The South African Industry and Technology Fair (INDUTEC) is a new 10-shows-in-one trade exhibition focusing on companies involved in technology, manufacturing, energy and engineering, the water, gas and petroleum sectors, and the pumps, valves and pipes industry. INDUTEC takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg from 14 to 16 May 2013. “INDUTEC is supported by 32 professional associations and industry bodies from   across South African industry,” says fair organiser John Thomson of Exhibition Management Services.

“This new Hannover-style industrial fair provides African companies with an unprecedented and unique opportunity to network with suppliers and buyers from around the world, all eager to establish business connections in Africa. It’s a perfect single-venue trade platform for suppliers to showcase products and services to a large, captive group of potential customers. INDUTEC’s 10 component  shows encompass Afriplast Expo; Empowertec Africa; Energex Africa; Industrial Greentec Africa; Intermac Africa; Manutec Africa; Petro.t.ex Africa; Pumps, Valves and Pipes Africa; Watertec Africa; and Smart Automation Africa.

“Africa’s rapidly expanding markets are the key to sales growth this year,” adds Thomson. “Economists are calling Africa’s markets ‘the new Asia’, and Forbes magazine has described economies in Africa as the most resilient in the world. In fact, of the 10 countries around the world with the fastest growing economies, seven are in Africa.” “Dozens of overseas companies have already started harvesting opportunities across the continent, and southern African-based businesses are starting to explore the possibilities of expanding their intra-Africa trade,” says Thomson.

INDUTEC Facilitates Regional Business Opportunities

The Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry is one of several associations that has endorsed INDUTEC, and is encouraging its members to leverage the trade opportunities inherent at such an event. “Most of our members benefit hugely from taking part in these trade exhibitions, especially events with a strong international presence like INDUTEC,” says Nada Reyneke, Head of International Trade at the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry.  “We use exhibitions extensively, here and abroad, to put our members’ products and services directly into the hands of buyers.”
Boosting African GDP

Africa has enjoyed steady growth since 2009, with the manufacturing sector contributing over 10% to the continent’s GDP; industry adding over 40% and mining and utilities contributing more than 25%. “These figures can increase dramatically if African business forms partnerships with companies in developing countries to share expertise, skills and technology in African markets; INDUTEC can provide those partnerships,” says Thomson. Many exhibitors are attending INDUTEC this year to gear up for significant industrial developments taking place all over Africa. In South Africa, the government has begun implementing several major projects.

The R5,8-billion Manufacturing Competiveness Enhancement Programme is intended to stimulate manufacturing and engineering activity. The new Preferential Procurement Policy Act is intended to compel government departments to buy goods and services from local manufacturers and suppliers. “The National Development Plan is a massive, long-term strategy to expand every facet of South Africa’s infrastructure, industrial base and economy,” says Thomson. “It will have a huge positive impact on business activity across the country, and the continent, and INDUTEC will form an epicentre of that activity.” African Growth to Soar by 2020“Africa’s manufacturing sector growth is set to reach $200-billion, and the water-related market will grow to $700-million by 2020,” adds Thomson. “The energy sector will grow to $800-billion, and the oil and gas technology market will reach $3,6-trillion. INDUTEC covers these sectors, which is why African business should be at the event.”