Infrastructure plays a key role in economic growth while the lack of infrastructure reduces productivity and hinders business competitiveness. According to PWC, physical infrastructure is one of the most frequently cited barriers to entry and economic growth in Africa. This was highlighted in its November 2014 report, Capital projects and infrastructure in East Africa, Southern Africa and West Africa.

“Taken as a whole, Africa’s infrastructure lags well behind that of the rest of the world with some 30% in a dilapidated condition and massive backlogs in almost every country across most infrastructure types. Improving infrastructure will be critical to spurring Africa’s continued economic expansion and enhancing its standard of living and stability,” reads the report. Foreign and intra-African investors should also take note that the World Economic Forum estimates that for every dollar spent on a capital project (for example, utilities, energy, transport, waste management) an economic return of between 5% and 25% per annum is generated.

“Excavators are critical tools in the African infrastructure development story. Investing in the right heavy construction equipment is fundamental to ensuring that projects are completed on time and importantly, on budget,” comments Elaine Crewe, CEO of BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA. “Sadly we see that Africa is becoming a dumping ground for inferior products and projects don't get finished on time; roads contracts taking 3 years to complete instead of 18 months because the equipment keeps breaking down,” comments Terry Gillham, Bell Equipment Director of Sales and Marketing, one of the big industry players exhibiting at BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA this year.

Heavy equipment manufacturers are constantly working on ways to make these heavy-duty diggers and trucks leaner and lighter to improve performance. “Today the construction industry focuses on the latest technology developments in terms of engine emissions – there is a drive towards technology improvements that reduce harmful emissions and pollution,” comments Riccardo Balma, Africa Marketing Manager at CNH Industrial, another exhibitor at BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA 2015.

“With rail infrastructure still being developed in many parts of Africa, trucking remains the primary method of transportation in the continent. We are therefore pleased to see the ongoing initiatives to develop ‘smarter’ trucks,” says Crewe. An article on Business Day Live in March highlights a collaboration between for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Department of Transport and some major industry players that is developing trucks that are “safer, more productive, have lower CO2
the University of the Witwatersrand, Council emissions per tonne of freight transported and do less road damage”.

Safety is another important factor in R&D for these manufacturers. “Today the leading heavy equipment manufacturers spend an enormous amount of time and money on safety features for their equipment and researching ways to promote operator comfort and well- being, which in turn improves productivity,” says Gillham.

“BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA is the largest trade fair for Construction Machinery, Building Material Machines, Mining Machines and Construction Vehicles in Africa and the exhibition will host a number of new developments and technologies in construction equipment,” says Crewe. A number of market leaders will be present, including Bell Equipment, Barloworld Equipment, Case Construction and New Holland Construction (CNH Industrial), , MTU, Scania, Ulma and WACO Africa.

“BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA provides construction industry players with a unique opportunity to meet, connect and expand their contribution to the African development story,” concludes Crewe. BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA takes place from 15-18 September 2015 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre (NASREC).