Johannesburg, South Africa | 16 July 2024: Infrastructure development serves as the backbone of economic growth, social advancement and environmental sustainability. In South Africa, the $193 billion infrastructure market is supporting the nation's economic growth in line with the National Development Plan 2030 and the National Infrastructure Plan 2050, and addressing the sector’s needs is the inaugural South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo.
Running from 18-20 June 2025 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, the new event, co-located with Big 5 Construct South Africa, will advance the industry in South Africa through its focus on innovation and transformation.
Population growth, a surge in the tourism sector, the expansion of the power industry, increased demand for water projects and the need for improved waste management solutions have all significantly contributed to the development of the sector. In South Africa, the government unveiled 12 major projects prioritizing transport, energy, education and other key areas of the economy.
Commenting on the launch of the new event, Mehtap Gürsoy, Portfolio Director - Construction, dmg events said: “The launch supports the region’s ongoing investment into the sector’s innovation and transformation. It brings together the infrastructure, water and construction value chains in a centralized space where decision-makers and leaders can collaborate to create the future.”
“The event aligns with the nation’s development plans for the industry as it plays an essential role in driving regional development and enhancing the overall quality of life, and that successful implementation requires meticulous planning, engineering expertise and coordination across various stakeholders.”
In its inaugural edition, the event will feature products and services across five dedicated sectors that include urban connectivity, water and waste management, smart cities and digital infrastructure, communications and planning, and the construction of power infrastructure.
Big 5 Construction South Africa 2024 marks a successful edition
As South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo gears up for its launch in 2025, it builds on the successful milestones set by Big 5 Construct South Africa 2024. Bringing more than 8,156 visitors from across the country’s construction landscape, the event featured 238 exhibitors from 18 countries, including China, Egypt, India, Italy, Germany, Greece, South Korea and Türkiye, among others.
“We had an excellent turnout with the right kind of people and connected with existing customers who were looking to expand from smaller markets to larger ones. Big 5 Construct South Africa has been highly beneficial for us,” said Andrew Russey, National Training Manager - Power Tools, Bosch.
The event hosted the 6th edition of the Stakeholders Engagement Forum, which emphasized the need for innovative funding mechanisms, good governance and building a more professional sector. The forum featured prominent industry names from National African Federation for the Building Industry (NAFBI), South African Institution of Civil Engineering’s (SAICE), and South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) among a high-profile speaker line-up. Mxolisi Mgojo, President, Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) underscored the need for “a conducive business environment that encourages growth and job creation” in South Africa.
An exclusive gathering of key smart cities stakeholders, the African Smart Cities Summit stressed on the continent’s readiness to adopt smart methodologies, technology and creative thinking in the sector. Some of the renowned speakers represented South African Cities Network, Tatu City Development Control Company, Smart Africa, Frost & Sullivan and many other companies.
This year’s edition of the event also hosted 25 CPD-certified Big 5 Talks, led by 33 speakers. Providing practical insights into topics that matter to the construction and engineering industries, these sessions were attended by 1,538 industry professionals, each earning points towards their annual training and development quota.
“Big 5 Construct South Africa showcased a diverse range of companies, making it a key hub for live demonstrations of advanced, technology-driven displays essential for supporting the country’s ongoing and upcoming mega projects,” said Mehtap. “Attendees had the opportunity to witness first-hand the latest advancements in building materials, sustainable practices and smart technologies designed to enhance efficiency, safety and environmental sustainability.”
Big 5 Construct South Africa will return from 18-20 June 2025 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, co-located with the inaugural South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo, to provide attendees and exhibitors with the opportunity to reconnect with the industry and facilitate growth and advancement.
For media queries contact:
Ranju Warrier, Head of Communications – Construction, dmg events
ranjuwarrier@dmgevents.com
Lavina Naidoo, Account Executive, Pulse Communications
lavina@pulsecomms.co.za
About Big 5 Construct South Africa
Big 5 Construct South Africa is the country’s largest construction event bringing together local and international companies to showcase products and services, innovation, expertise and knowledge to the South African construction industry.
The three-day event offers 8,500 industry professionals the opportunity to connect with 200 local and international exhibitors to source the latest products and solutions for their upcoming and on-gong projects, as well as earn free CPD points through a curated talks programme.
Big 5 Construct South Africa is set to take place in Halls 2 and 3 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 4-6 June 2024 . The event is free to attend for industry professionals. Visitors under age 18 will not be permitted.
