NEXT18 by ‘Development by Design’ showcases South African companies ready for export

33 leading South African designers and manufacturers will present their new product ranges of small furniture, lighting, home textiles, and fashion and home accessories. The NEXT18 Trade Exhibition showcases the best of SA craft and design, ready to be ordered by international importers, retailers and decorators.

For the first time, ‘Development by Design’ is showcasing the results of their various export readiness programmes in a curated exhibition. Over 50 small and medium enterprises have participated in the last 3 years. Some exporters have already exhibited at European trade shows, whilst others are young designers, eager to take their first steps in exporting. All of the 33 exhibitors will be showing a product range targeted at international markets, and have prepared a trade offer with wholesale prices.

For international visitors, the exhibition is a unique opportunity to meet new suppliers and designers from South Africa. Besides visiting the exhibition, there is also the option to visit the designers in their showrooms and workshops throughout the city. The annual Design Indaba event, with a conference on social design and an exhibition of Emerging Creatives, is taking place in the same week. Cape Town also has great craft and design shopping to offer, as well as good food and nice summer weather.

The ´Development by Design´ project enables small and medium businesses in South Africa to develop, grow and sustainably enter new markets. The project is an initiative of The Dutch Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI), and their local partners, the Craft and Design Institute (CDI) and Seda.

The NEXT18 Trade Exhibition will take place from February 22 – 25, 2018 daily at the Homecoming Centre (15A Buitenkant Street) in the East City of Cape Town.

We are sharing the venue with the #cocreateDESIGN FESTIVAL, a new initiative of The Netherlands Consulate General which will have an exciting programme of discussions and activities.