🎥 Are you ready to showcase your story on one of Africa’s biggest stages?The FAME Shorts Film Festival 2026 is now open for submissions. We invite filmmakers to submit their short films and share their creativity, passion, and vision with local and international audiences. 📅 Submission deadline: 22nd of May 2026 ✨ This is your opportunity to be seen and celebrated. 👉 Submit your film here (Copy and Paste Link in Browser): https://filmfreeway.com/FAMEShortsFilmFestival 👉  

International Food Show Africa | 08-12 June 2026 | Kram Exhibition Centre, Tunis The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) will apply for funding from the dtic SSAS fund to support Eastern Cape producers' participation in the International Food Show Africa (IFSA), scheduled to take place from 8-12 June 2026 at the Kram Exhibition Centre in Tunis, Tunisia. The goal of the trade mission is to help Eastern Cape producers access the Tunisian market. Tunisia IFSA serves as a

The Eastern Cape’s position as the global epicentre of mohair production was placed at the centre of the discussions as SAMIL Natural Fibres unveiled a R21 million new state-of-the-art carding machine at the SAMIL Border Combing Plant in Ntabozuko. The unveiling of the new carding machine ultimately represents more than technological advancement. It reflects a strategic investment in value-addition, rural industrialisation and inclusive economic participation. By strengthenin

Natural ingredient and cut flower producers are invited to take part in the upcoming German Import Promotion Desk (IPD) Sourcing Mission to South Africa, scheduled for March 12-20-2026. The IPD aims to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in penetrating the European market and fostering sustainable, long-term business partnerships. During this mission, IPD experts will conduct visits to selected companies to evaluate key aspects such as product quality, export rea

Participate in MIDA: A unique opportunity for quality artisans, creators, and entrepreneurs. Every year, MIDA – the Florence International Crafts Fair – welcomes artisans and craft businesses, designers, planners, and young makers of all background and sizes, from Italy and from abroad. The purpose is to promote and enhance their products to an audience of enthusiasts and GIVE SPACE TO YOUR BUSINESS qualified operators. The following industries will be taken into consideratio

the dtic extends an invitation to South African exporters to apply to participate on the Outward Selling Mission (OSM) to the In-Cosmetics Global Exhibition scheduled to take place from 14 - 16 APRIL 2026 in Paris, France. Manufacturers/suppliers of essential oils, vegetable oils, botanical extracts as well as innovative cosmetic actives are invited to apply. In-Cosmetics Global is a leading trade show dedicated to ingredient innovation, sustainability, and technical formula

On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we spotlight a profound story of resilience, enterprise and inclusive economic participation. Asohlulwa Sinamandla Primary Cooperative, an entirely black-owned, women-led cooperative formed by entrepreneurs living with disabilities, stands as a compelling example of what happens when determination meets opportunity. Established in 2005 and formally registered in 2025, the cooperative demonstrates the catalytic impact of

As the world’s most important consumer goods fair, Ambiente aims to showcase the entire market – across all trading types and distribution channels. It displays all the novelties, trends, style directions, lifestyle worlds and product groups, and is a hotspot for major themes such as Hospitality. Date: 06 - 10 February 2026 Download and complete forms should be sent to abaliso@ecdc.co.za or mjack@ecdc.co.za before Friday, 05 December 2025. Download forms here:

Last week demonstrated the ECDC’s continued commitment to advancing inclusive growth, strengthening economic ecosystems, and broadening participation for small businesses, creatives, and emerging enterprises across the Eastern Cape. Through purposeful partnerships and targeted stakeholder engagements, the Corporation continued to amplify its developmental impact in line with its mandate. The week began with the Global Entrepreneurship Business Seminar held in Buffalo City, w

Kwanontsomi Enterprise, a rising multimedia production company based in King William’s Town, continues to strengthen its influence in the Eastern Cape’s storytelling landscape through its compelling documentaries, feature films, commercials, and ceremonial productions. On 20 November 2025, Executive Mayor of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Ms Princess Faku, through the Isiqalo Youth Fund, extended support to the company, comprising a panel van and sound equipment valu

