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The Big 5 Construct Southern Africa builds on both digital and human connection to transform the construction industry

by Media Xpose

The construction industry’s leading private and public sector stakeholders gathered at The Big 5 Construct Southern Africa 2022 in Johannesburg to tackle the industry’s most critical challenges and engage in important conversations around building Africa for long-term prosperity and sustainable growth.

Attracting big industry sponsors like Development Bank of Southern Africa, Hisense, Interfile, NEXTEC, PPC Cement SA and SANRAL, the event was attended by Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Head of Investment and Infrastructure Office at The Presidency, South Africa.

Day one kicked off withthe Stakeholders Engagement Forum, in partnership with NAFBI and sponsored by PPC Cement SA. The forum provided a platform for open discussion surrounding the industry’s current challenges and the measures needed to expedite job creation and economic stability, and panelists included Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, as well as other leading industry experts.

Co-located with the African Smart Cities Summit which took placeon 8 June, sponsors PPC Cement SA and NEXTEC hosted a VIP Investment Breakfast that shone a spotlight on the need for constructive dialogue around investment for smart cities across the continent. Addressing the audience, CEO of NEXTEC Sean Bennet said that Africa’s exploding urban population represents either a huge opportunity or a huge potential problem for the industry, and highlighted the important role played by technology in attracting global capital and driving economic transformation. 


Citing several reasons why smart cities are such an exciting opportunity, Bennet said: “Technology allows us to use our capital more efficiently to solve more issues at a lower cost. For example, AI technology can be used to map road networks and pick up cracks in the road long before they become potholes, while South Africa’s world class connectivity should provide better education for the same budget.”

He also explained how tech can be used to solve scarce resource issues, such as ‘non-revenue’ water, which accounts for around 40% of water loss and includes issues like leaks, inaccurate billing or water theft.

“The technology already exists to reduce loss of scarce resources such as water, and in fact, to address most of the problems that affect every one of us in this country.”

The smart conversation continued with the presentation of the Lanseria Smart City Initiative, led by Jak Koseff, Deputy Director General at the Gauteng Department of Economic Development alongside Dr Ramokgopa, which explored the progress of the initiative to date, its investment plan and the financing gap.

The aim of Lanseria smart city development is to create the first post-apartheid city in South Africa based on ‘best practice’ in urban sustainability and the principles underpinning the smart city.  The city, which will be built surrounding the Lanseria International Airport, north of Johannesburg, is a project which is expected take around 25 years to complete.   

When asked by a member of the audience whether we should be focusing attention on building smart cities or managing our existing metro areas, many of which are on the brink of collapse due to mismanagement, Dr Ramokpoga responded that it is not an either-or decision, and that the lessons learned from the mistakes made in managing our current cities, need to be unlearned when building smart cities.

“Smart sustainable cities must seek to exploit advancement in technologies to resolve existing social problems, in the course of doing that, they are able to mitigate against the unintended consequences of unmanaged and rampant urbanisation as a result of pushing factors in rural areas,” he said.  

As part of The Big 5 Construct Southern Africa general workshop programme, Machiel Odendaal, Technical Manager at MODENA AEC, South Africa, continued the conversation of digital transformation within the built environment.

He said that the construction industry has been one of the slowest industries to adopt digital technologies and shared several benefits of cloud technologies for construction businesses, such as a common data environment, better connectivity for all project stakeholders, as well as access to big data to better manage risks and opportunities of projects and improve operational efficiency. 

Tracy-Lee Behr, Portfolio Director at leading global events company dmg events and host of The Big 5 Construct Southern Africa, said that overall, the event was a resounding success. “What made this year’s trade show more special, was that it was the first time in over two years that industry stakeholders from across the globe were able to connect in person, do valuable business, and learn from world class experts in order to get back to business.”

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SAITEX draws business leaders from across the continent

by Media Xpose

Africa’s international trade platform returns in person in June

After a two-year forced hiatus due to Covid lockdowns and restrictions, one of Africa’s most established multi-sector trade shows is back.

 

In its 28th year, SAITEX is being co-hosted with food and beverage show Africa’s Big 7 and the Halal International Trade Expo at the Gallagher Convention Centre between 19 and 21 June 2022.

