Engage Trade Africa (ETA) Durban

Engage Trade Africa (ETA) is an international B2B trade fair and business platform dedicated to strengthening commercial relationships between African companies and international suppliers. The event is exclusively open to trade visitors and is held annually at the Durban Exhibition Centre in Durban, South Africa.

The event is organised by Catalyze, an agency specialising in international trade, business networking and trade promotion. The company designs tailored programmes and trade events that bring together businesses, buyers and key decision-makers. At the heart of Engage Trade Africa is a carefully curated Hosted Buyer Programme, which connects selected buyers and exhibitors over several days through one-to-one business meetings, networking events, industry workshops, and visits to companies and production facilities. This approach fosters long-term business relationships and creates tangible trading opportunities that extend well beyond the exhibition itself.

The exhibition focuses on the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, showcasing a broad range of everyday consumer products. Exhibits include food and beverages, cosmetics, manufacturing raw materials, textiles, apparel, and decorative and design products. The offering is complemented by exhibitors from the medical, wellness, pharmaceutical, household goods and accessories sectors. Trade visitors gain a comprehensive overview of current market trends, innovative products, new suppliers and international business opportunities.

Engage Trade Africa plays an important role in promoting African international trade by connecting companies from across the continent with global manufacturers, exporters, importers and investors. Durban, the economic hub of South Africa's east coast, provides an ideal setting for the event. The city is home to one of Africa's largest and most important container ports and ranks among the continent's leading trade and logistics centres. Its well-developed infrastructure makes Durban an attractive venue for international trade events while providing convenient access to Africa's rapidly expanding markets.

Key features of the exhibition include its exclusive Hosted Buyer Programme, individually arranged B2B meetings, and practical visits to companies and production sites. The primary focus is on facilitating new business opportunities and building sustainable long-term partnerships.

Exhibitors primarily represent the food and beverage, consumer goods, cosmetics, textiles, apparel, pharmaceutical, medical, wellness, household goods, and manufacturing and supply industries. The event attracts international buyers, trading companies, importers, exporters, wholesalers, retailers, distributors, as well as senior executives and decision-makers responsible for trade, manufacturing and procurement.

The venue is the centrally located Durban Exhibition Centre, situated close to both the city centre and the harbour. King Shaka International Airport is approximately 30 to 40 minutes away by car. With excellent transport links, a wide range of nearby hotels and comprehensive visitor services, the venue provides an ideal environment for international exhibitors and trade professionals.

The Engage Trade Africa (ETA) will take place on 3 days from Tuesday, 06. October to Thursday, 08. October 2026 in Durban.