Istanbul: South African defence sector companies, which participated in the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) in Trkiye from 22 – 27 July 2025, are set to return home with a wealth of promising trade leads. The South African National Pavilion, organized by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), provided a strategic platform for exporters to showcase their innovative products and services on an international stage.
According to South African Government News Agency, the pavilion enabled companies to explore opportunities for expanding their export markets and enhancing their global presence. Kevin Mhlanga, Technical Manager of engineering company FimmTech, highlighted the fair as an invaluable experience, allowing engagements with international counterparts from Trkiye, Canada, China, and the United Arab Emirates. Mhlanga emphasized the importance of fostering international relations through collaboration and sustainable partnerships.
Kim Bubu, Managing Director of Kimona Holdings, expressed gratitude for the department’s support, which allowed her company to display their products internationally for the first time. Kimona Holdings is a 100% Black-owned manufacturer specializing in industrial protective clothing and corporate uniforms. Bubu noted that the event marked a significant achievement for the company and highlighted the impact of the dtic and the Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association of South Africa in supporting local businesses, particularly those led by women.
Zama Ledidi, Managing Director of Unipro Protective Wear, described her participation in the fair as momentous. The event provided opportunities to connect with industry players and observe technological advancements in bulletproof vest manufacturing. Unipro successfully signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a Turkish body armour manufacturer, which aims to collaborate with a South African company to service the African market.
Ana Warburg, International Sales Manager for Zebra Protection, reported that their presence at the fair was beneficial for meeting new clients and showcasing their range of ballistic helmets and body armour. Warburg anticipates sharing the insights and contacts gained during the event with the team in South Africa.
IDEF 2025 is a prestigious event that showcases cutting-edge technological advancements in the defence industry. It serves as a platform for South Africa to demonstrate its defence capabilities and forge strategic partnerships with key players in Trkiye and across high-growth markets in Eurasia, the Middle East, and North Africa. The South African pavilion also hosted several other notable organizations, including Armscor, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, and various South African defence companies.