As global trade tensions place renewed pressure on South African exports, the Proudly South African Buy Local Summit & Expo is turning the spotlight inward — focusing on the power of local procurement and consumer spend to stabilise and grow the economy.
The 14th edition of the two-day summit, taking place on 16 and 17 March 2026, comes at a time of mounting concern over rising tariffs on South African exports to the United States. The recent 30% tariff hike has reignited fears of job losses and forced several industries to urgently explore alternative markets.
Although the tariff increases will not form part of the formal programme, the broader economic climate sets a sobering backdrop to this year’s discussions.
The summit will focus on some of the most pressing structural challenges facing the economy — including illicit trade, unfair competition, counterfeit goods, dumping, and illicit financial flows. It will also examine the growing impact of offshore e-commerce platforms on local retailers, particularly in the clothing, textile, footwear and leather sectors.
Proudly South African CEO Eustace Mashimbye says the event aims to move beyond rhetoric.
“The economy continues to face significant pressure from multiple directions. The Buy Local Summit must be more than a talk shop — it must be an honest appraisal of the progress stakeholders have made in protecting and growing local industries,” he said.
Mashimbye believes the current pressures reinforce the urgency of strengthening domestic economic levers.
“By aggregating consumer demand and harnessing the power of both the public and private sectors, we can stimulate growth, reignite consumer confidence and create much-needed jobs.”
The Buy Local Summit & Expo typically attracts more than 1 600 delegates and 200 exhibitors, including government ministers, entrepreneurs, investors and development funders. A key feature of the event is its business matchmaking session, designed to connect small and medium enterprises with established corporates and procurement decision-makers.
At a time when global uncertainty is reshaping trade dynamics, the summit aims to re-centre the conversation on local resilience, supply chain integrity and economic self-determination.
Registration for the Buy Local Summit & Expo 2026 is now open.
