IN CONVERSATION WITH Dr KHULILE MTSETFWA
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Thirteen South African defence and high-tech companies are flying the national flag high at the prestigious International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF 2025) in Istanbul, Turkey — and their participation could open up vital opportunities back home.
Running from 22 to 27 July 2025, IDEF is one of the world’s premier defence exhibitions, attracting buyers, investors, and policy makers from across Eurasia, the Middle East, and North Africa. For South African firms, the showcase is more than just a chance to impress international audiences — it’s a bold move to boost the local economy through export growth, job creation, and foreign direct investment (FDI).
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), which facilitated the delegation through its Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) Scheme, says the platform is part of a bigger strategy to diversify South Africa’s exports and promote locally manufactured, high-value products to the world.
“This is about building sustainable demand for South African-made innovation,” says Willem van der Spuy, Deputy Director-General for Exports at the dtic. “The companies here are not just showcasing technology — they’re creating pathways for local production, employment, and global relevance.”
The national pavilion — a 164m² exhibition space — features a range of cutting-edge solutions in defence, aerospace, and protective technology. These include companies like Swatek Defence and Aerospace, a leader in advanced defence systems, and Unipro Protective Wear, which manufactures safety gear for frontline workers — both eyeing expansion into new markets.
According to van der Spuy, these types of global engagements are essential to unlocking opportunities that directly benefit the South African market. “Our support isn’t just about funding flights and exhibition booths — it’s about enabling our companies to return home with business leads, contracts, and partnerships that can grow local industries.”
The presence of South African companies at IDEF is also a signal to global buyers that the country is ready to compete in high-tech arenas traditionally dominated by larger economies. More deals on the global stage could mean more factories running at capacity, more local suppliers involved in production, and more skilled jobs for young South Africans.
As the fair continues, the spotlight is firmly on what these 13 companies can bring back to the South African market — and how their global exposure can translate into meaningful economic growth at home
Running from 22 to 27 July 2025, IDEF is one of the world’s premier defence exhibitions, attracting buyers, investors, and policy makers from across Eurasia, the Middle East, and North Africa. For South African firms, the showcase is more than just a chance to impress international audiences — it’s a bold move to boost the local economy through export growth, job creation, and foreign direct investment (FDI).
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), which facilitated the delegation through its Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) Scheme, says the platform is part of a bigger strategy to diversify South Africa’s exports and promote locally manufactured, high-value products to the world.
“This is about building sustainable demand for South African-made innovation,” says Willem van der Spuy, Deputy Director-General for Exports at the dtic. “The companies here are not just showcasing technology — they’re creating pathways for local production, employment, and global relevance.”
The national pavilion — a 164m² exhibition space — features a range of cutting-edge solutions in defence, aerospace, and protective technology. These include companies like Swatek Defence and Aerospace, a leader in advanced defence systems, and Unipro Protective Wear, which manufactures safety gear for frontline workers — both eyeing expansion into new markets.
According to van der Spuy, these types of global engagements are essential to unlocking opportunities that directly benefit the South African market. “Our support isn’t just about funding flights and exhibition booths — it’s about enabling our companies to return home with business leads, contracts, and partnerships that can grow local industries.”
The presence of South African companies at IDEF is also a signal to global buyers that the country is ready to compete in high-tech arenas traditionally dominated by larger economies. More deals on the global stage could mean more factories running at capacity, more local suppliers involved in production, and more skilled jobs for young South Africans.
As the fair continues, the spotlight is firmly on what these 13 companies can bring back to the South African market — and how their global exposure can translate into meaningful economic growth at home