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The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) hosted the Intra Africa Trade and Investment Indaba in Tshwane, under the theme: “African sub-regions and cities, future hubs of International Trade and Investment, Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development” on Friday 19 May 2017 at Irene, Centurion.

The re-industrialisation of Africa is one of the top priorities of the Gauteng Provincial Government. As a result, efforts have been stepped up for the promotion of the integration of the continent to facilitate trade and commerce, as well as the movement of people, goods and services across the African region.

“We must pay greater attention to economic diplomacy by ensuring that we increase intra-Africa trade above current levels of around 12% to at least 50% over the next decade”, said Premier David  Makhura.

The Indaba was attended by Ambassadors, the African and the international investment community, Chambers of Commerce and Industry, policy makers based within the African continent.

“Africa stands at a unique position at the moment, wherein we have the greatest potential to be the centre of gravity of global economics. We have rich natural resources - more than 60% of the world's mineral deposits are in Sub-Saharan Africa. We have a youthful population that is enterprising and entrepreneurial - together with natural resources, our youth are our greatest wealth.

Our greatest challenge is under-investment in our people, wholly inadequate infrastructure and the quality of governance. Without investing in people, infrastructure and improved governance, our rich mineral resources become a curse and the primary source of conflict as elites - foreign and national - scramble for them at the total exclusion of the masses of the African people”, added Premier Makhura.

Eric Bruggerman, CEO South African Capital Equipment Export Council (SACEEC), who also attended the Indaba commended the Gauteng Provincial Government for opening doors of communication between business and government and for addressing some of the bottlenecks that often impede business from working with government.

“The feedback that I am getting from everyone here today is that this Indaba should be an annual event in the province and I am making that  commitment that as the Gauteng Provincial Government will host this Indaba annually.

We now need to translate the plans discussed at this Indaba into action.

We as government also have a responsibility  to cut red tape, to make  Gauteng  Investor  friendly. Let us continue to strengthen African Unity and collectively ensure that we prosper together,” concluded Premier Makhura.

Issued by Gauteng Provincial Government