LabtronicSolutions, a youth-owned multimedia enterprise based in Mdantsane, continues to position itself as a leading force in township-based content creation and digital innovation. As the first fully equipped multimedia studio in the area, the company has evolved into a central hub for photography, videography, live streaming, podcast production, sublimation printing, audio, visual and lighting (AVL) consulting, and studio hire with capacity of up to 230 guests, suitable fo

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) invites interested companies to participate in an Outward Selling Mission (OSM) to Tokyo, Japan, from 08-14 March 2026. The purpose of the mission is to promote South African value-added products and services in this market. The mission will comprise of a Business Seminar, B2B meetings, as well as site visits. Targeted sector: Agro-Processing Entities that wish to apply for the EMIA funding must: • Have been in busi

During the 2022/23 financial year, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation reviewed its strategy, producing a five-year strategic plan for 2023/2024 to 2027/2028. The revised five-year strategy replaces the 2019/20-2023/24 strategic plan. The review of the five-year strategic plan follows the approval of the ECDC Reimagined Strategy 2021, which was concluded during the 2021/22 financial year. The 2023/24 and 2024/25 corporate plans have been informed by the revised 2023/24 –

As we close Mental Health Awareness Month, may we be reminded that true wellbeing is not one-dimensional, it is holistic. Our mental, emotional, and physical health are deeply interconnected, shaping how we show up at work, in our families, and in our communities. When one part of our wellbeing is neglected, everything else is affected. At the ECDC, we believe that nurturing this balance is not only a personal responsibility but also a social and economic imperative. One of t

ECDC in partnership with the EU-SADC EPA Program and the dtic, will host a master class with the aim to provide EC fresh produce farmers with the latest export requirements and standards for the EU market. The master class will take place on 13th November on MS Teams. Register to participate here: http://bit.ly/3X7gKIs   All inquiries should be directed to exporthelpdesk@ecdc.co.za #developingtheeasterncape #export #EuropeanUnion

The Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) hosted a high-level Business-to-Business (B2B) engagement session with the Jilin Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Regent Hotel in East London on 23 October 2025. The engagement formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen economic diplomacy, diversify international markets for Eastern Cape businesses, and foster mutually

East London today hosted the first of three National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) Sixth Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP 6) Eastern Cape roadshows, aimed at helping filmmakers take their productions to the next level. Held at the InvestSA One Stop Shop Eastern Cape, the East London roadshow welcomed over 50 creatives, including producers, directors, and industry professionals working across film development, production, post-production, skills development,

Beyond film funding, the ECDC’s film industry support includes market access and skills development programmes. You can benefit from participation on local and international exhibitions, arts and film festivals as well as film expos designed to open up funding, distribution, networking and other opportunities. Talk to us about how we can level up your filmmaking journey. For more on the Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund: www.ecdc.co.za/ecinvestmentfilmfund

To qualify for the Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund:   ·        Must be a registered South African production company ·        Secure at least 60% of the total budget ·        Provide distribution or commission agreement ·        Spend at least 60% of the production budget in the Eastern Cape ·        At least 50% of the principal photography must be shot in the Eastern Cape ·        Provide a detailed skills transfer or development programme ·        Employ local filmmakers

Give your film project a headstart with the Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund. Funding available in two categories: Production Funding ·        Feature Films ·        Drama/TV Series ·        Reality Shows ·        Telenovela’s ·        Documentaries ·        Animations   Microfilm Funding ·        Short Films ·        Documentaries ·        Short TV formats   For more on the Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund: www.ecdc.co.za/ecinvestmentfilmfund

Take advantage of the funding opportunities for your film production through the Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund.   The fund provides investment funding to qualifying productions that choose the Eastern Cape as their filmmaking destination.   Through the fund, we promote the Eastern Cape as an attractive film destination with breathtaking locations, untapped opportunities, and unique biodiversity.   The fund supports the growth of the film industry through investment promot

