CDI supports 30 businesses from across the country through national stand at Decorex Cape Town
Sunday, 10 August 2025
It was all smiles for 30 local businesses from across the country at Decorex Cape Town last month thanks to the CDI in partnership with the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD). The CDI coordinated a national stand funded by DSBD – one of the largest stands at the 2025 show – with fantastic results. The group of exhibitors made over R441 000 in direct sales and secured over R314 000 in orders.
This year’s Decorex Cape Town show, which took place from 5 to 8 June at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, welcomed 24 466 visitors, a 16% increase from 2024. Many of the 5 568 trade visitors who walked the floors came to Cape Town from as far afield as Austria, Germany, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, the United States and Zambia.
This year, the national stand ran alongside the CDI’s annual NEXT showcase
which featured a host of export ready businesses from all over South Africa.
“Together with DSBD, we led the coordination of the stand, from buildup to allocating stands to 30 businesses across six provinces. The selections were made jointly by DSBD, CDI and Decorex powered by RX Africa, and we worked closely with RX Africa to ensure a layout that allowed businesses with complementary products to exhibit side-by-side. This helped spark real exchange between entrepreneurs from different regions. Several exhibitors shared how valuable it was to be placed next to peers they wouldn’t usually meet,” says CDI’s Market Support Programme Manager, Fran Stewart.
Market Access opportunities for local craft and design businesses across South Africa is a core part of the CDI’s work to empower creative businesses and help them grow. The access we provide to premier trade shows both locally and internationally gives businesses access to incredible platforms to reach new consumers and trade buyers. Supported by our staff, these shows are a chance for owners to network, learn, and build relationships across provincial lines.
Highlights this year included LOOKOUT Ceramics
recording R60 000 in sales, while Lebo M Jewellery
closed R100 000 in confirmed orders.
“By working with national partners and local organisers, the CDI is proud to continue helping businesses across South Africa access credible market platforms, engage with new audiences, and take steps towards growth. We remain focused on practical support and coordination that creates real value for participating businesses. We’re grateful to DSBD and RX Africa for their support in bringing this stand to life.” adds Stewart.
Follow the CDI on Instagram @craft_and_design_institute
and Facebook @TheCraftDesignInstitute
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