KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8, 2025 – Malaysian companies have sealed business deals worth more than RM125 million during the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation’s (Matrade) export acceleration mission to South Africa and Kenya, held from September 1 to 5.
The mission, organised in partnership with SME Bank Malaysia, brought together 13 Malaysian companies from different sectors to explore new markets in Africa.
Key Achievements
RM125 million in total sales, including RM13.6 million in confirmed deals.
240 business matching sessions held with 128 African buyers.
Participation from companies in sectors such as manufacturing, services, ICT, and consumer goods.
The delegation, led by Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, also included SME Bank’s chief corporate strategy officer Datuk Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim and received support from the Malaysian High Commissions in both countries.
The programme featured:
Business seminars
Networking events
Market visits to strengthen commercial linkages
Reezal said the initiative reflects the government’s market diversification strategy to expand Malaysia’s export presence.
“Africa, with its 1.5 billion population, is a market of immense potential. The strong performance of our companies proves the high demand for Malaysian products and services,” Reezal noted.
SME Bank emphasised its role in helping local businesses expand abroad.
Since 2005, the bank has provided RM48 billion in financing to nearly 25,000 SMEs, and through its training arm CEDAR, has supported over 88,000 entrepreneurs with skills and capacity building.
Mohammad Hardee said this partnership with Matrade helps Malaysian exporters build confidence and expand internationally.
In 2024, Malaysia’s trade with South Africa was valued at RM7.82 billion, while trade with Kenya reached RM5.57 billion.
Between January and July 2025, Malaysia’s total trade with South Africa amounted to RM3.24 billion (exports RM1.87b, imports RM1.37b).
For the same period, trade with Kenya hit RM3.26 billion, with exports making up almost the entire figure at RM3.24 billion.
Analysts say the deals will not only strengthen Malaysia’s footprint in Africa but also create long-term partnerships in areas like agribusiness, consumer goods, and digital services.
The mission highlights Africa’s growing role as an emerging market and Malaysia’s determination to tap into its opportunities for mutual growth.
