Creative Zone
Johannesburg, South Africa, 21 October 2025 – South African businesses were yesterday presented with a clear pathway to international expansion as Creative Zone by Encor, the United Arab Emirates’ largest business setup advisory firm, and South Africa’s Azanyah Trade Hub, in partnership with the UAE Embassy in South Africa, successfully hosted a high-level investment briefing at The Leonardo Hotel in Sandton.
The event brought together senior government officials, investors, corporate leaders, and SME champions for strategic discussions on how South African enterprises can leverage the UAE as a launchpad into global markets.
A key highlight of the day was the presence of His Excellency Mahash Saeed Salem Mahash Alhameli, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to South Africa and Dean of the Arab League. His attendance reinforced the diplomatic and economic weight of the engagement and helped frame commercial opportunities within the broader context of bilateral cooperation between South Africa, the UAE, and the wider GCC region.
Held at a critical time for South African businesses seeking to diversify beyond traditional trade corridors, the event positioned the UAE as a dynamic global hub offering investor-friendly policies, 100% foreign ownership, favourable tax regimes, and access to international capital. These were presented as concrete entry points for local companies in sectors such as mining, real estate, agriculture, ICT, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing.
A major milestone from the engagement was the formal signing of a strategic partnership agreement between Azanyah Trade Hub and Creative Zone by Encor, marking the beginning of a long-term commercial collaboration. The agreement was signed by Buhlebokukholwa Sibanyoni, Executive Director of Azanyah Trade Hub, and Lorenzo Jooris, CEO of Creative Zone by Encor.
“We are proud to extend our expertise to South Africa, having already supported over 75,000 businesses to successfully establish in the UAE,” said Lorenzo Jooris. “Yesterday’s engagement demonstrated that expansion into the Gulf is no longer an abstract idea, but a viable and practical strategy for South African enterprises.”
“South African businesses are ready to expand beyond familiar borders, but they need trusted partners who can deliver on both compliance and opportunity,” added Buhlebokukholwa Sibanyoni. “This event was about building concrete pathways to growth, resilience, and access to new markets.”
The briefing attracted a broad spectrum of attendees, including leaders from government departments, Brand South Africa, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, chambers of commerce, private equity and fund managers, provincial development agencies, and representatives from strategic industries. Discussions focused on actionable trade and investment outcomes, cross-border partnerships, and frameworks for internationalisation.
The newly formed partnership between Azanyah and Creative Zone by Encor will now support South African businesses ready to internationalise, offering end-to-end expertise in company setup, licensing, banking, visa facilitation, and regulatory compliance in the UAE and the broader GCC region.
About Azanyah Trade Hub
Azanyah Trade Hub (Pty) Ltd is a South African consultancy specialising in project management, procurement, sourcing, and trade facilitation. Led by Buhlebokukholwa Sibanyoni, Azanyah enables African SMEs and corporates to access international markets through supplier aggregation, digital marketplace services, trade consulting, and business development solutions.
About Creative Zone by Encor
Founded in 2010, Creative Zone by Encor is the UAE’s largest business setup advisory firm, supporting more than 75,000 companies in establishing operations across the Gulf. Its services include company formation, tax and accounting, visas, legal services, HR, coworking, and investor connections. Creative Zone by Encor is a trusted partner for entrepreneurs and corporates looking to succeed in the Middle East.
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