Buy Local Summit & Expo gears up to connect SA businesses with local suppliers
The Buy Local Summit & Expo is set to take place on March 17 and 18 at the Sandton Convention Centre, bringing together businesses, industry leaders, and policymakers to drive local procurement forward.

Proudly South African is ramping up its call for local procurement as the country faces economic challenges and global supply chain disruptions.
At an exclusive media launch at Rosebank Mall on March 11, the organisation emphasised the urgency of supporting local businesses to create jobs and build economic resilience.
With small and medium-sized enterprises forming the backbone of South Africa’s economy, increasing local sourcing has become more important than ever.
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The upcoming Buy Local Summit & Expo, set for March 17 and 18 at the Sandton Convention Centre, will bring together business leaders, government representatives, and entrepreneurs to strengthen connections between local suppliers and major buyers.
Now, in its 13th year, the event continues to serve as a crucial platform for showcasing home-grown talent and encouraging both public and private sector players to prioritise South African products and services.

The summit is more than just a conversation; it’s a space for action.
Hundreds of exhibitors from different industries will have the opportunity to present their products and services, while business matchmaking sessions will connect them with potential buyers and corporate supply chains. For many small businesses, access to markets remains one of the biggest obstacles to growth.

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These engagements could open doors that would otherwise remain closed. Alongside this, panel discussions will feature key industry voices, including Gauteng Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile and Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition Parks Tau, addressing issues such as illicit trade and the state of local industries.
The event will culminate in the localisation dinner, a gathering of top business executives, government leaders, and stakeholders committed to strengthening South Africa’s economy through increased local procurement.

With rising global uncertainty forcing businesses worldwide to rethink their sourcing strategies, there is a growing recognition that a shift towards local production is not only beneficial but necessary.
Proudly South African CEO Eustace Mashimbye believes these efforts, however small, play a vital role in fostering economic stability, creating jobs, and ensuring long-term growth.

As the country looks for solutions to its economic challenges, the Buy Local Summit & Expo is a timely reminder that supporting local is more than a slogan; it’s a strategy for survival and success.
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