Black Industrialists and Exporters Conference to showcase black excellence amid ‘skewed racialised economy’

JOHANNESBURG – The Department of Trade and Industry says it has set the bar high for the Black Industrialists and Exporters Conference set to take place in Sandton today.

More than a thousand delegates are expected to attend the second annual event including government officials, businesses and investors.

The conference is expected to take stock of the contribution by black industrialists to the economy as well as drive reforms to address what government describes as a “skewed racialised economy”.

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This year’s conference takes place on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the implementation of the BBBEE Act.

At the centre of discussions will be the role of private sector procurement, new value chains and access to financing for emerging black businesses.

Industry leaders are also expected to be frank about their challenges.

This includes how black-owned firms continue to be hobbled by red tape, as well as inefficiencies in the logistics and energy sectors.

More than 50 large companies are already expected to make pledges to buy from black industrialists in sectors including agriculture, the auto industry, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics as well as clothing and footwear.