While global economies and markets stagnate in double-dip, and even triple-dip recession, Africa is on the rise; modernising, thriving and rapidly developing into a major industrial market. Africa is ripe for exploration by technology businesses around the globe, especially in oil, gas and petroleum, and the energy, water and manufacturing sectors. “Governments and world business leaders are talking about Africa, calling it ‘The New Asia’,” says John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services (EMS). The company is hosting the SA Industry & Technology Fair 2013 (INDUTEC), a new 10-in-one industry and technology expo which takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Johannesburg, from 14 to 16 May 2013.

“African markets are the undisputed key to sales growth in 2013 and beyond,” continues Thomson. “While the African continent overall will experience average growth of 5,25% in 2013,  some of its nation state economies are growing at 10% or more per year. Worldwide interest in doing business in Africa is at an all-time high.” INDUTEC’s 10 combined events cover the industrial, technology and manufacturing sectors and include: Pumps, Valves & Pipes Africa, Watertec Africa, Petro.t.ex Africa and Energex Africa – as well as exciting new additions; Intermac Africa (machinery), Manutec Africa (manufacturing), Smart Automation Africa (process automation), Afriplast Expo (plastics), Industrial Greentec Africa (sustainable technology) and Empowertec Africa (small business).

INDUTEC Boosts African Economic Growth

“Africa is not ‘the Last Frontier’, it’s the Next Frontier, with a fast-growing middle class consumer population that will need water, fuel and energy,” continues Thomson. Africa’s water-related technology market is expected to grow to $700-million by 2020 and its manufacturing market to $200-billion. The energy sector market will grow to $800-billion in the same period. That’s a drop in the ocean compared to the African market for oil and gas technologies which will top $3,6-trillion by 2020. “The Government’s National Development Programme (NDP) has set aside R300-million for the improvement of the energy sector in South Africa in 2013/2014, and R4,7 billion towards installing five million solar water heaters by 2020; 1200 megawatts of renewable energy will also be sourced from independent power suppliers in the private sector,” adds Thomson. South Africa’s R5.75-billion Manufacturing Competitive Enhancement Programme and the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act will also boost opportunities for international suppliers expanding their markets.