South Africa is bursting with innovation, talent and entrepreneurial spirit, and one initiative has been at the forefront of celebrating and elevating these efforts – Proudly South African’s Buy Local Summit & Expo.
Johannesburg, South Africa (13 March 2025) – South African businesses are the heartbeat of the economy and supporting local has never been more vital. As the country navigates economic uncertainties, the call to support local businesses has never been more crucial.
To drive this momentum forward, Proudly South African is set to host its 13th Buy Local Summit & Expo on 17 and 18 March at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
With this year’s theme, “Building a Resilient Economy Through Localisation,” the event will bring together some of the best and brightest South African businesses, all committed to strengthening the local economy through homegrown talent, goods, and services.
The Buy Local Summit & Expo is more than just an event… it’s a movement. With nearly 200 local exhibitors spanning multiple industries, over 1,500 delegates, 450 trade buyers, and 160 key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, it is the country’s premier local procurement campaign. This annual flagship initiative enjoys the support of key government departments, state-owned entities and private sector giants who recognise the power of investing in local businesses.
Proudly South African CEO Eustace Mashimbye emphasises the critical role local procurement plays in strengthening the economy, “The Buy Local Summit and Expo provides exhibitors with enhanced visibility and a captive audience that stretches beyond their geographical confines. Through this event, the exhibitors can expand their market reach, showcase their offerings to a wider audience, and interact with prospective customers who would have otherwise remained oblivious to their products and services. Through these exhibitions, the Buy Local Summit and Expo has unearthed many home-grown businesses and enabled them to scale up at a faster pace than they would have been able to.”
The event is structured around four key activations designed to deliver real results for exhibitors and attendees:
- Exhibitions: A platform where local businesses can showcase their products, increase brand visibility, network with key industry players, and connect with procurement decision-makers.
- Business Matchmaking: A structured networking opportunity that pairs exhibitors with major industry players for potential inclusion in their supply chains. “One of the biggest hurdles that stifles the growth of small to medium-sized businesses is lack of access to markets. Through matchmaking, these companies can get a foot in the door and interact with decision-makers who can enable them to scale up and take their businesses to the next level,” says Mashimbye.
- Panel Discussions: Key industry experts will take to the stage to unpack pressing topics such as the impact of illicit trade on the economy and challenges facing the local fashion industry. The Summit will be officially opened by Gauteng Economic Development MEC, Lebogang Maile, with Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, delivering the keynote address.
- The Localisation Dinner: The grand finale of the event, where over 280 executives, captains of industry, key stakeholders, and Proudly South African Board members will come together for a night of strategic discussions, collaboration, and commitment to local procurement.
Supporting local is not just about buying a product, it’s about investing in the future of South Africa. The Buy Local Summit & Expo is a shining example of what can be achieved when businesses, government, and consumers come together with a shared goal: a stronger, more resilient economy built on homegrown success.
Mashimbye highlights the global shift towards local sourcing: “Owing to the convergence of economic, environmental, and consumer-driven factors, businesses globally have been embracing a transformative trend towards local sourcing. This strategic shift reflects a departure from traditional global supply chains towards more localised procurement strategies. By encouraging the sourcing of goods and services from nearby suppliers, businesses can play a pivotal role in fostering economic growth within their communities. This support translates into job creation, increased spending in local markets, and the development of robust business ecosystems that contribute to overall prosperity.”
The Buy Local Summit & Expo is made possible by a host of dedicated sponsors, including ABSA (headline sponsor), DSBD, dtic, Santam, Transnet, Gauteng Economic Development, GEP, South 32, SAB, AITF, Sasol, Telkom, Standard Bank, IDC, and Nestlé ESAR. Their unwavering support fuels an initiative that not only promotes South African businesses but also helps build a future where the economy thrives on local talent and resources.
by 