The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) has supported eleven Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) operating in the mining sector to showcase their products and services at a National Pavilion that has been set up in partnership with the Department of Mineral Resources and Brand South Africa at the Investing in African Mining Indaba taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 5-8 February 2018.
The eleven SMMEs hailing from various parts of the country were supported through the dti’s Sector Specific Assistance Scheme. It is by showcasing at the National Pavilion that these companies will be afforded with opportunities to meet prospective buyers and investors.
According to the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, the Mining Indaba provides a global perspective on African mining giving an opportunity for government to utilise it to the advantage of its private sector. He adds that it is therefore important for collaboration between business and government as it is beneficial as it provides a global perspective on African mining issues to companies which would not ordinarily get access or afford such platforms.
“The event is also a huge marketing opportunity for South Africa to highlight its investment opportunities in this sector. supporting emerging minors and mining related services companies to showcase at the Indaba is part of the implementation of the country’s Industrial Policy Action Plan and the National Beneficiation Strategy. It will help them obtain more information on the dynamics of the industry and the available investment and export opportunities in the different parts of the continent,” says Davies
He adds that the mining and capital equipment sector is an important component of the country’s industrialisation objectives.
“As government we are committed to working with the industry to achieving these goals,” says Davies.
The Investing in Africa Mining Indaba is the world’s largest gathering of most influential stakeholders in the African mining industry. These range from global mining and exploration companies, international investors, investment banks, mining equipment companies and mining services providers. It attracts approximately 7 000 delegates.