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A delegation from the University of South (Unisa), led by its Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Puleng LenkaBula, is participating in one of the most meaningful networking fora for businesses in Africa which is aimed at taking their businesses to another level. The African Union, African Export-Import Bank and the Government of the Republic of South Africa are hosting the 2nd Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2021) in Durban, KwaZulu Natal from 15th to 21st November 2021. The Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is a trade show that provides a platform for sharing trade, investment and market information and enabling buyers and sellers, investors and countries to meet, discuss and conclude business deals. 

This week-long trade fair aims to accelerate trade and investment on the African continent and, most importantly; to encourage the movement of goods and services between African countries. 

Unisa is one of a few institutions to be invited to this world class African trade fair bringing together business executives and government leaders from more than 30 countries under one roof. The university’s participation is crucial and strategic in many ways, with Ambassador Prof Iqbal Jhazbhay, Director of Projects (Acting) in the Office of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor taking part in a number of strategic presentations and engagements from the start of the trade fair.  Prof.  Jhazbhay, the Former South African Ambassador to Eritrea, is coordinating the Vice Chancellor’s meetings and engagements with senior business and government leaders in attendance at the trade fair.  This includes a crucial meeting on 17 November 2021 between Professor LenkaBula and Mr. Denys Denya, Executive Vice President of the AfriExim Bank, which is a main sponsor of this event. On the same evening, Professor LenkaBula attended a gala dinner hosted by the Cote d’Ivoire Minister of Commerce and Industry, where she engaged further with government and business leaders for possible collaboration with Unisa’s vision of Reclaiming Africa’s Intellectual Futures.

The university’s participation is worthwhile and strategic since the IATF facilitates meetings and networking opportunities with major African trade actors (B2B, B2C, and B2G) and political stakeholders - all ready to enter into strategic partnerships on areas of common interest. Collaborations amongst many stakeholders could accelerate businesses’ reach into African markets. This trade fair is undoubtedly a unique and valuable platform for businesses to access an integrated African market of over 1.2 billion people with a GDP of over US$2.5 trillion created under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

A sufficiently representative delegation from Unisa accompanied Professor LenkaBula to these engagements, thus maximising the university’s exposure and the opportunity to reach to wider African markets leaders and innovators.  

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened this gathering on Monday 15 November 2021 wherein he emphasised the need for the African countries to trade with one another since this could drive economic growth in all the regions of Africa. 

Unisa’s vision, “the African university shaping futures in the service of humanity” drives the university to find answers to Africa’s educational and developmental problems. By forming partnerships in Africa and throughout the world, the university can help the people of Africa achieve their dreams. Participating in this trade fair is part of a series of activities undertaken by Professor LenkaBula to fulfil the university’s long-term vision.

Meanwhile, Professor LenkaBula and the Unisa delegation are set to meet with three Strategic Directors of AfriExim today (Friday, 19 November 2021) to explore more collaboration opportunities between the two organisations. This meeting will come hot on the heels of a strategic presentation by Professor LenkaBula with key bank executives earlier today.   

Issued by Unisa