“For almost three decades, SAITEX has been bringing buyers and sellers together, but this year feels markedly different, as it has been such a long time since our exhibitors and visitors last engaged in person,” says Portfolio Director of Food, Hospitality and Trade of dmg events Evan Schiff.

“This represents a unique opportunity for industry professionals to reconnect and develop strategic trade partnerships for future intra-Africa growth,” he says.

With leading buyers and suppliers from over 25 countries showcasing their latest products and service innovations across seven exhibitor zones, the expo will also feature a series of technical masterclasses run over three days, aimed at paving the way forward for businesses across the trade and township economy sectors.

 

According to Schiff, in 2019, over 4,900 industry professionals attended the event, and of these visitors, almost two thirds had senior decision-making roles within their businesses. 

 

In 2022, several interactive workshops and panel discussions will offer a dynamic mix of in-depth learning, development and discussion, led by a range of high-profile trade experts, financial institutes, and entrepreneurs in the sector. The ministerial keynote address will be given by the Honourable Rajeshkumar Indukant Modi, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce in Zimbabwe.

Visitors looking for support on access to SMME finance can attend a dedicated workshop hosted by Banking Association of South Africa on how to mobilise funding for SMMEs, while a fireside chat presented by SHE Trades will focus specifically on assisting female entrepreneurs to unlock new market opportunities.

Technological solutions and IT and software make up a significant percentage of products on exhibit at the show, and there will also be several workshops supported by e-Commerce Forum Africa, centering around the implementation of new digital strategies to protect, manage and grow business in a post-Covid marketplace.

The increasing importance of Africa’s township economy will also be recognised at SAITEX. In a stakeholder engagement session presented by the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, public and private stakeholders will delve into the details of the recently passed Township Economic Development Bill and the Township Economy Partnership Fund, considering its impact on individual businesses and existing commercial activity moving forward.

SAITEX is honoured to have Mpho Parks Tau, Gauteng MEC, Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture & Rural Development, Saki Zamxaka, Chief Executive Officer, Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP), Tshokolo Nchocho, Chief Executive Officer, Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Xolile George, Chief Executive Officer, South African Local Government Association (SALGA).*

Schiff says that with an estimated 355 million middleclass consumers, Africa has one the most rapidly growing retail markets in the world, making SAITEX a must-attend event for business owners, entrepreneurs, retailers, wholesalers and distributors from across the continent.

“SAITEX provides a unique platform for African importers and exporters to source latest products and services from a global manufacturing base, as well as establish partnerships and complete import and export deals,” he concludes.  

Registration for SAITEX is currently open. For more information or to register, please click here.

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Transforming Africa’s Manufacturing Landscape into an Advanced Technological Hub

by Media Xpose

A progressive outlook must be developed and adopted for the future of the continent that lays focus on the industrial development of the continent, because Africa is a leader of the future

Africa is a continent filled with potential, talent and untapped resources. Bountiful regional natural reserves have driven the population towards ingenuity and innovation that remain unmatched globally. The creation of unique technologies and solutions is the hallmark of the African industry as a collective. Further to this, the continent is abundant in industrious inhabitants and the fruits are ripe for the picking.

There is now an urgent need for development and investment in the manufacturing industry across the continent to bring homegrown, advanced technology to the masses through commercialisation and optimisation. Most predictions show that the combined GDP of African countries is expected to reach $29 trillion by the year 2050.

The unique talents of the African people now require capital and infrastructure to realise their ideas and innovation on a far wider scale. The inclusion of the African manufacturing industry to the global trade and commerce platform is the need of the hour and this can only be achieved through sustained investment and development which must be brought to Africa from all over the world.

Enabling factors of an environment for advanced manufacturing include:

1 – Energy:

No industry can function on a limited energy reserve. The development of energy infrastructure across Africa including the deployment of clean and sustainable energy solutions is paramount to the progress of the manufacturing industry in Africa.

2 – Trade Tariffs:

A review of the various trade and commerce tariffs in place across Africa is required to develop more investment-friendly incentives for the benefit of investors. We must learn from the past: During the 1980s, when the rest of the world was undergoing industrialisation, African tariffs were as high as 15 percent on average which built barriers to investment and commerce. Furthermore, protection of assets and capital must be ensured to drive investment into Africa for the development of the continent.

