U.S.-Africa Trade Commission South Africa Chapter Launch To Strengthen Trade And Investment Ties Between Africa And The United States
South Africa will host the official launch of the U.S.-Africa Trade Commission (USATC) South Africa Chapter on 18 June 2026 at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), in a move aimed at strengthening structured trade, investment and institutional cooperation between Africa and the United States.
The launch will also mark the inauguration of Prof. Gostina “Gabbey” Malope as Country Director for South Africa, formalising leadership of the Commission’s national chapter as it expands its footprint across key African markets.
The two-day summit, running from 18 to 19 June 2026 under the theme “Advancing Strategic Trade, Investment, Innovation and Academic Cooperation Between Africa, the United States and the Globe,” is positioned as a high-level platform bringing together government leaders, diplomatic missions, traditional leadership, private sector executives, development finance institutions and academic stakeholders.
The establishment of the USATC South Africa Chapter reflects growing momentum toward structured economic cooperation between Africa and the United States, with South Africa positioned as a strategic entry point for continental trade and investment flows. As Africa’s most industrialised economy, South Africa continues to play a central role in manufacturing, financial services, logistics, technology and regional market integration, making it a key node in global economic engagement.
The Chapter is expected to function as a permanent institutional bridge linking South African public and private sector institutions with counterparts in the United States, while also supporting outbound African investment and enterprise expansion. Priority sectors include agribusiness, renewable energy, infrastructure development, advanced manufacturing, digital innovation and financial services.
Delegates expected at the summit reflect a strategic ecosystem of political authority, diplomatic engagement, and economic influence.
At the centre of government and diplomatic leadership are the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Hon. Thami Ntuli; the United States Ambassador to South Africa, H.E. Leo Brent Bozell III; and former African Union Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
Traditional and institutional governance is represented by Hon. Kgoshi L.M. Mokoena, President of CONTRALESA and Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders.
Economic and enterprise leadership is represented by the President of NAFCOC, Mr. Gilbert Mosena, alongside regional integration leadership from the Head of Industrialisation at SADC, Mr. Johansen Rutaihwa.
Local government participation is anchored by the Executive Mayor of eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, Councillor Cyril Xaba, complemented by senior representatives from government, business, and academic institutions across the broader region.
The opening day will focus on diplomatic engagement, strategic dialogue and policy-aligned discussions on trade facilitation, investment frameworks and industrial cooperation. Key interventions will outline pathways for improving market access, strengthening regional value chains and deepening Africa–U.S. economic relations.
A central feature of the programme will be the formal inauguration of Prof. Gostina “Gabbey” Malope as Country Director. The ceremony will include her official appointment, oath-taking and inaugural address, in which she is expected to outline the strategic direction of the South Africa Chapter and its role in advancing cross-border economic collaboration.
The launch declaration and ribbon-cutting ceremony will formally establish the South Africa Chapter, followed by the signing of strategic cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding with selected institutional partners. The day will conclude with a Trade Leaders Forum and the adoption of key summit resolutions.
The second day will shift focus toward implementation and economic activation, featuring ministerial panel discussions, executive masterclasses and structured business-to-business engagements involving delegates from South Africa and neighbouring SADC member states including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana and Eswatini. Discussions will centre on investment facilitation, industrial expansion and regional economic integration.
The summit will conclude with a gala dinner recognising leaders in enterprise development, economic transformation and business excellence through the NAFCOC Veterans Awards Ceremony.