For more information and to register, visit www.big5constructsouthafrica.com
About dmg events
dmg events is a leading organizer of face-to-face events and publisher of trade magazines and information services. Our aim is to create dynamic marketplaces to connect businesses with the right communities to accelerate their growth in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.
With a presence in over 30+ countries and organizing more than 100+ events each year, dmg events is a global leader in the industry. Attracting over 425,000 attendees and delegates annually, we organize events in the construction, hospitality, food & beverages, interiors & design, energy, coatings, entertainment and transportation sectors.
To better serve our customers, dmg events has offices in 10 countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, South Africa, the UK, Canada, and Singapore. By being on the ground, we can better understand market needs and nurture relationships to create unforgettable experiences for our attendees.
Our flagship events include Big 5 Global, The Hotel Show, INDEX, ADIPEC and Gastech. For more information visit www.dmgevents.com. Founded in 1989, dmg events is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT, www.dmgt.co.uk).
Johannesburg, South Africa | 05 June 2024: The 11th edition of Big 5 Construct South Africa opened at the Gallagher Convention Center in Johannesburg following the official ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Dr Hubert Joynt, Programme Manager - Centre of Excellence, Infrastructure South Africa and Vishaal Lutchman, Managing Director, Zutari. From dmg events, the organizers of Big 5 Construct South Africa, Ben Greenish, Executive Vice President, Mehtap Gürsoy, Portfolio Director - Construction and Tracy-Lee Behr, Event Director were also present.
“This year’s Big 5 Construct South Africa has opened to construction and engineering professionals, with strong participation from both local and international companies,” said Gürsoy. “The event has long served as a catalyst for driving investment and innovation within the nation’s economy, and its significance extends far beyond the exhibition floor. The next two days are just the start of its impact and how it ignites innovation and conversations across industry leaders and decision-makers.”
The ribbon-cutting was followed by the opening of the 7th edition of the Stakeholders Engagement Forum which prioritized building sustainable and resilient infrastructure in South Africa. Addressing the attendees, Aubrey Tshalata, National President, NAFBI, South Africa, stressed the collective efforts initiated by industry professionals to drive forward the development and transformation of South Africa’s built environment, despite challenging market conditions.
Also, attending the event were renowned industry leaders, including Lufuno Ratsiku, President, The South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions; Sekadi Phayane-Shakhane, Chief Executive Officer, South African Institution of Civil Engineering; and Themba Mahambi, Chairman, SANRAL. Some of the discussions at the forum highlighted the state of infrastructure in South Africa, innovative strategies to address challenges and opportunities from the design and implementation stages and the importance of asset preservation and resilience.
As the event opens for three days of business making, networking and knowledge sharing, it hosts more than 200 exhibitors from 20 countries. Supporting South Africa’s growing demand for products and services, Türkiye-based Teknorm Plastik showcases polycarbonate sheets; South Africa-based Mundo Ladders presents high-quality and durable ladders; India-headquartered Surie Polex brings granite polishing machines; Fritz J, leading suppliers of industrial and commercial roller doors and generators; Singapore’s Lintec & Linnhoff presents leading-edge solutions for the asphalt and concrete industries; China-based Fujian Qunfeng Machinery brings block production line, cuber machine as well as automatic block cuber machine.
Day one of the event hosted several Big 5 Talks on Africa’s water infrastructure issues that unpacked the potential of digital in solving legacy challenges; sustainable construction which highlighted the use of engineered timber and digital design; and driving sustainable strategies for the built environment. The talks enhanced practical learning in the construction industry by providing a hands-on, immersive environment where professionals engaged with the latest tools, technologies and methodologies.
The evening of the opening day celebrated impact in construction at the 2nd edition of Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards, where projects, innovations, businesses and the dedicated teams and individuals were recognized across 10 distinct categories in a gala ceremony.
“The next two days of the event are set to be as exciting and engaging, providing attendees with significant opportunities for growth and collaboration across a wide array of exhibitors, content programmes and speakers,” Gürsoy concluded.
Big 5 Construct South Africa is free-to-attend for industry professionals, excluding visitors under the age of 18. To register, visit: https://www.big5constructsouthafrica.com/
For media queries contact:
Ranju Warrier, Head of Communications – Construction, dmg events
ranjuwarrier@dmgevents.com
Lavina Naidoo, Account Executive, Pulse Communications
lavina@pulsecomms.co.za
About Big 5 Construct South Africa
Big 5 Construct South Africa is the country’s largest construction event bringing together local and international companies to showcase products and services, innovation, expertise and knowledge to the South African construction industry.
