PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
31 July 2026
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) Participates in 4th Annual Southern African Conference on the AfCFTA
The South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) participated in the 4th Annual Southern African Conference on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 30 to 31 July 2026 under the theme, “Advancing Regional Integration and Trade Through AfCFTA Implementation.”
Representing SCTIE, Chief Executive Officer Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya joined policymakers, trade experts, academics, investors, business leaders and development practitioners from across the continent to engage on strategies that will accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA and unlock greater trade and investment opportunities for Africa.
The conference served as a strategic platform to bridge the gap between policy and implementation, with discussions focusing on strengthening regional value chains, promoting industrialisation, facilitating investment, and creating an enabling environment for businesses to participate more effectively in intra-African trade.
A keynote address delivered virtually by Ms Cynthia Gnassingbé-Essonam, Director of Private Sector Engagement and Communications at the AfCFTA Secretariat, highlighted the need for governments, the private sector and development partners to move beyond policy commitments and prioritise practical implementation by removing trade barriers, improving trade facilitation and supporting small businesses, women-owned enterprises and youth entrepreneurs.
Dr Sibiya said the conference reaffirmed the importance of collaboration in unlocking Africa’s economic potential.
“The AfCFTA presents significant opportunities to strengthen regional trade, attract investment and stimulate inclusive economic growth. Participating in this conference enables SCTIE to engage with key stakeholders, share best practices and position the KZN South Coast to benefit from a more integrated African economy. Through strategic partnerships and policy engagement, we remain committed to driving investment, facilitating trade and creating sustainable opportunities for our region,” said Dr Sibiya.
SCTIE’s participation reinforces its commitment to advancing regional integration, promoting the KZN South Coast as a competitive investment destination and contributing to South Africa’s broader economic development agenda through the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Rediscover Unlimited Opportunities on the KZN South Coast!
Find out more about these and other investment options by visiting the KZN South Coast website; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.
To find out more about investment opportunities, get in touch with SCTIE, the KZN South Coast’s One-Stop Shop for investment. Contact SCTIE on 039 682 7944, email oss@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za.
To purchase goods sold or secure services from these and other Buy Local businesses visit the online directory on the SCTIE website. To make orders from Buy Local members or to join the campaign, visit the Buy Local tag at www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za or click here for a membership form.
Get in Touch
Find out more by downloading the Explore KZN South Coast app; visiting the KZN South Coast website; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.
To find out more about these and more investment opportunities, get in touch with SCTIE, the KZN South Coast’s One-Stop Shop for investment. Contact SCTIE on 039 682 7944, email oss@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za.
Follow the hashtags #rediscoverunlimitedopportunities #investkznsouthcoast #oceaneconomy #maritimeinvestment #investmentopportunities
/ENDS
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About South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)
SCTIE was established as the official economic development arm of the KZN South Coast which extends from Scottburgh to Port Edward, and inland to Harding. It is a legal entity of the Ugu District Municipality with executive powers, serving the Ugu District and its family of municipalities. The entity is committed to identifying and unlocking the full tourism and investment potential of this region. SCTIE achieves its mandate of promoting investment through dedicated marketing initiatives, product development, business support and training, dedicated networking events, and breaking down barriers to local investment. From the coast to the hinterland, the KZN South Coast has a wealth of untapped investment potential for those who are looking to branch out into the district and uncover opportunities. The attractive location, subtropical climate, natural assets and accessibility make the KZN South Coast a prime investment destination. By engaging with local and international role players, SCTIE seeks to assist investors looking to uncover hidden gems across various economic sectors, including tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, real estate, logistics and transport, and the ocean economy, among others. For more information, visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za.
Pitch Email: The KZN South Coast is poised for major investment with the launch of the national Small Harbours Development Programme, which includes Port Shepstone among its locations. According to South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), this catalytic project is anticipated to unlock the maritime and logistics sectors while driving growth across tourism, trade, and property development on the KZN South Coast.
For more information please contact:
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)
Cell: 039 682 7944
Email: vanessa@sctie.co.za