EVENTS
Smith Power Equipment
CDE
Robert Keir, operations manager at Smith Power Equipment.
Wayne Warren, CDE business development manager for sub-Saharan Africa( on left), with client Kobus Janse van Rensburg of Cluster Holdings.
Africa countries and we will hopefully see the effect of this in our construction and mining sectors sooner rather than later. Of course, there are still challenges to be overcome but we have had a positive start to the new year.”
And what are these challenges?“ I would say that the general health of the economy is the main challenge facing the equipment industry in Africa. Contractors and plant hire companies in construction and mining are made vulnerable by the lack or shortage of solid long-term contracts and the correlated difficulty in accessing bank finance for new capital equipment, which frustrates investments and industry growth based on economic certainty.
“ The confidence factor should not be underestimated,” he adds.“ There may be really interesting opportunities out there, but companies are still uncertain about the future, so making large investments in capital equipment will not be an easy decision to make. However, those who invest in new, high-tech solutions that add value to their operations will hopefully lead by example and encourage others to take a leap, therefore generating new dynamism and confidence organically.”
According to Warren, the southern African construction industry is growing and aligning to global modernisation trends. And with an increasingly younger, active population and the correlated need for investment in largescale infrastructural projects, the future of concrete( and other construction materials) production is bright.“ To lay out the best foundation for a fast return on investment and long-lasting building structures, South Africa and its neighbouring countries are pulling out all the stops to align to international standards of excellence.
“ While mining is still depressed, the sector is showing encouraging signs of recovery and, in line with the construction industry, mining corporations are now aiming at better practices and optimal recovery of saleable materials from their sites,” he continues.“ This has become an essential factor for companies who want to retain an edge in a highly competitive market.”
CDE believes that the business case for investing in the African construction market is compelling and unopposed.“ Africa is the continent to watch in terms of global economic development and impact,” says Warren.“ It is poised to become a major player on the international scene, with an immediate need to plan for infrastructural developments that will accommodate its increasingly developing, politically aware, and technologically savvy populations. With a growing interest in‘ green’ concrete, higher quality, durable materials, sustainable urbanisation, and saving natural resources, southern African mine and quarry operators now turn to processing solutions that will allow them to reach optimal efficiency in these fields.”
The optimism among exhibitors this year is refreshing after the past couple of years of guarded to negative expectations. And with the expanded offering, together with sub-Saharan Africa’ s economic comeback and positive market opportunities in South Africa, the trade fair promises to be an event to remember.
“ bauma CONEXPO AFRICA is the perfect platform to meet key decision makers, network, and exchange industry knowhow,” says Crewe.“ We pride ourselves on being a trade fair that gives both local and international clients a platform to showcase themselves as leaders in their market, and we will continue to lead the way in being the premier trade fair for the mining and construction industry in Africa.” ■
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MARCH 2018