Buy Local Summit 2026 to Spotlight Procurement and Trade Challenges

Buy Local Summit 2026 to Spotlight Procurement and Trade Challenges. The Proudly South African Buy Local Summit & Expo is set to return for its 14th edition, bringing renewed focus on localised procurement and consumer spending. The annual two‑day event will take place on 16 and 17 March 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre, drawing attention to pressing economic challenges and opportunities for growth.

The summit comes at a time when South African exporters are grappling with the impact of 30% tariff increases imposed by the United States. While these tariffs will not be a formal discussion item at the event, their effects underscore the urgency of strengthening domestic markets and reducing reliance on external trade conditions.

Central to the summit’s agenda will be tackling illicit goods, unfair trade practices, and the proliferation of counterfeit products. Organisers have highlighted the need to address dumping, illicit money flows, and the growing influence of offshore e‑commerce retailers, which have disrupted local industries such as retail, clothing, footwear, textiles, and leather.

Eustace Mashimbye, chief executive officer of Proudly South African, emphasized the importance of the summit as a platform for accountability and progress. “The upcoming Buy Local Summit & Expo seeks to become more than just a talk shop, but more of an appraisal of the strides that various stakeholders have achieved to address some of the challenges that are debilitating our economy,” he said. Mashimbye added that leveraging internal resources and aggregating consumer demand could help reignite growth and create jobs.

The event is expected to attract over 1,600 delegates, including government ministers, entrepreneurs, investors, and funders. More than 200 exhibitors will showcase locally produced goods and services, reinforcing the summit’s mission to promote domestic procurement.

One of the key highlights will be the business matchmaking session, designed to connect small and medium‑sized enterprises with established conglomerates. This networking opportunity aims to foster collaboration, open new markets, and strengthen supply chains within South Africa.

Organisers have stressed that the summit’s value lies not only in its discussions but also in its outcomes. By spotlighting milestones achieved by different role players, the event seeks to demonstrate tangible progress in addressing economic challenges.

Registration for the Buy Local Summit & Expo 2026 is now open, offering entrepreneurs and stakeholders the chance to engage in meaningful dialogue and explore solutions to bolster South Africa’s economy.