KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 — Malaysian companies booked sales worth more than RM125 million, including RM13.6 million in confirmed transactions, during the Export Acceleration Mission (EAM) to South Africa and Kenya from September 1 to September 5.
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), in collaboration with SME Bank Malaysia, organised the mission.
It said that 13 Malaysian companies from various sectors took part, holding 240 business matching sessions with 128 South African and Kenyan buyers.
“The 13 Malaysian companies represented key sectors with high export potential, including medical devices and equipment, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and beauty products, and halal food and beverages,” Matrade said in a statement.
Its chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the initiative formed a key part of the government’s market diversification strategy to expand Malaysia’s export footprint, recognising Africa’s economic potential and its role as a vital emerging market.
“Our companies’ strong performance is a testament to the demand for quality Malaysian products and services in Africa.
“Matrade, together with SME Bank, is committed to creating these vital platforms for Malaysian companies, particularly MSMEs, to secure new opportunities and grow their global footprint,” he said.
Africa, with its 1.5 billion population, offered immense potential, and the mission marked a significant step in strengthening Malaysia’s trade ties and economic presence on the continent.
Matrade said the mission also included meetings with South African and Kenyan government agencies as well as foreign chambers, including the Trade, Industry, and Competition Department (DTIC), the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci), and Business Unity South Africa (Busa).
From January to July this year, Malaysia’s total trade with South Africa was valued at RM3.24 billion, with exports at RM1.87 billion and imports at RM1.37 billion.
For the same period, trade with Kenya reached RM3.26 billion, comprising RM3.24 billion in exports and RM30 million in imports.
