Durban Business Fair: A beacon of local economic empowerment

AS THE eThekwini Municipality celebrates the 27th year of hosting the annual premier and comprehensive business exhibition, the Durban Business Fair (DBF), it's time to reflect on the transformative impact this programme has had on the local economy.

- THEMBO NTULI

In an era where the demand for immediate service delivery often overshadows discussions on long-term economic development, initiatives like the Durban Business Fair deserve closer attention. While some may question the allocation of resources towards such exhibitions, the undeniable success of this platform offers a compelling case for its continued support. The three recent Regional Durban Business Fairs of 2024/25, hosted under the theme "Regional Fairs: Back to Promoting Township Businesses and Economies, have again demonstrated the power of this platform to connect local businesses with potential clients, investors, and markets.

The fair attracted over 14000 attendees at the uMlazi exhibition and more than 9000 visitors in KwaMashu, showcasing its far-reaching influence.

The third regional fair was hosted in Pinetown. These fairs, which promote ward-based businesses, bring together communities from across the regions, culminating in the main DBF at the Durban ICC. It's easy to dismiss such events as mere showcases, but the reality is much more profound. Over the past 26 years, the eThekwini Municipality has invested over R420 million in local businesses through the DBF, making it far more than just an exhibition. The event serves as a powerful economic growth engine. More than 150000 people have participated since 1998, and over 22000 sustainable jobs have been created - numbers that continue to rise.