ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA INVITATION: 28TH DURBAN BUSINESS FAIR SET TO IGNITE LOCAL ECONOMY
The eThekwini Municipality’s signature Durban Business Fair, which brings together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and global partners in a bold celebration of local enterprise and economic growth, will once again be hosted for its 28th edition, from 29 April to 2 May 2026 at the Durban Exhibition Centre and Durban ICC.
Media are invited to attend and showcase how this flagship platform continues to unlock opportunities for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), under the theme: “28 Years of Connecting SMMEs to Markets and Opportunities.”
The business exhibition will be officially opened by Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, alongside eThekwini Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba and City’s Chairperson of Economic Development and Planning Committee, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, demonstrating a united commitment to enterprise development.
More than 500 products and services will be showcased, alongside high-impact empowerment initiatives, including business development masterclasses, enterprise pitching sessions with prizes such as Business Administration bursaries, the International Pavilion fostering global trade partnerships, Flavours of Durban culinary showcase, Kiddiepreneur Garden nurturing young entrepreneurs, and a vibrant Shisanyama and Entertainment Corner.
Private sector partners include Coca-Cola, Boxer, and New Bridge Graduate Institute, reinforcing strong public-private collaboration.
KEY MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
• 29 April | 09h00
Business Indaba - Industry leaders unpack funding and growth opportunities
Venue: Durban ICC, Hall 1
• 30 April | 12h00
Official Opening of the Exhibition
Venue: Durban Exhibition Centre
• 30 April - 2 May | 09h00 - 17h00
Business Exhibition - Featuring SMMEs, corporates, government departments, Independent Electoral Commission, Home Affairs and more
Venue: Durban Exhibition Centre
• 30 April | 09h00
World Intellectual Property Masterclass
Venue: Durban Exhibition Centre, Coast of Dreams
• 1 May | 09h00
Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority Masterclass
Venue: Durban Exhibition Centre, Coast of Dreams
• 30 April - 2 May | 09h00
Enterprise Development Corner - Live business pitching sessions
Venue: Durban Exhibition Centre
• 30 April - 2 May | 09h00
International Pavilion - Including participation from the Consulate of Belgium and Alliance Française, offering trade insights, cultural engagement, and a French crash course
Venue: Durban Exhibition Centre
• 30 April - 2 May | Until 10PM
Shisanyama and Entertainment Corner - Showcasing local cuisine and talent
Venue: Durban Exhibition Centre
Media houses are requested to confirm attendance by Tuesday, 28 April 2026 (close of business) to Kwanda.Zondi@durban.gov.za and Nonduduzo.ngcongo@durban.gov.za
Accreditation collection details will be shared upon confirmation.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
