bauma CONEXPO AFRICA attracts over 50 exhibitors from India

Sensing a significant demand for construction equipment from the emerging African market, over 50 exhibitors from India participated at bauma CONEXPO AFRICA, Africa’s leading industry trade fair.

bauma CONEXPO AFRICA, the premier trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines and construction vehicles has firmly established itself in the African market following its third edition, which took place from March 13 to 16, 2018 in Johannesburg.

Around 454 exhibitors from 34 countries and 14,167 visitors attended the fair, of which 13% visitors were from outside the host country. The top five visitor countries from South Africa were Zimbabwe, Kenya, Botswana, Mozambique and Namibia. Delegations were from Chile, Israel, Kenya and Turkey.

The participation from 34 countries underlines the fair’s importance as the largest industry event for this sector in the region. Participation by a fair number of Indian companies also draws attention to the potential in the African market for Indian products.

“The trade fair reflected a sense of renewed optimism and highlighted the opportunities in the industry, despite recent economic challenges,” stated Stefan Rummel, MD, Messe München. Petra Kaiser, Senior Director of International Exhibitions & Events at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), added: “It is significant to have a consistent and engaged presence in the region in order to take advantage of long-term business potential. bauma CONEXPO AFRICA creates a platform to help facilitate these opportunities.”

A highlight of the 2018 edition was the quality of visitors as exhibitors experienced increased sales of machinery and equipment over the four days. Commented Rajen Garender, Marketing Director, Weir Minerals: “bauma CONEXPO AFRICA is an extremely well-organized and professional trade event. It has been a successful exhibition for Weir Minerals with several promising sales opportunities in the works.”

Said Naseera Barradeen, Marketing Manager, Ever Star Industries, “The fair provided excellent networking opportunities for Shantui, though the number of visitors was lower than expected. We look forward to exhibiting again in 2021.”

Exhibitors were present from across various industry segments. “KAESER is very satisfied with the results of this exhibition,” said Marco Angermüller, Manager - Product Support at KAESER KOMPRESSOREN. “The number of visitors was limited, but the quality was great. We signed a lot of orders and found many new customers, which will help us to grow further in South Africa.”

Organizers BC Expo South Africa, Messe München and AEM are looking forward to the next edition of the trade fair, which will take place again in Johannesburg in 2021.