The Aluminium Federation of South Africa (AFSA) hosted the International Aluminium Conference and Exhibition on the 26th and 27th of October 2022 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in South Africa. The event focused on the promotion of the use of aluminium, with a focus on aluminium applications and uses, market analyses and technological advancements within the industry.
The conference was reserved for delegates, with the exhibition hall open to the public. Exhibition stands were sold out, with a total of 17 exhibitors from the following companies:
- WISPECO Aluminium
- Hulamin
- Metal and Tool Trade (MTT)
- United Scientific
- National Foundry Technology Network (NFTN)
- CSIR
- Guala Closures South Africa
- EnergyWise
- Coxbro & Sheffield
- Aluminium Beneficiation Initiative
- DQS South Africa
- Engineering Africa
- Air Liquide
- Mundo Ladders
- Blue Crane Holdings
- SE Controls
- Scientific And Precision Solutions
Approximately 100 people were in attendance including domestic and international attendees from various countries in Europe and East Asia. During the conference, speakers and delegates shared their opinions, views, and suggestions on topical issues.
Guala Closures South Africa CEO and AFSA Chairman, Mr Giuseppe Carosini commenced conference proceedings with welcoming remarks. Keynote speaker, Mr Ross Strachan, Aluminium Analyst at CRU, spoke about a variety of factors influencing the global aluminium market.
During both days, attendees had the opportunity to attend various sessions with varying discussion topics presented by the 25 speakers. The umbrella topics covered included aluminium fabrication, additive manufacturing, academic and scientific research and developments, decarbonisation, sustainability and recycling within the global aluminium industry, and topics covering the South African Aluminium Industry Roadmap (SAAIR). During each session the audience was invited to participate in various polls in addition to Q&A sessions.
As expressed by one of the delegates, “Learning curve and [it is] good to see that there are a number of research work[s] on aluminium locally and internationally. [The] way forward is for the industry to engage academia and science councils.”
Therefore, this event is essential for information sharing and boosting engagement as the industry converges to push for the attainment of the SAAIR deliverables.
As the Aluminium Federation of South Africa, we would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere appreciation to the AFSA Members, and IACE2022 partners Hulamin, South32, CSIR and Velocity Venture, for their support. We would also like to thank our association and media partners, exhibitors, speakers – including our Keynote Speaker Mr Ross Strachan, and master of ceremonies Mrs Bridget Zuma- Rubambura, and all attendees for participating in the Premium Aluminium Event of 2022.
An attendee remarked, “It was the most organised conference and exhibition I have been to. The content was very impressive, and the networking opportunities were great. I will definitely be [in] attendance when it returns.”
For those who were unable to join us this year, check out the #IACE2022 highlights on our YouTube channel https://youtu.be/_Tn4AlhTYWM see what the exhibitors had to say https://youtu.be/t2vsKAcdG88 and view our online gallery https://aluminiumsouthafrica.com/gallery/ for a closer look at the event activities.
