ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HIGH DEMAND FOR EXHIBITION SPACE AT DURBAN BUSINESS FAIR
More than 50 businesses have already secured exhibition space for the 28th Durban Business Fair within a week of registration opening, underscoring the strong demand for the City’s flagship platform that connects small businesses to markets, opportunities, and potential investors.
This year’s edition, themed “28 Years of Connecting SMMEs to Markets and Opportunities,” will take place at the Durban Exhibition Centre from 30 April to 2 May 2026.
EThekwini Municipality is inviting local entrepreneurs and business owners to register to exhibit at the fair before the 17 April deadline.
The Durban Business Fair is the Municipality’s flagship economic empowerment programme, designed to support small, medium, and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) by providing a platform to showcase products and services, access new markets, and build valuable business networks.
In addition to the exhibition, the fair will feature a series of empowerment sessions focusing on innovation, access to funding, and connecting businesses to international markets.
Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli said the fair continues to play a significant role in strengthening the local SMME sector and creating economic opportunities.
“Since 1998, more than 40 000 businesses have participated in the Durban Business Fair, with over 130 000 buyers and visitors attending and engaging with exhibitors. The initiative has helped create more than 21 000 sustainable jobs, thanks to an investment of over R400 million over the past 28 years to support small businesses through this platform,” he said.
Business owners are encouraged to register early as exhibition space is filling up quickly.
Registration forms can be downloaded here:
Alternatively, forms are available at:
* 199 Anton Lembede Street (7th Floor), Durban
* All Sizakala Customer Centres
* Online at www.durban.gov.za (click the Business icon, select SMME Development, then the Durban Business Fair page)
* By emailing zamani.shezi@durban.gov.za
Among those who have already secured exhibition space is Anele Mabhoza, founder of Mabhoza Engineers in Hillcrest.
“We are excited to be exhibiting for the first time. We moved quickly to secure a spot as the Durban Business Fair comes highly recommended. We want to showcase our services, connect with new clients for design and construction projects, and position our company among like-minded businesses, potentially leading to subcontract work. We are looking forward to this exhibition,” he said.
For enquiries, businesses can call 031 311 4500.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality Marketing and Communications Directorate
