The 140th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, concluded on November 4, 2026, in Guangzhou, China. This international trade fair is a significant platform for Chinese manufacturers to meet buyers from around the world. Jay Kumwimba, a Congolese entrepreneur and director-general of Guangzhou Link Global Logistics Co. Ltd., believes this fair is a strategic tool for developing trade between China and African markets, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Canton Fair, held twice a year since 1957, features companies from various sectors, allowing international buyers to discover products, meet manufacturers, and negotiate trade partnerships. The 140th edition, which took place from October 15 to November 4, 2026, was organized in three phases, showcasing a wide range of products, including electronics, household appliances, machinery, and new energy vehicles. The fair attracted nearly 1.55 million square meters of exhibition space, with 75,700 stands and over 30,000 exhibitors.
Jay Kumwimba's presence at the fair is advantageous, as being based in Guangzhou enables him to participate in the different phases without incurring international travel expenses, which often hinder African entrepreneurs from exploring the Chinese market. He emphasizes the importance of meeting manufacturers directly, allowing for price comparisons, quality assessments, and negotiations without intermediaries. This proximity to Chinese companies also helps identify market trends and products with potential in the DRC.
The sectors that Kumwimba considers promising for the Congolese market include electronics, textiles, construction materials, industrial equipment, and solar products. Beyond finding suppliers, he stresses the value of networking, as the Canton Fair provides opportunities to meet other African economic operators, freight forwarders, quality control providers, and logistics professionals. These connections are particularly useful for companies seeking to organize their supplies and secure shipments to African markets.
As the head of Guangzhou Link Global Logistics Co. Ltd., Kumwimba believes that physical meetings with suppliers contribute to establishing lasting commercial relationships, facilitating discussions on payment terms, delivery modalities, and long-term collaboration possibilities. He views the Canton Fair not only as a commercial exhibition but also as a space for prospecting, negotiating, and building partnerships for Congolese economic operators seeking to strengthen their presence in trade with China.
The closure of the 140th edition already looks ahead to the next session, scheduled for spring 2027. Kumwimba invites Congolese entrepreneurs to take greater interest in this event and its opportunities, emphasizing that being present in Guangzhou without leveraging this platform would mean missing out on trade opportunities that other operators might seize.
The Canton Fair offers a unique chance for economic operators to explore new products, establish relationships, and negotiate partnerships. With its rich history and extensive reach, the fair remains a vital platform for international trade, and its next edition is expected to attract even more participants.
Key points
- The 140th Canton Fair attracted over 30,000 exhibitors and 1.55 million square meters of exhibition space.
- Jay Kumwimba sees the fair as a strategic tool for developing trade between China and African markets.
- The fair provides opportunities for networking and establishing lasting commercial relationships.
