Rex Bowden

Rex Bowden is an international trade and business development specialist with over 20 years of experience in international exhibitions, trade promotion, market access and B2B matchmaking. As Founder and Managing Director of CATALYZE, established in 2012, Rex has developed and delivered international trade programmes, hosted buyer initiatives and business matchmaking projects connecting companies across Africa and global markets. Working with government trade agencies, international organisations and private-sector partners, Rex specialises in creating commercially focused opportunities for exporters and businesses across multiple sectors. He is also the driving force behind ENGAGE, a technology-enabled B2B matchmaking platform, and ENGAGE Trade & Services Africa, which facilitated over 3,200 business meetings in 2026. His focus is on connecting the right businesses, opening new markets and translating international trade engagements into measurable commercial opportunities.