Essential oils sector could unlock jobs and industrialisation, says the dtic

South Africa’s essential oils industry has emerged as a strategic focus for boosting local manufacturing, job creation and export earnings, according to officials from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic). At the opening of the fourth South African Essential Oils and Vegetable Oils Conference in Pretoria, dtic’s Chief Director of Chemicals, Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals and Plastics, Claudy Steyn, outlined how the sector represents a major opportunity for industrialisation and economic growth. She emphasized that each litre of essential oil produced domestically offers a chance to expand local production and generate sustainable employment across multiple industries. The two-day conference, held at Rosemary Hill, brought together representatives from government agencies, industry associations, international development bodies and academic institutions. Organized jointly by the dtic, the Southern African Essential Oil Producers’ Association, the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, the event focused on leveraging South Africa’s natural resources and traditional knowledge to enhance competitiveness in global markets. The conference’s theme, “Treasures of the Past Leading to the Trophy of the Future,” underscored the potential for transforming indigenous assets into modern, export-oriented enterprises. Steyn pointed out that South Africa’s diverse ecosystems, combined with its wealth of indigenous knowledge and innovative entrepreneurs, place the nation in a strong position to lead in the essential oils sector. She argued that by investing in quality, sustainability and market expansion, the country could achieve both industrial advancement and broader economic benefits. According to her, the essential oils industry sits at the crossroads of agriculture, manufacturing, innovation and international trade, making it a vital component of national development strategies. To fully realise this potential, Steyn stressed the need for closer cooperation between the government and private sector stakeholders. She called for improvements in financial accessibility, enhanced technical standards, expanded laboratory testing and certification facilities, and increased funding for research and development. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of expanding access to both local and international markets, noting that the dtic has already supported several South African firms in participating in global exhibitions such as In Cosmetics Global 2026 in Paris. Daniel Lauchenauer, head of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs in South Africa, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the significance of South Africa’s biodiversity and entrepreneurial culture in building globally competitive businesses. He noted that maintaining high-quality standards has become crucial for accessing international markets, as they are now considered a fundamental prerequisite rather than just a competitive edge. Lauchenauer praised the collaborative efforts among government, industry leaders, researchers and development partners, which have created a unified approach to advancing the essential oils and vegetable oils sectors. He further stated that the active involvement of these groups demonstrates a collective dedication to fostering growth through joint efforts and the exchange of expertise. This collaboration, he suggested, will play a pivotal role in ensuring that South Africa’s essential oils industry continues to evolve and thrive in the global marketplace.