The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is strengthening trade relations between Malaysia and Africa through the Third Country Training Programme (TCTP) 2026, sharing Malaysia’s trade promotion expertise with African countries and exploring opportunities for greater economic cooperation.
Held from 12 to 19 October 2026, the Trade Promotion for African Countries programme marks MATRADE’s tenth involvement as a training institution since 2013, reflecting its longstanding commitment to knowledge sharing and capacity building among developing countries.
The programme is jointly implemented by MATRADE, the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
TCTP is an initiative under South-South Cooperation, which promotes technical cooperation and knowledge exchange among developing countries.
Participants from Eight African Countries
This year’s programme brings together 10 participants from Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Senegal and Tanzania. Two observers from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union Development Agency–New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) are also taking part.
Through the programme, MATRADE will share its experience in trade promotion, market development and international business engagement to help strengthen the capabilities of its African counterparts.
The eight-day programme features a seminar titled “Unlocking Africa’s Emerging Markets, Trends and Opportunities”, alongside briefings, knowledge-sharing sessions and industry visits.
Participants will gain first-hand exposure to Malaysia’s trade and industrial ecosystem, including the palm oil, health and wellness, building materials, and construction sectors. They will also engage with Malaysian industry players to better understand the country’s approach to trade development and internationalisation.
MATRADE Highlights Africa’s Growing Market Potential
MATRADE Chairman Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said strengthening Malaysia’s engagement with Africa was increasingly important, given the opportunities the continent presents for Malaysian businesses and exporters.
He added that the programme supported MATRADE’s market diversification strategy to increase the international presence of Malaysian products and services.
Reezal said TCTP 2026 reflected MATRADE’s commitment to delivering a high-quality international programme through engaging sessions, strategic networking and opportunities for lasting partnerships.
Beyond knowledge sharing and business connections, he said the programme also highlighted Malaysia’s role as a global trade and investment hub.
Malaysia-Africa Trade Reaches RM46.05 Billion
Malaysia’s trade with Africa was valued at RM65.11 billion in 2025, comprising RM34.05 billion in exports.
Major Malaysian exports to the continent included palm oil and palm oil-based agricultural and manufactured products, processed food, electrical and electronic products, and machinery, equipment and parts.
From January to August 2026, bilateral trade reached RM46.05 billion, with exports totalling RM21.74 billion.
Export growth was particularly strong in several emerging markets, including South Africa, where exports increased by 43.4%, Angola, which recorded growth of 215.4%, and Tanzania, where exports rose by 50.2%.
These figures highlight the opportunities available to Malaysian exporters as the country continues to diversify its international markets.
MIHAS Draws Participation from African Countries
MATRADE’s efforts to deepen engagement with Africa also extend to the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), its flagship annual halal trade event.
The latest edition attracted participation from 10 African countries: Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Mali, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Tanzania.
MIHAS features 14 product and service clusters spanning sectors such as education, modest fashion, food and beverages, Islamic finance, pharmaceuticals and medical products.
Participation from African countries provides another avenue for Malaysian businesses to build commercial connections and explore opportunities in the global halal market.
Building Long-Term Economic Cooperation
Through TCTP 2026, MATRADE aims to strengthen institutional links, facilitate knowledge exchange and promote a better understanding of Malaysia’s trade promotion practices.
By combining capacity building with industry exposure and networking opportunities, the programme seeks to create a foundation for deeper economic and commercial cooperation between Malaysia and African countries, while helping Malaysian businesses expand their reach across the continent.
