EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS
15
IFAT Africa’s 2017 success
More than 1 800 visitors gathered over three days at the
Johannesburg Expo Centre for IFAT Africa.
For the first time as a stand-alone event, IFAT
Africa became the hub for environmental
technology in southern Africa. IFAT Africa broke
new ground in terms of exhibitors and floor
space: 152 exhibitors took part in the trade fair
— an increase of 31% compared to the previous
event and a 33% increase in floor space.
This year, the international character of the
trade fair was especially impressive. Stefan
Rummel, managing director of Messe München,
is happy about the success. “The fact that
IFAT Africa attracted so many international and
national decision-makers at its first stand-alone
event, is exceptional. This underscores how
important IFAT’s topics are for the
African market.”
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
Pamela Tshwete, deputy minister of Water and
Sanitation, highlighted the importance of IFAT
Africa for the environmental market. “In the
resolution of our present global challenges, the
countries of the world must talk to each other and
exchange technical skills. IFAT Africa is a platform
for mutual exchange that shows us what solutions
are already in the market and what environmental
tools have been employed in other countries.”
In view of the pressing problem of water
shortage, the core issue at the three-day fair
was how to ensure a comprehensive supply
of water in sub-Saharan Africa. “This year’s
IFAT Africa was the place to meet for everyone
wanting to help tackle the water crisis. There
was especially strong demand for solutions for
resource-conserving water management and
water treatment,” said Elaine Crewe, CEO of the
local organiser Messe München South Africa. The
exhibitors were equally satisfied with the trade
fair. “IFAT Africa was again very successful for
us. High-ranking delegations from South Africa,
Zambia, Mozambique, and Ghana provided us
with access to markets in southern Africa. We
were able to forge valuable contacts with real
decision-makers,” said Andreas Schweitzer from
Hermann Sewering GmbH. “IFAT Africa 2017
was a quality show that attracted quality contacts
from both South Africa and the rest of Africa,"
added Hennie Pretorius from Endress+Hauser.
The next IFAT Africa will be held in Johannesburg
in 2019. PA
November 2017 Volume 23 I Number 9