Malaysian Companies Seal Over RM125 Million Worth of Deals in MATRADE SME Bank-Led Mission to South Africa and Kenya
KUALA LUMPUR, 8 SEPTEMBER 2025 (MONDAY) - The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), in collaboration with SME Bank Malaysia, successfully concluded its Export Acceleration Mission (EAM) to South Africa and Kenya from 1– 5 September, 2025.
The mission, comprising 13 Malaysian companies from various sectors, achieved remarkable success by generating total sales exceeding RM125 million, including RM13.6 million in actual sales. MATRADE organised a total of 240 business matching sessions for the Malaysian companies involving 128 South African and Kenyan buyers.
The 13 Malaysian companies represented key sectors with high export potential, such as:
- Medical devices and equipment;
- Pharmaceuticals;
- Cosmetics and beauty products; and
- Halal food and beverage products
The EAM, which included business seminars, business matching sessions, networking events as well as market visits, was led by YB Dato' Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Chairman of MATRADE with the involvement of YBhg. Datuk Wira Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, Chief Corporate Strategy Officer of SME Bank as well as the Malaysia High Commissions in South Africa and Kenya.
According to YB Dato' Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, the initiative is a key component of the government's market diversification strategy to expand Malaysia's export footprint, recognizing Africa's high economic potential and its role as a vital emerging market for Malaysian products and services.
"Our companies' strong performance is a testament to the high demand for quality Malaysian products and services within the African market. MATRADE, in partnership with SME Bank, is committed to creating these vital platforms for our Malaysian companies, especially the MSMEs, to secure new business opportunities and expand their global footprint. Africa, with its 1.5 billion population is a market of immense potential, and this mission has been a significant step in strengthening Malaysia's trade ties and economic presence across the continent." said YB Dato' Seri Reezal Merican.
His words were echoed by YBhg. Datuk Wira Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, who said the collaboration with MATRADE reflects SME Bank’s commitment to helping Malaysian exporters succeed globally. “By supporting export activities, we are strengthening Malaysia’s standing as a trusted trading partner. SME Bank is proud to drive the national agenda with the support of MATRADE.”
“Since 2005, we have mobilised RM48 billion in financing to nearly 25,000 SMEs. Beyond financing, through our dedicated capacity building and training arm, the Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research (“CEDAR”), we have supported approximately 88,000 entrepreneurs nationwide. These efforts prepare Malaysian SMEs to innovate, scale and confidently expand into international markets,” YBhg. Datuk Wira Dr. Mohammad elaborated.
The Mission also involved meetings with several South African and Kenyan government agencies and foreign chambers such as:
- Department of Trade Industry and Competition (DTIC), South Africa;
- South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI);
- Business Unity South Africa (BUSA);
- Minara Chamber of Commerce and Industry;
- South African National Halaal Authority (SANHA);
- Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA);
- Kenyan National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI); and
- Kenya Bureau of Halal Certification (KBHC)
The EAM was organised to further support Malaysian exporters in expanding their presence in Africa. In 2024, Malaysia's total trade with South Africa and Kenya amounted to RM7.82 billion and RM5.57 billion respectively.
For the period of January to July 2025, Malaysia's total trade with South Africa was valued at RM3.24 billion. During this period, Malaysia exported RM1.87 billion to South Africa, while imports stood at RM1.37 billion. Meanwhile, total trade between Malaysia and Kenya for the same period reached RM3.26 billion, with exports amounting to RM3.24 billion and imports recorded at RM30 million.
MATRADE will continue to promote and enhance exports of Malaysian products and services globally. Malaysian companies interested in exploring global opportunities are encouraged to contact MATRADE via email (Alamat emel ini dilindungi dari Spambot. Anda perlu hidupkan JavaScript untuk melihatnya.) or through its social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn).