The three-day event offers 8,500 industry professionals the opportunity to connect with 200 local and international exhibitors to source the latest products and solutions for their upcoming and on-gong projects, as well as earn free CPD points through a curated talks programme.
Big 5 Construct South Africa is set to take place in Halls 2 and 3 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 4-6 June 2024 . The event is free to attend for industry professionals. Visitors under age 18 will not be permitted.
For more information and to register, visit www.big5constructsouthafrica.com
About dmg events
dmg events is a leading organizer of face-to-face events and publisher of trade magazines and information services. Our aim is to create dynamic marketplaces to connect businesses with the right communities to accelerate their growth in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.
With a presence in over 30+ countries and organizing more than 100+ events each year, dmg events is a global leader in the industry. Attracting over 425,000 attendees and delegates annually, we organize events in the construction, hospitality, food & beverages, interiors & design, energy, coatings, entertainment and transportation sectors.
To better serve our customers, dmg events has offices in 10 countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, South Africa, the UK, Canada, and Singapore. By being on the ground, we can better understand market needs and nurture relationships to create unforgettable experiences for our attendees.
Our flagship events include Big 5 Global, The Hotel Show, INDEX, ADIPEC and Gastech. For more information visit www.dmgevents.com. Founded in 1989, dmg events is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT, www.dmgt.co.uk).
Johannesburg, South Africa | May 2024: The world is up against significant infrastructural challenges. Water shortages, sustainable energy, robust infrastructure, and complex market conditions are putting pressure on the construction sector, both in South Africa and abroad. In South Africa, the construction industry is anticipated to grow by 1.3% in 2024 with a 3.7% projected AAGR. Big 5 Construct South Africa, taking place from 04-06 June 2024 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, is bringing these challenges and narratives to light over three days of networking, exhibits and content programmes.
The event is set to host more than 8,500 attendees, who will connect with over 200 exhibitors from 20 countries. Big 5 Construct South Africa will include more than 20 sessions across Big 5 talks alongside the African Smart Cities Summit and the Stakeholders Engagement Forum.
“Big 5 Construct South Africa brings together influential decision-makers, subject matter experts, and thought leaders in a space designed to enhance networking and learning opportunities,” said Mehtap Gürsoy, Portfolio Director - Construction, dmg events. “Big 5 Talks are CPD certified and currently there are more than 35 speakers set to provide educational and informative sessions that will count towards attendee CPD points. This is a significant benefit to those operating within the construction sector as they can not only connect with thought and market leaders but expand their skillsets while meeting their CPD requirements.”
Returning on the opening day of Big 5 Construct South Africa is the Stakeholders Engagement Forum which unites public and private sector leaders to collaborate on positively influencing the construction industry’s trajectory.
This year, the forum will be focused on the theme of ‘Building Tomorrow’s Cities’ exploring critical aspects including infrastructure, connectivity and the transformative impact of technology’. It will feature insightful discussions and conversations, with Aubrey Tshalata, National President, National African Federation for the Building Industry (NAFBI) and Sekadi Phayane-Shakhane, Chief Executive Officer, South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) delivering the welcome address. Among other engaging sessions, the forum will host a panel discussion moderated by Friedrich Slabbert, Director, Sciendum and featuring prominent speakers such as Refilwe Lesufi, Chief Executive Officer, Prama Consulting & VP SAICE; Vishaal Lutchman, Managing Director - Transport, Zutari; and Hubert Joynt, Head - Centre of Excellence, Infrastructure South Africa as well as Themba Mahambi the Chairman for the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL).
Commenting on the forum, Gürsoy said: “Prioritizing sustainable development, the forum advocates for eco-friendly practices and resilient urban planning to safeguard African cities against climate change. Beyond physical structures, discussions extend to the economic and societal impact of the built environment, aspiring to cultivate sustainable, inclusive and resilient communities ready for future challenges.”
One of the core events taking place is the African Smart Cities Summit which stands as a pivotal event on the continent. It is focused on unravelling the immense potential of smart cities and is an essential event for those interested in the intersection of urban development, technology and sustainability within the African context.
This year’s African Smart Cities Summit will be hosted by Professor Susan Bouillon, Extraordinary Professor in Planning Law at North West University and includes among its roster of speakers: Olivier Twagira Yezu, Unit Manager: Digital Trade and Services, Smart Africa, Rwanda discussing the current construction landscape; Demola Aladekomo, Executive Chairman, Smart City, Nigeria, unpacking smart infrastructure development; Faranani Gethe, Chief Building Inspector, City of Johannesburg, South Africa, talking about the balance of urban regeneration; and Cameron Mc Millan, Director, SA Clean Water, South Africa, focusing on leveraging the Internet of Things for water security and optimization.