3 – Skills Development:

The African population is a talented amalgamation of innovative individuals. A robust system of skills development and higher education must be established to increasingly attract students to pursue higher studies. According to the African Economic Outlook Organization, 70 percent of Africa’s youth live on less than $2 per day. Government subsidies and the issuance of student visas with attractive packages must be deployed to promote education and skills development across the continent.

4 – Sustainable Development:

Often caught in the whirlwind of fast-paced development, leaders forget to consider the longevity and sustainability of mega-projects. It remains crucial that whatever investment flows into Africa is put into a sustainable model of development to further benefit future generations.

5 – Diversification of the Workforce:

The African continent is home to a huge group of diverse ethnic groups. To place the African manufacturing industry on an even footing with the rest of the world and to get the continent up to speed with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the practice of inclusivity, diversification and non-discrimination must be prioritised.

6 – Partnerships and Teamwork:

Upliftment of the African manufacturing industry necessitates that the public and private sector work hand in hand to drive the engine of development in the same prolific direction i.e. towards progress.

The case for the African manufacturing industry is as strong as it gets and requires centralised attention as no industry can compare to the returns and benefits that come with this region’s manufacturing potential. A progressive outlook must be developed and adopted for the future of the continent that lays the most focus on the industrial development of the continent, because Africa is leader of the future.

The Manufacturing Indaba remains Sub-Saharan Africa’s most prestigious and informative manufacturing event. The conference has evolved annually and has demonstrated invaluable initiatives in fostering significant business liaisons, forging gateways for manufacturers into new markets and exploring challenges and opportunities to promote innovation in manufacturing operations. The upcoming conference will prove no different. All these factors pave the way for creating employment opportunities as well as accelerating economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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Manufacturing Indaba Reemerges as an In-person Physical Event

by Media Xpose

The longstanding manufacturing conference and exhibition will be returning to the physical event realm after adopting an exclusively virtual approach over the past 2 years given the impact of the pandemic.

The resurgence of the Manufacturing Indaba is stirring much anticipation amidst the industrial community both far and wide. The 9th edition of the conference and exhibition will be returning to the physical event realm after adopting an exclusively virtual approach over the past 2 years. The 2022 edition is to be hosted as a physical in-person event from the 21 – 22 June 2022 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa. Sandton is the economic powerhouse of South Africa and Africa’s leading business hub.

Reigniting economic growth through manufacturing

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted amongst others industry, value chains, trade, labour markets, foreign direct investment, and remittance flows. The outcomes of the pandemic have hindered the economy’s ability to increase real incomes in the long term, thereby creating a heavy debt burden. As the health crisis subsides, economic recovery has become a priority, and inclusive and sustainable industrialisation is fundamental to building a better future.

Manufacturing plays an unequaled role in driving economic development, made evident by how industrial growth positively affects the overall GDP and productivity of a nation. A rise in manufacturing output induces production in the manufacturing sector as well as in other sectors through direct production linkages and indirect multiplier effects, hence driving the growth of the economy in its entirety. A resilient manufacturing sector paves the way for a nation to provide a quality standard of living for its citizens and has subsequently become acknowledged as a key accelerator for the continent’s robust and inclusive growth.

Further, manufacturing provides multifaceted productive advantages. First, mass production implies economies of scale: The more units produced, the lower the per-unit cost, and thereby increasing the value of outputs per input. Second, manufacturing is inclined to have strong linkages to other economic sectors, creating demand for skills, inputs, manufacturing components, transportation, and storage. Therefore, the reignition of manufacturing boosts reignition across a wider range of activities, including those within the services sector. Third, most innovation and technological advances originate in the manufacturing realm, which then spill over into other industries, consequently enhancing their levels of productivity.

Capitalising on the continent’s resources and opportunities presented by significant shifts in the structure of global production ensures the implementation of domestic manufacturing and a commodity-based industrialisation process. This provides immense opportunity for job creation and promotion of inclusive economic transformation across South Africa.