Join the National Film and Video Foundation and the ECDC on three film funding roadshows across three locations in the Eastern Cape! Join us: East London • Date: 22 October • Time: 10:00 – 13:00 • Venue: InvestSA One Stop Shop Eastern Cape 12 Esplanade, Quigney, East London Mthatha • Date: 23 October • Time: 10:00 – 13:00 • Venue: OR TAMBO District Municipality 2 Kaiser Matanzima Drive, Mthatha Gqeberha • Date: 24 October • Time: 10:00 – 13:00 • Venue: Gqeberha Mandela Bay Th

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) brings you the Sixth Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme roadshows - taking your film productions to the next level. Join the NFVF and ECDC at one of the three exciting film funding roadshows at the following locations: East London – 22 OctMthatha – 23 OctGqeberha – 24 Oct Finalising your film? Building industry skills or looking to take your story to the market? The NFVF has the funding you need! Funding is available acros

Imvaba Cooperative Fund, administered by the ECDC on behalf of DEDEAT has extended critical support to Nqabarha Cooperative, a farming initiative in Lubhelu Village, Willowvale. The handover, led by MEC Nonkqubela Peters, underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening rural enterprises and unlocking agricultural potential in historically underdeveloped areas. The support package, valued at over R350 000, includes essential farming equipment, animal health products,

ECDC invites EC businesses to apply for the eBusiness Training designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to navigate...

The ECDC Board Chairperson, Mr. Vuyani Jarana, was interviewed on SABC's Morning Live where he unpacked SA Auto Week 2025 and the...

Gqeberha’s multi-award-winning ceramist Lookout Sibanda’s ceramic works are drawing the attention of collectors and retailers with his...

ECDC is proud to lead a group of 10 companies at Foodex Saudi Expo 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. His Excellency David Magabe, the South...

Infix Creations is a powerful example of how creativity and resilience in the Eastern Cape can grow into a brand with both local roots...

Goldspoon is a story of transformation, where overlooked materials are reborn as timeless treasures. Founded in 2019 by Sibulele Ntobe,...

From a modest backroom in Mdantsane, where one seamstress and three beaders worked with  determination, Iza Crafts has grown into a...

The ECDC had the privilege of taking part in the unveiling of a new information sign at Mazeppa Bay Hotel. This landmark captures the...

01 September 2025 Fresh from placing third in the MIP Africa pitching sessions for his film, Born to Silence, at Fame Week Africa at the...

August is Women’s Month, a time to celebrate the remarkable contributions of women. It also marks the start of the second term of the...

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition ( the dtic ) in partnership with the Eastern Cape Development Cooperation (ECDC) invite...

29 August 2025   For two years, Violet Thotoane Lupuwana was dismissed and sidelined in meetings simply because she was a woman.  “Nobody...

Born from both a market gap and a vision for empowerment, Mkgotsi Projects Primary Cooperative is rewriting the story of chemical...

In the rural landscapes of Jonini, Tyhali Location in Alice, five determined women are rewriting the script of rural enterprise....

25 August 2025   The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), in partnership with the Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO), has...

Step into the vibrant world of African fashion at the African Fashion Forum. Join us as we celebrate the richness, diversity, and...

🗓 Date: Monday 25 August 🕣 Time: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm 📍 Venue: InvestSA OneStop Shop Offices, No 12 Esplanade Road, Quigney East London...

Yonela Boutique, based in Mount Frere, has mastered the art of blending tradition with modern fashion, stitching dreams into reality....

The Eastern Cape Development Corporation is inviting Production companies, that are in the middle of shooting productions in the Eastern...

Join ECDC & SA Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to a webinar focused on Market Entry Strategies into the dynamic Saudi Arabia market. This...

In Ezibeleni, Komani, the air often carries the inviting aroma of freshly baked scones, spiced stews, and sweet pastries, a sure sign...

The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) will apply for the dtic SSAS fund to support an Outward Selling Mission to West and East...

6 August 2025   On Tuesday, 5 August 2025, 20 unemployed young people officially became delivery business owners. The MEC for Economic...

As we close off Mandela Month, we honour the changemakers who are building businesses with heart and creating spaces of hope in their...

The ECDC invites qualifying businesses to apply for contract-based funding tailored to short-term government projects and purchase...