Equipping Eastern Cape businesses to compete beyond borders

The ECDC, in partnership with PUM Netherlands Senior Experts, hosted a Biosecurity Seminar focused on strengthening the province's livestock industry.

The engagement brought together industry experts, stakeholders, and agricultural role players for practical discussions on biosecurity measures and sustainable interventions aimed at protecting livestock, safeguarding livelihoods, and advancing food security across the Eastern Cape.

ECDC Trade Promotion Specialist Ms Linda Lubengu unpacked the Corporation's export development and trade promotion support programmes, emphasising that the ECDC's role extends beyond training. The focus is on ensuring that enterprises understand where their products fit in global markets, how to identify the right export destinations, and how to navigate barriers to market access. Ms Lubengu also presented the 2026/27 Trade and Investment Program, which outlines strategic international trade missions and exhibition opportunities aimed at positioning Eastern Cape businesses and products on the global stage.

PUM Netherlands Senior Experts representative Akhona Maqwazima reflected on the importance of building strong business ecosystems that place SMMEs at the centre of collaborative networks, bringing together businesses, institutions, and industry partners to address shared challenges and unlock opportunities collectively. He encouraged a shift from isolated, standalone projects towards integrated approaches capable of generating broader economic, social, and ecological value.

PUM Senior Expert Wim de Wocht shared specialised insights on biosecurity management and practical interventions critical to addressing current sector challenges, while supporting the long-term sustainability and economic resilience of meat producers.

The initiative reflected the value of strategic collaboration between the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency, ECDC, and PUM Netherlands Senior Experts in advancing the province's agricultural economy. By prioritising biosecurity, the partnership aims to unlock new export opportunities and support the recovery of the Eastern Cape's meat export sector amid ongoing animal health challenges.

The session also provided insight into the ECDC's broader export support ecosystem, including market intelligence, export readiness training, trade missions, exhibitions, and access to national export development initiatives facilitated in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic).