Border-Kei Chamber of Business
Voice of Business
Founded in 1877, the Border-Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB) is the recognised “Voice of Business” in the Border-Kei region. Headquartered in East London in the Buffalo City Metropolitan municipality, with a satellite branch in Komani, Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, the Border-Kei Chamber of Business is a not-for-profit, A-political, A-religious, membership-based organisation, representing a wide array of businesses in the private sector, academic institutions, public enterprises as well as the NGO sector.
At a national level, the Border-Kei Chamber of Business is a member of the Association of South African Chambers (ASAC), a national lobby body, that focuses on and addresses matters of national economic importance.
The BKCOB has five specific mandates, namely: – Investor attraction, investor retention, stimulating the economy, business support services and business recognition, through our Annual Business Awards programme. As the voice of business, the BKCOB also advocates for the creation of an efficient and sustainable enabling environment, with the local and provincial authorities.
The Border-Kei Chamber of Business also creates a platform for businesses to network, build new business relationships, maintain existing ones, facilitate strategic conversations, make deals and transact and is a platform where members can connect to like-minded individuals outside of their normal circle of influence. The BKCOB continues to support local municipalities in our region, to create towns and cities that attract and retain Investors and where every citizen aspires to live, work and play in.
Membership to the Border-Kei Chamber of Business is open to any registered business or organisation, running ethically compliant operations, from sole proprietors to large multi-nationals public and private sector Companies.
We invite all businesses to become members of the Border-Kei Chamber of Business and to partner with us to ensure that we fulfil the above mandate effectively and efficiently. This will ensure that we, together, create an enabling environment for all businesses to thrive in, so that jobs are created and poverty is eradicated.
WHY JOIN THE CHAMBER
Membership Benefits
- Raise your company profile, and boost your Company status in the Border-Kei Region.
- Tax-deductible membership and event fees.
- Excellent networking opportunities with like-minded business owners outside of your normal circle of influence.
- Marketing Opportunities at various Chamber events and on digital platforms. (T’s & C’s apply)
- The Opportunity to “give back” by joining our Chamber Committees who meet on a monthly basis to facilitate the change we want to see in our region.
- The Opportunity to Mentor and be mentored.
- Access to information on a wide range of topics from funding opportunities to the latest legislative industry trends and changes, etc.
- The Opportunity to build and grow your Social Capital.
- The Opportunity to gain access to new markets.
- The Opportunity to write an article or to be featured in our Quarterly Chamber magazine – the Business Hi-lite.
- Letters of support/ good standing to members trying to access Government tenders.
- Reduced rates for Certificates of origin to exporting members.
- Municipal Billing Help Desk.
- The opportunity to grow personally and professionally, through personal and professional workshops.
- Small Business Support for growing businesses.
- Corporate departmental support, e.g. HR Forum.
- The opportunity to place your CSI spend with trained & vetted NGO’s.
- The opportunity to stay abreast of any topical issues or opportunities, through our weekly “Chamber Opportunities and updates” newsletter.
Services
Trade & Information
We provide a comprehensive service to all members pertaining to business, including assistance with import and export, as well as trade leads.
Letters of Support
We provide letters of support to members wishing to access government tenders, including letters of introduction to Chambers, locally and globally for members attempting to expand their business abroad.
Website
All members details are available on our membership online directory available on our website, where members are entitled to link from the Chambers website to theirs. Members had to sign a form in compliance with the POPIA act.
Committees
The Chamber has a robust and effective committee system to facilitate members participation, growth and development and to enable us to fulfil our role as the “Voice of Business”.
Seminars & Workshops
A variety of seminars and workshops are offered by the chamber to provide information sharing as well as personal and professional training.
Business Support Services
The Chamber serves on several committees and fora. It works with other organisations where the Border-Kei chamber believes strongly in business unity and the transformation of the South African economy.
What support can the Chamber offer your business?
- Employee development
- Training in international trade
- Direct assistance on business challenges
- Export/import support and advice
- Assistance with employee matters
- Information on business regulations & amendments
- Policy, lobbying and advocacy
- CSI database and advice
- Access to markets
- Business-2-Business support and connections.