The African Smart Cities Summit will be taking place on 5 June, the second day of the event, and will include panel discussions, case studies and engaging debates covering critical areas of concern in South Africa. Commenting on the value of the African Smart Cities Summit, Gürsoy said: “This event addresses real-world solutions that transcend theoretical sustainability concepts and turn them into tangible actions.”
Registration is now open with free admission to trade and industry professionals over the age of 18. For more information visit: https://www.big5constructsouthafrica.com/
For media queries contact:
Ranju Warrier, Head of Communications – Construction, dmg events
ranjuwarrier@dmgevents.com
Lavina Naidoo, Account Executive, Pulse Communications
lavina@pulsecomms.co.za
About Big 5 Construct South Africa
Big 5 Construct South Africa is the country’s largest construction event bringing together local and international companies to showcase products and services, innovation, expertise and knowledge to the South African construction industry.
The three-day event offers 8,500 industry professionals the opportunity to connect with 200 local and international exhibitors to source the latest products and solutions for their upcoming and on-gong projects, as well as earn free CPD points through a curated talks programme.
Big 5 Construct South Africa is set to take place in Halls 2 and 3 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 4-6 June 2024 . The event is free to attend for industry professionals. Visitors under age 18 will not be permitted.
For more information and to register, visit www.big5constructsouthafrica.com
About dmg events
dmg events is a leading organizer of face-to-face events and publisher of trade magazines and information services. Our aim is to create dynamic marketplaces to connect businesses with the right communities to accelerate their growth in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.
With a presence in over 30+ countries and organizing more than 100+ events each year, dmg events is a global leader in the industry. Attracting over 425,000 attendees and delegates annually, we organize events in the construction, hospitality, food & beverages, interiors & design, energy, coatings, entertainment and transportation sectors.
To better serve our customers, dmg events has offices in 10 countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, South Africa, the UK, Canada, and Singapore. By being on the ground, we can better understand market needs and nurture relationships to create unforgettable experiences for our attendees.
Our flagship events include Big 5 Global, The Hotel Show, INDEX, ADIPEC and Gastech. For more information visit www.dmgevents.com. Founded in 1989, dmg events is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT, www.dmgt.co.uk).
South Africa's construction sector is projected to grow thanks to government’s National Development Plan 2023, with numerous mega projects happening in all nine provinces; projects such as Mtentu Bridge, which is set to be Africa’s tallest bridge, the High-Speed Rail (HSR) framework and many others.
The South African construction market is valued at $25.5 billion and is expected to grow at an average annual rate of over 3% from 2024 to 2027, signifying a rapid increase in demand for manufacturers and suppliers. South Africa is the 3rd largest economy in Africa, commanding a GDP of $406 billion.
Big 5 Construct South Africa is the leading conduit for regional and international companies to showcase their expertise and knowledge to the South African construction industry. The event connects manufacturers, suppliers and service providers with construction professionals, architects, project managers, civil engineers, consultants, designers, urban planners, procurement managers and other professionals, all looking to source new suppliers and products.
International pavilions showcasing at this year’s event are India, Italy, Greece, Germany, Türkiye and China. Some of the participating countries include Jordan, Malaysia, Mozambique, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand and the United Kingdom, among others.
“Last year, the South African construction sector made a significant impact, contributing approximately R109.5 billion (roughly $5.79 billion) to the country's GDP, marking a notable increase from the previous year ," highlights Ben Greenish, Executive Vice President at dmg events.
“Recognizing this growth and potential, Big 5 Construct South Africa has been instrumental for over a decade in bringing together key figures from the construction sector, facilitating opportunities for collaboration and partnership between global and local enterprises to develop the extensive construction prospects in the country. Big 5 Construct South Africa nurtures networking, commercial interactions, and knowledge exchange among influential decision makers and professionals, accelerating the advancement of South Africa's construction industry.”
The event will feature innovative products and services under construction sectors such as Building Interiors and Finishes; Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing; Concrete and Cement; Digital Construction; Windows, Doors and Facades; HVAC R; Construction Tools and Personal Protection Equipment; Urban Design and Landscape, Heavy Construction Equipment, Machinery and Vehicles; Solar Products, Technologies and Services.
“Once again we are proud to welcome a number of first time exhibitors this year,” said Greenish.
