Africa offers significant opportunities for foreign direct investment, while in turn, international organisations offer a range of solutions to help Africa address key challenges.

This is according to Mr. Enrico Brandt, the Deputy Head of Mission of the Germany Embassy in South Africa, who was speaking at the official opening of the three-day IFAT Africa trade show for the water, sewage, refuse and recycling industry, co-located with analytica Lab Africa, the only trade show in South Africa for the of laboratory technology, analysis, biotechnology and diagnostics sectors.

IFAT Africa and analytica Lab Africa, running at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand until 7 July, bring together multiple synergistic industry sectors for networking and discovery. Around 5,000 visitors from across Africa will participate in the events to view thousands of solutions from hundreds of brands over three days, welcoming the opportunity to reconvene after a three-year hiatus due to Covid-19 lockdowns. 

Brandt said at the opening ceremony this morning: “Africa offers a broad variety of opportunities for foreign direct investment and cooperation.  South Africa, as with any other industrialised nation, faces challenges of limited resources and waste management.” He said a circular economy approach, an area in which Germany is a leader, allows more efficient use of resources and reduces waste generation.

Brandt added; “Markets are becoming more informed and quality control has become a critical aspect. Therefore it’s crucial for South African companies to invest in the necessary equipment to enhance quality control processes.”

Welcoming visitors from across Africa, Bhupinder Singh, CEO of event organisers Messe Muenchen India, highlighted the event’s strong focus on sustainable development, a circular economy, waste management and a rapid transition towards localised R&D.  

He noted: “Africa is drawing interest from across the world. This year, we have truly global participation with delegates from as far afield as Germany, Austria, China, Italy, Norway and the UK. analytica Lab Africa will present research and science from local labs that are solving critical challenges; while the IFAT Africa conference will offer perspectives on urgent matters like the circular economy and resource efficiency.  We look forward to dynamic participation from the African and international community at this exciting platform.”

Katharina Schlegel, of Messe Muenchen Germany noted: “IFAT Africa address issues relevant across the SADC region and the broader continent. In line with this, we are gratified to have the African Water and Sanitation Association hosting their meeting at IFAT Africa for the first time; as well as to host guests from across Africa.”  

With extensive exhibition areas, high-level discussion forums, workshops and demos, IFAT Africa and analytica Lab Africa are focusing on challenges, solutions and opportunities in the sectors.

Schlegel said: “The response from partners and exhibitors has been phenomenal. In partnership with leading industry bodies, participants are networking, doing business and addressing common issues. We are also showcasing solutions and services from the biggest brands, all under one roof for three days.  The successful return of IFAT Africa and analytica Lab Africa pave the way for ongoing growth and an even bigger and better event next year.”

Visitors also stand a chance to win an iPad on each day of the event.