SME EXPORT SERVICES
What is a CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN and when do I need one?
A Certificate of Origin is a certified document that states what the country of origin is of a specific product. As the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) states, ‘it declares the ‘nationality’ of your product. Certificates of Origin are one-time documents that accompany your shipments. The Border-Kei chamber of business provides export business services to members and non-members!
What accompanies a certificate of origin?
- An Original Invoice
- Packaging list stating the consignment
What Determines the Country of Origin?
The country of origin is determined by:
- Where the product originates from.
- The production process and where the production process takes place.
- What parts or ingredients are in your product.
- We have member and non-member rates.
- The Border-Kei Chamber of Business processes Certificates of origin for the SADC region and internationally.
- We provide export & Import support/advice and training in international trade.
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FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE TO STAY UP TO DATE WITH OUR LATEST NEWS & EVENTS
Border-Kei Chamber of Business
Founded in 1877, the Border-Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB) is the recognised “Voice of Business"
⏳ COUNTDOWN TO AFRICA AGRICULTURAL INDABA 2026!
Only 6 Days To Go until one of the Eastern Cape’s biggest agricultural platforms takes place! 🌾🚜
CALL FOR EXHIBITORS & DELEGATES 📣
Showcase your business, connect with industry leaders, and position your brand where industry meets opportunity.
📍 Exhibition Packages: From R15 000 – R18 000 incl. VAT
✔ 3x3 Shell Scheme
✔ 3-Day Pass for 2 Exhibitors
✔ Catering Included
🎟 Delegate Registration: R2 000 (excl. VAT)
✔ 3-Day Delegate Pass
✔ Catering Included
📅 20 – 22 May 2026
📍 East London ICC
Secure your stand or register as a delegate today:
[forms.office.com/r/TneR9tLREc](forms.office.com/r/TneR9tLREc)
📧 Contact us: [communications@bkcob.co.za](mailto:communications@bkcob.co.za)
🌐 Visit the website: [www.africaindaba.co.za/](www.africaindaba.co.za/)
#AfricaAgriIndaba2026 #CountdownToIndaba #GameChanger #EasternCapeEconomy #Agriculture #Agroprocessing
Babalwa Hopa: CEO of Impact Dynasty and founding partner of the MMX Foundation
Babalwa Hopa is a distinguished strategic leader and public speaker with over a decade of experience in community development and enterprise value chains. As the CEO of Impact Dynasty and founding partner of the MMX Foundation, she serves as a champion for agri-market access in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
Babalwa specialises in translating complex developmental challenges into grassroots interventions, specifically focusing on transforming agricultural high schools into economic hubs. Her work emphasises regenerative agriculture, youth empowerment, and climate-resilient farming by leveraging off-take agreements to secure market success. Through innovative partnerships and skills transfer, she is dedicated to positioning the Eastern Cape as a thriving centre for sustainable rural development.
You can come showcase your business at one of the Eastern Cape’s biggest agricultural platforms. LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE!
Exhibition Packages: From R15 000 – R18 000 incl. VAT
- 3x3 Shell Scheme
- 3-day pass for 2 exhibitors
- Catering included
Register as a delegate: R2 000(ex VAT)
- 3-day pass
- Includes catering
Secure your stand today. Register using this Link:
forms.office.com/r/TneR9tLREc
Contact us now: communications@kcob.co.za
Visit the Indaba Website:
www.africaindaba.co.za/
Position your brand where industry meets opportunity.
#AfricaAgriIndaba2026 #GameChanger
#EasternCapeEconomy #Agriculture #Agropocessing
📊 TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR BUSINESS FINANCES 📊
Are you making sales but still struggling with cash flow? Unsure if your pricing is actually profitable? Feeling overwhelmed by tax and compliance?
Join the BKCOB Small Business Desk for a practical and empowering Financial Management Workshop designed specifically for small business owners.
💼 What you’ll learn:
✔ Understanding your business numbers
✔ Managing cash flow effectively
✔ Pricing for profit
✔ Budgeting and financial planning
✔ Record keeping and systems
✔ Tax and compliance essentials
✔ Using financials to grow your business
We’ll also introduce simple financial tools like Xero to help you stay organised and in control.
