corporations looking to integrate local suppliers into their supply chains. This initiative is vital for job creation and economic sustainability.

“One of the biggest hurdles for SMMEs is market access. Matchmaking helps these businesses connect with industry leaders who can offer them major growth opportunities,”.

explains Mashimbye

4. Panel Discussions: Policy and Industry Insights

The summit will open with remarks from Gauteng Economic Development MEC, Lebogang Maile, and a keynote address by Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Parks Tau.

Interactive sessions will tackle key issues, including:

• Illicit trade and its impact on local industries
• Challenges facing the South African fashion sector
• Innovative solutions for supporting local businesses

5. Localisation Dinner: Driving High-Level Commitments

The Localisation Dinner is the summit’s pinnacle, gathering top business executives, government leaders, and key stakeholders for a strategic dialogue on local procurement. With over 280 distinguished guests, this exclusive event is a catalyst for public-private partnerships aimed at stimulating economic growth and job creation.

“Globally, businesses are moving towards local sourcing as a sustainable solution. This trend strengthens local economies, boosts employment, and creates a self-sustaining business ecosystem.”

Mashimbye underscores the significance of localisation:

A Strong Network of Sponsors and Partners

The Buy Local Summit & Expo 2025 is proudly backed by leading brands committed to South Africa’s economic growth. Headline sponsor ABSA, along with DSBD, dtic, Santam, Transnet, South 32, SAB, AITF, Sasol, Telkom, Standard Bank, IDC, and Nestlé ESAR, play a crucial role in advancing local industry development.

A Call to Action for South Africans

With local procurement now more important than ever, the Buy Local Summit & Expo 2025 aims to inspire businesses, government entities, and consumers to prioritize locally sourced goods and services. By fostering a resilient, self-sustaining economy, South Africa can mitigate external shocks and create sustainable jobs.

For more information and to register, visit Proudly South African’s website.