Durban makes historic leap as the first South African city to join the World Trade Centre Association

IN a significant milestone for economic development in South Africa, the eThekwini Municipality has officially established the country's first World Trade Centre (WTC) at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, making Durban the inaugural South African city to join the prestigious World Trade Centre Association (WTCA).

This landmark announcement was made yesterday and signals a bold step to elevate trade and investment opportunities within the continent.

The formal signing ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including councillor Thembo Ntuli, the chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, who represented eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba and highlighted the ambitions underscoring the creation of WTC Durban.

“World Trade Centre Durban will become an enabler of economic transformation,” said Ntuli in his keynote address.

“We are leveraging an already world-class facility, the Durban ICC, to elevate Durban’s standing and impact on the global stage.”

Also present were eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele, Durban ICC Chief Executive Officer Lindiwe Rakharebe, and representatives from the WTCA, all underscoring the strategic significance of this development.

Mbhele described the initiative as a “pivotal moment” for the city’s economic aspirations.

He said, “The acquisition of the WTC license represents a giant leap toward realising our vision of becoming a globally competitive, resilient, and economically inclusive City.”

With this new designation, Durban joins an expansive global network of over 300 WTCs across nearly 100 countries, including major global hubs such as New York, Tokyo, Nairobi and Amsterdam.

This prestigious licensing grants Durban exclusive rights to the WTC brand and access to an international ecosystem of more than one million affiliated companies, creating new opportunities for both local and foreign entities.

Rakharebe elaborated on the transformational capabilities of the WTC, stating, “WTC Durban will support everything from global trade exhibitions and trade missions to small business incubation and matchmaking.”

The goals of the WTC include fostering business confidence, promoting localisation, and generating jobs by actively connecting local enterprises to global markets.

The plans for WTC Durban will unfold in phases, commencing with brand activation and feasibility studies, followed by the necessary infrastructure roll-out to support its ambitious goals.

Chosen for its position as Africa’s leading port city and a vital manufacturing and logistics hub, Durban is home to key industry players, including Toyota, Unilever, and Aspen.

Its state-of-the-art infrastructure, exemplified by facilities like the Dube Trade Port Special Economic Zone and King Shaka International Airport, further enhances its readiness to embrace this new role.

Robin Van Puyenbroeck, Executive Director of Business Development at WTCA, expressed enthusiasm for Durban's inclusion.

Van Puyenbroeck said: “We are delighted to welcome Durban to our global family. WTC Durban holds immense potential to foster African trade integration and connect with global markets.”

Ultimately, the establishment of WTC Durban not only aims to elevate the city's status as a strategic gateway for trade between Southern Africa and the world but also aligns closely with national and local economic development goals, paving the way for a new era of growth.

As implementation begins, the anticipation for the flourishing opportunities that lie ahead for Durban and its inhabitants grows ever stronger.