📅 Date: 29 May 2026
⏰ Time: 09h00
📍 Venue: BKCOB Boardroom, Chamber House, The Hub, Bonza Bay Rd, Beacon Bay
💳 Cost: R150 Members | R250 Non-Members
🎤 Facilitated by Esther Santos – Managing Director, Santos Business Services
📞 RSVP: 043 743 8438
📧 members@bkcob.co.za
#BKCOB #SmallBusiness #FinancialManagement #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #CashFlow #BusinessWorkshop #EastLondonBusiness #BeaconBay #FinanceForBusiness
Ms Esté van der Merwe: Procurement grain trader at Premier FMCG (Pty) Ltd
Ms Esté van der Merwe is a procurement grain trader at Premier FMCG (Pty) Ltd with more than 14 years of experience in the agricultural sector. She holds a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics and has specialised expertise in wheat and maize procurement.
Esté is recognised for her strong understanding of agricultural markets, grain procurement strategies and supply chain efficiency. Her experience and industry insight contribute to effective sourcing solutions and the sustainable growth of South Africa’s grain value chain.
You can come showcase your business at one of the Eastern Cape’s biggest agricultural platforms. LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE!
Exhibition Packages: From R15 000 – R18 000 incl. VAT
- 3x3 Shell Scheme
- 3-day pass for 2 exhibitors
- Catering included
Register as a delegate: R2 000(ex VAT)
- 3-day pass
- Includes catering
Secure your stand today. Register using this Link:
forms.office.com/r/TneR9tLREc
Contact us now: communications@kcob.co.za
Visit the Indaba Website:
www.africaindaba.co.za/
Position your brand where industry meets opportunity.
#AfricaAgriIndaba2026 #GameChanger
#EasternCapeEconomy #Agriculture #Agropocessing
Anton Gideon Scheepers - South African agricultural economist and the Managing Member of the Agricultural and Industrial Marketing Company (AIM)
Anton Gideon Scheepers, a Catalyst for African Agricultural Trade
Anton is a highly respected South African agricultural economist and Managing Member of the Agricultural and Industrial Marketing Company (AIM). With more than 41 years of experience, he has played a significant role in the recovery and revitalisation of agricultural and industrial projects across Africa.
Through his leadership at AIM, Anton has helped secure millions of dollars in funding for projects spanning aquaculture, forestry, grain, poultry and other agricultural sectors. He specialises in identifying and developing local and international market opportunities for African producers, while creating practical value chain solutions that connect rural production to global markets.
Anton is recognised for his expertise in supply chain engineering, trade facilitation and market penetration, particularly within high-value markets in Europe, the USA and the Arabian Peninsula. His work focuses on empowering African producers through innovative trade systems, technology-driven solutions and strategic partnerships that support sustainable agricultural growth and international competitiveness.
You can come showcase your business at one of the Eastern Cape’s biggest agricultural platforms. LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE!
Exhibition Packages: From R15 000 – R18 000 incl. VAT
- 3x3 Shell Scheme
- 3-day pass for 2 exhibitors
- Catering included
Register as a delegate: R2 000(ex VAT)
- 3-day pass
- Includes catering
Secure your stand today. Register using this Link:
forms.office.com/r/TneR9tLREc
Contact us now: communications@kcob.co.za
Visit the Indaba Website:
www.africaindaba.co.za/
Position your brand where industry meets opportunity.
#AfricaAgriIndaba2026 #GameChanger
#EasternCapeEconomy #Agriculture #Agropocessing
Interested in membership?
To join as a member, please fill in the application form or email members@bkcob.co.za
Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.
– Henry Ford
GET IN TOUCH
EAST LONDON
Tel: 043 743 8438
Email: info@bkcob.co.za
Chamber House, The Hub
Bonza Bay Road, Beacon Bay, 5201
KOMANI
Tel : 060 555 5392 / 063 229 3511
Email: admin@bkcob.co.za
Sign up for newsletter: communications@bkcob.co.za