A national pavilion is a country’s official participation in an event or exhibition, aimed at displaying the essence of a country, their industries, regions, companies or a combination of these. They can be used to promote the various firms or industries, to introduce people to a nation’s lifestyle.
They have a transformative power in shaping perceptions of nations and cultures, increasing awareness of the host country and international participants through helping to shape and enhance a nation’s image and reputation.
A national pavilion can generate intrigue from the public, which could lead to an increase in tourism, secure new trade agreements and encourage global networking. Ultimately, hosting national pavilions create unmissable opportunities for countries and their industries.
Trade and Investment South Africa participates in selected trade fairs and exhibitions abroad through national pavilions. Assistance is therefore provided to qualifying South African exporters to introduce South African products into foreign markets by participating in suitable foreign exhibitions in a cost effective manner.
Clients can showcase the nation itself or house numerous exhibitors from the pavilion host country. Exhibition stands cater to accurately represent the country with designs that are applicable for the occasion.
African organisations including governments, state organisations, embassies, associations, and trade bodies are co-operated with in organising national pavilions at the international trade fairs.
As these organisations offer exhibitors additional support and benefits, national pavilions give exhibitors a possibility to participate in foreign exhibitions in a cost effective and stress free manner. National pavilion organisers make participants the full process of exhibiting easier as they manage functions including stand construction, transport, PR and marketing, visa and travel arrangements for the whole group.
Financial assistance available to SMMEs and HDIs:
• Economy class return airfare (maximum of R20 000);
• Subsistence allowance (R3 000 per day for duration of event; maximum of 10 days);
• Transport of samples (maximum of R20 000);
• Physical or virtual exhibition costs (maximum of R65 000);
• Additional financial support for persons with disabilities (maximum of R35 000);
• Marketing materials to a maximum of R7 000 per event and digital listings of R3 000 per annum for entities with ≥51% ownership by women, youth and persons with disabilities, and first-time applicants; and
• Marketing materials to a maximum of R3 500 per event and digital listings to a maximum of 50% of the cost, capped at R1 500 per entity per annum, for entities with ≤50% ownership by women, youth, persons with disabilities, and entities that are not first-time applicants.
Financial assistance for ‘other size entities’ exceeding the turnover criteria for SMMEs:
• Physical or virtual exhibition costs (maximum of R65 000);
• Marketing materials to a maximum of R7 000 per event and digital listings of R3 000 per annum for entities with ≥51% ownership by women, youth and persons with disabilities, and first-time applicants; and
• Marketing materials to a maximum of R3 500 per event and digital listings to a maximum of 50% of the cost, capped at R1 500 per entity per annum, for entities with ≤50% ownership by women, youth, persons with disabilities, and entities that are not first-time applicants.
Access the National Pavilions List for 2023 / 2024
