FACIM 2023: Marketing Mpumalanga in Maputo
The 58th Maputo International Trade Fair (FACIM) marked a pivotal moment for Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, as the province sought to strengthen its presence in the Mozambican market and expand cross-border trade opportunities. Held from August 28th to September 3rd, 2023, at the International Exhibition Centre in Maputo, Mozambique, FACIM is widely recognized as Mozambique’s premier multi-sector international trade exhibition. The event attracts thousands of visitors annually, providing a unique platform for provinces and businesses to showcase products, services, and investment prospects to both local and international audiences.
For Mpumalanga, FACIM 2023 was more than just an exhibition; it was a strategic opportunity to highlight the province’s economic potential, tourism offerings, and business capabilities. The successful execution of Mpumalanga’s Trade, Investment, and Tourism Exhibition at FACIM 2023 was made possible through the collaborative efforts of MEGA’s Trade and Investment Promotion Division, the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDT), the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), and the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone (Nkomazi SEZ).
MEGA’s exhibition stand was a focal point of the event, featuring a wide range of products, investment opportunities, and tourist attractions from Mpumalanga. The Trade and Investment team introduced an innovative approach by using digital billboards displayed on TV monitors within the Mpumalanga Exhibition area. These billboards highlighted the offerings of 40 Mpumalanga-based businesses, spanning all three districts of the province. This creative strategy ensured that products and services were prominently visible to the thousands of FACIM attendees, leaving a lasting impression on potential investors, partners, and visitors.
A major highlight of the exhibition was the visit of Mr. Filipe Nyusi, the President of the Republic of Mozambique, on the first day of the event. MEGA representatives seized this opportunity to engage with the President and present a memorable gift, further strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two regions.
Another key moment during FACIM 2023 was South Africa Day on Friday, September 1st, which featured a seminar with presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions. The program aimed to highlight South Africa’s economic potential, investment climate, and tourism offerings. HE Mr. Siphiwe Nyanda, the South African High Commissioner to Mozambique, opened the seminar, followed by presentations from MEGA, the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), WESGRO (Western Cape’s official tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency), and Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN). The day culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mr. Isaac Mahlangu, CEO of MEGA, and Mr. Gil Bires from the Mozambican Agency for the Promotion of Investment and Exports (APIEX), formalizing collaboration and future economic partnerships.
Overall, FACIM 2023 provided Mpumalanga with a remarkable platform to foster trade, investment, and tourism opportunities, showcase the province’s vibrant business landscape, and strengthen cross-border relationships. Through the combined efforts of multiple stakeholders, the province has successfully positioned itself as a key player in regional economic growth, paving the way for sustainable development and increased prosperity for Mpumalanga businesses and communities.
