FACIM 2023: Marketing Mpumalanga in Maputo
The 58th Maputo International Trade Fair (FACIM) marked a pivotal moment for Mpumalanga Province in South Africa as it aimed to enhance its presence in the Mozambican market. Held from August 28th to September 3rd, 2023, at the International Exhibition Centre in Maputo, Mozambique, FACIM is recognized as Mozambique’s premier multi-sector International Trade Exhibition. This event offers a unique platform for Mpumalanga to spotlight its local businesses looking to expand into Mozambique, and it proved to be an unmissable opportunity.
The successful execution of the Mpumalanga Trade, Investment, and Tourism Exhibition at FACIM 2023 was attributed to 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 presence at FACIM 2023 was marked by a dedicated exhibition stand showcasing a wide array of local products, investment prospects, and tourist attractions. The Trade and Investment team unveiled a creative approach by introducing “Digital Billboards” to present the offerings of 40 Mpumalanga-based businesses representing all three districts of the Province. These digital billboards were displayed on TV monitors strategically placed within the Mpumalanga Exhibition area, ensuring that the products and services of Mpumalanga-based companies were visible to the thousands of FACIM 2023 visitors.
One remarkable highlight was the visit of Mr. Filipe Nyusi, the President of the Republic of Mozambique, to the Mpumalanga Trade, Investment, and Tourism Exhibition on the inaugural day of the event. MEGA took this opportunity to engage with the esteemed visitor and present a memorable gift.
FACIM 2023 also designated Friday, September 1st, as “South Africa Day,” during which a seminar unfolded, featuring a series of presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions. The objective was to spotlight South Africa’s economic potential, investment climate, and tourism allure. The South African High Commissioner to Mozambique, HE Mr. Siphiwe Nyanda, initiated the program, followed by insightful presentations from MEGA, the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), WESGRO (the official tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency for the Western Cape), and Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN). The event reached its pinnacle with 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).
FACIM 2023 provided a remarkable platform for Mpumalanga to foster economic ties, showcase its vibrant business landscape, and strengthen its presence in the Mozambican market. This collaborative effort between various stakeholders has undoubtedly paved the way for enhanced trade, investment, and tourism opportunities between Mpumalanga and Mozambique.
