The China Homelife South Africa exhibition opened on Wednesday at the Gallagher Convention Center in Midrand, Johannesburg, connecting Chinese manufacturers with importers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers from across Africa.
Now in its 10th edition, the exhibition features hundreds of Chinese manufacturers showcasing products ranging from building materials, textiles and household goods to electronics and battery energy storage systems.
The event also includes business matchmaking sessions, allowing African buyers to meet suppliers directly, discuss sourcing needs and explore long-term commercial partnerships.
Binu Pillai, chief operating officer of Meorient International Exhibition, the event organiser, said the fair gives African businesses an opportunity to negotiate directly with Chinese manufacturers without travelling to China.
Visitors from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya and Ghana attended the exhibition, with about 4,000 people visiting within the first three hours, according to Pillai.
“Africa has a huge market as far as Chinese manufacturers are concerned,” he said, describing the exhibition as a sourcing platform for the African continent.
Organisers said about 35,000 people had preregistered for the event and expected 25,000 visitors during the three-day exhibition.
South Africa seeks stronger business partnerships
Local government officials also welcomed the trade opportunities created by the exhibition.
Lwando Resha, a member of the Mayoral Committee for Local Economic Development in Mogale City Local Municipality, Gauteng Province, said the municipality was open to business and partnerships with companies from other countries.
The opening ceremony brought together government officials, business chambers and youth organisations.
Among the Chinese exhibitors was Yongkang Weige Industrial and Trading Co., Ltd., which was participating in the South African exhibition for the first time.
Judy Huang, the company’s sales manager, said the company was showcasing aluminium ladders, including telescopic, extension and folding models.
She said the products had attracted visitors to the company’s stand and expressed hope of establishing business relationships with African companies.
Huang also said she expected China-Africa relations to continue developing as trade between the two sides expands.
The exhibition highlights the growing role of direct business-to-business engagement in connecting Chinese manufacturers with African markets and creating opportunities for trade and commercial partnerships.