Harnessing Africa’s opportunities for industrialisation involves adding value to domestic products, soft and hard commodities and developing forward and backward linkages to the regional and international value chains. Moreover, it remains essential to develop and expand SMEs, industry clusters and the establishment of private-public partnerships to leverage resources for financing the industrialisation process.

Further, implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) can develop regional value chains and accelerate productive transformation if African entities can harness digital innovations to reduce production costs and leaders can create policies for skills development, public procurement, and foreign investment to further reinforce industrial linkages.

As a hallmark for conferences and events similar in nature, the Manufacturing Indaba empowers African manufacturing participants to enter a new age of innovation, technology, competitiveness, and sustainability. The upcoming in-person symposium is anticipated to make a long lasting and positive impact on manufacturing communities by enabling attendees to identify significant participants, speakers, financiers, influencers, and leaders, thereby giving them the means to not only survive, but thrive in this intensely competitive sector. Attending this event affords participants with superior knowledge to develop advanced solutions and business models, as well as access to new markets, new clients and the opportunity to grow prosperous manufacturing businesses, ultimately contributing to the nation’s economic growth.

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Smart Cities: The Solution to Africa’s Upward Urbanisation Trend

by Media Xpose

Technical Leapfrogging could Position African Cities for Sustainable, Smart Growth

Africa’s urban population is booming. At 3.5% per year, the continent’s urban growth rate is the highest of the developing world over the last twenty years. Within the next twenty, research suggests that every second person in Africa will live in a town or a city, bringing the urban population to around 926 million people.

Within the decade, it is also predicted that six of the world’s 41 megacities (cities with a population of over 10 million people), will be on African soil, including Cairo, Lagos and Kinshasa, soon to be joined by Johannesburg, Luanda and Dar es Salaam.  

While urbanisation plays a fundamental role in economic and societal progress, it also presents a myriad of challenges for governments in the developing world by putting strain on already crumbling infrastructure and transportation networks.  

Yet, Portfolio Director at leading global events company dmg events, Tracy-Lee Behr, believes that this rapid urban growth, coupled with a growing youthful consumer population, places Africa in a prime position to leapfrog the redundant-technologies of developed nations in favour of new, innovative digital solutions.  

“Ironically, Africa’s lack of infrastructure and lethargic uptake of technology means our cities are well-placed to adopt sustainable, smart city technologies that will enable economic growth and a higher quality of life using IoT, technology and creative thinking.”

Not only is Africa ready for the move towards smart cities, but Behr says there are many public and private enterprises across the continent that are already creating significant value through technology in cities, by taking existing infrastructure and adapting it in order to leverage natural resources and provide tangible benefits to citizens at a municipal, provincial and national level.

One such example is South African National Road Agency (SANRAL), which aims to rebuild South African cities by democratising transport through technological applications to transport problems, or smart mobility.

Shining a spotlight on the success of the smart city concept from an African perspective is Kenya’s first world-class smart city, Konza Technopolis, whose construction has finally begun after 13 years of feasibility studies and planning. Another example is South Africa’s first post-apartheid city based on ‘best practice’ in urban sustainability, the Lanseria International Airport Mega City

Such technical innovation is to be explored by strategic private and public smart city stakeholders at this year’s African Smart Cities Summit taking place from 8 June 2022, hosted by DMG Events under the theme of ‘Africa is Ready’. Delegates will unpack Africa’s readiness to adopt smart methodologies for implementation to current infrastructure through a series of technical workshops, inspiring case studies and collaborative panel discussions focusing on sustainability and green solutions, digital transformation, smart mobility, connected and inclusive cities and finance and governance.

“On top of a programme packed with strategic thought leadership and inspiring smart city discussions, Summit delegates will have the opportunity to network with key smart city public stakeholders at municipal, provincial and national level, as well as prominent private players from within financial services, technology and other key industries,” says Behr.

For more information on sponsoring, exhibiting, or attending the African Smart Cities Summit, visit www.smart-summit.com

[1] https://blogs.afdb.org/fr/inclusive-growth/urbanisation-africa-191#:~:text=In%20the%20developing%20world%2C%20Africa,to%2085%25%20of%20the%20population.

[2] https://www.howwemadeitinafrica.com/2030-six-worlds-41-megacities-will-africa/56956/

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