South African manufacturing received a boost following the launch of the Engineering and Technology Grouping of Export Councils (ETGEC) at Infrastructure Africa, which took place last month at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Johannesburg.

The ETGEC comprises the South African Electrotechnical Export Council (SAEEC), International Steel Fabricators, the South African Electrotechnical Export Council, the South African Capital Equipment Export Council, the Built Environment Professionals Export Council and the RailRoad Association.

This grouping of export councils, with support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has a reach encompassing more than 1 000 South African national and multinational companies through its membership base and (that of its) associated industry bodies.

The ETGEC was formed to provide a holistic support offering for member companies as they participate in infrastructure projects across Africa. SAEEC CEO Chiboni Evans notes that a key focus for the group will be the development of trade corridors in Africa,such as the North–South Corridor, the Lobito Development Corridor, the Nacala Development Corridor and the Mtwara Development corridor, which have become a significant focal point for regional development initiatives on the continent.

She points out that through its commitment to improving the local content of projects in Africa, the ETGEC will foster a collaborative relationship with other private-sector organisations and industry associations on the continent to ensure Africa’s economies benefit from the significant infrastructure investment that is expected for the continent.

“To this end, the ETGEC has aligned its operations with those of the DTI’s Trade Invest Africa initiative, which coordinates and implements South Africa's economic and investment strategy for Africa.”

The ETGEC will also collaborate on organising joint trade missions, both inward and outward, and represent their members in national and international platforms.

The grouping advocates on behalf of their members to government, multilateral institutions and other relevant bodies both in Africa and internationally.