According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) the economy of the sub-Saharan Africa region is set to grow by 4.5% in 2015, and 5.1% in 2016, which explains the significant infrastructure investment the continent is currently seeing, says Bauma Conexpo Africa CEO Elaine Crewe.

“With a relatively buoyant outlook, and a number of economies across the continent experiencing some of the fastest and highest growth in the world, it is no wonder that current investment in infrastructure is so significant. This is very good news for many African construction companies,” she says.

The recently published, ‘Deloitte on Africa: African Construction Trends 2014’ report, notes that investment by value of megaprojects under construction in Africa grew by 46.2% in 2014, with investment up from $222-billion in 2013 to $326-billion in 2014.

The average megaproject value also increased by 84% from $689-million in 2013 to $1.27-billion in 2014.

The National Development Plan (NDP) is the single largest opportunity for the construction industry in South Africa, says materials handling machines manufacturer, distributor and exporter Bell Equipment marketing and sales director Terry Gillham.

“If government implements [the NDP], not necessarily in its entirety, but at least 60% to 70% of the plan, that would certainly be a massive boost for the construction industry in South Africa,” he says.

“While infrastructure, transport systems and energy supply are major challenges in Africa, they also offer the greatest opportunities for the construction industry. Across the continent, construction players can play an integral role in developing this vital infrastructure and opening Africa up to further growth and development,” Crewe adds.

Gillham sees many opportunities for the con-struction industry on the continent. “Power in the next 20 to 30 years has massive opportunities for Africa and construction. Another substantial opportunity for construction in Africa is the development of road infrastructure,” he says.

Bauma Conexpo
The Bauma Conexpo Africa is set to take place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre from September 15 to 18.

“With a bigger exhibition space to what we had for the 2013 event, delegates will be spoilt for choice at the range of new technologies and quality equipment on display at Bauma Conexpo Africa,” says Crewe.

Bauma Conexpo Africa is the biggest trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines and construction vehicles in Africa, covering a total of 60 000 m2 in exhibition space.

The premiere of Bauma Africa in September 2013 attracted 754 exhibitors from 38 countries and 14 700 visitors from over 100 countries.

“As an African manufacturer, [Bell Equipment is] proud to be able to showcase our products at an African trade show of this stature. “We will certainly be displaying a large array of our construction equipment across our various alliances in our substantial outdoor exhibition space,” says Gillham.

“Bauma Conexpo Africa looks forward to hosting industry players from across the continent in September and providing them with a unique opportunity to meet, connect and expand their contribution to the African development story,” says Crewe.