ECIC marks 25 years of supporting South Africa’s export ambitions

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau will on Thursday address the 25th anniversary celebration of the Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa (ECIC) at The Galleria in Sandton.

The milestone marks a quarter-century of the institution’s contribution to South Africa’s export development, industrialisation and broader economic growth.

The anniversary event will bring together government leaders, exporters, financial institutions, industry stakeholders and strategic partners to reflect on ECIC’s contribution over the past 25 years and its evolving role in supporting South African businesses seeking opportunities beyond the country’s borders.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) said the event would also highlight ECIC’s strategic role beyond traditional export credit insurance, positioning the institution as an enabler of exports, investment, industrial capacity and economic opportunity.

“Through export credit insurance and related risk-mitigation support, ECIC helps facilitate access to financing for qualifying export transactions and supports South African businesses pursuing opportunities in international markets,” the department said.

A key feature of the programme will be an exporter panel discussion moderated by Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi.

The discussion will focus on how export finance, risk mitigation and strategic partnerships can help South African companies compete and expand in global markets.

The discussions come as South Africa seeks to strengthen its export capacity, broaden access to international markets and deepen trade and investment links across the African continent.

ECIC’s support is particularly aimed at helping businesses manage some of the financial and commercial risks associated with entering international markets, while facilitating financing for qualifying export transactions.

The programme will culminate in Tau’s address, where he is expected to provide a broader government perspective on the role of export credit and development finance in advancing an export-led growth strategy.

The anniversary provides an opportunity to assess ECIC’s past contribution while considering how export finance can support South Africa’s industrialisation ambitions and create new opportunities for local companies in international and African markets.