Saudi Arabia’s Almunif Pipes, a leading producer of plastic pipes and fittings; Turkey’s Parget Makina, which provides complete solutions and equipment for gypsum, plasterboard, cement, dry mortars, calcite, and perlite; and SA’s own, Rigifoam a leading supplier of high-quality polyurethane products.
Other new exhibitors include roof sheeting producers Clotan Steel, Fritz J SA, which supplies commercial and industrial roller doors and generators, and Alif Doors and Bolwa Securities from South Africa. From the USA, Lintech, which manufactures mechanical positioning components and systems will be exhibiting along with India’s Surie Polex, a manufacturer of floor polishing machines.
The event will feature 20 speakers and 20+ CPD-certified Big 5 Talks sessions. This year’s free-to-attend talks streams focus on the themes of Architecture, Smart Buildings, Contractors, Green Construction and Concrete.
The Stakeholders Engagement Forum marks the commencement of Big 5 Construct South Africa on the 4th of June and this year’s theme is Building Tomorrow’s Cities. The Forum will delve into crucial facets of construction such as the transformative approaches needed for sustainable urban development. The diverse sessions will cover a range of critical topics, such as water infrastructure, and strategic developments in road, rail and port expansions.
The African Smart Cities Summit is an exclusive gathering of private and public industry leaders, and Africa’s only dedicated conference that explores and tackles the continent’s readiness to adopt smart methodologies, technology, and creative thinking for implementation on current infrastructure.
Finally, Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards, which celebrates impact in construction by recognizing innovation and project excellence, will honour winners under 10 distinctive categories.
• Architecture Firm of the Year
• Community Project of the Year
• Contractor of the Year
• Excellence in Leadership
• Rising Star
• Sustainable Initiative of the Year
• Woman of the Year
• Residential Project of the Year
• Commercial Project of the Year
• Retrofit Project of the Year
The awards ceremony will be held on 4 June. Last year’s winner of the Excellence in Leadership Award, Sandile Mbatha, who was the Senior Manager: Data, Research and Policy Advocacy, Ethekwini Municipality said: “The award means a lot. It means the work I’ve put in is vindicated and I’m excited to have been recognized in this manner. It gives hope in terms of the work that people are doing for this country.”
“Big 5 Construct South Africa brings together the industry to do business and network providing ample opportunities to share ideas and ultimately realize the full potential of South Africa’s thriving construction sector,” Greenish concludes.
Big 5 Construct South Africa is supported by a host of sponsors including Rubber Roofs as the Registration Sponsor, Talk Sponsors include Zutari, Modena, Building Point, CIDB, Cad4All, Mapei and other participating sponsors. African Smart Cities Summit is sponsored by Kwikot Water Care, Uxene Smart City and Kapsch TrafficCom and supported by Knowledge Partner, Frost & Sullivan.
Confirmed associations and organizations endorsing the event include BimCommunityAfrica, the Concrete Manufacturers Association (CMA), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Corrosion Institute of Southern Africa (CorriSA), the Lifting Equipment Engineering Association of South Africa (LEEASA), the South African Institute of Building Design (SAIBD), the South African Capital Equipment Export Council and the South African Institute of Civil Engineering (SAICE). The event is co-located with Totally Concrete, Woodex and Deck & Flooring Africa.
Big 5 Construct Southern Africa and co-located events will educate and inspire the industry with the latest trends, innovations and opportunities
The Southern African construction industry is resilient and has an optimistic future, with its output expected to increase by 3.2% this year, surpassing the 1.7% growth achieved in 2022 . Recognising this progress and positivity is the next edition of the Big 5 Construct Southern Africa expo, with co-located events African Smart Cities Summit and the inaugural Big 5 Southern Africa Construction Impact Awards taking place at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg this June.
“These events are not only promoting upcoming projects, trends and opportunities in Southern Africa’s construction market; they are celebrating the great work being done in the industry, inspiring even greater things, and striving towards a futureproofed industry, says Tracy-Lee Behr, Portfolio Director: Built Environment at dmg events, the organisers behind the events.
“The construction industry has faced challenges, but is in recovery. There are many opportunities and many professionals in the industry with exciting ideas and fresh perspectives to share. These events will provide the chance to explore opportunities to collectively ensure industry resilience and growth.”
The 10th annual Big 5 Construct Southern Africa, taking place from 27-29 June offers contractors, engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, designers and property owners a one-stop-shop to identify viable opportunities and materials to complete projects efficiently and on budget.
The African Smart Cities Summit runs on 28 June 2023 and is Africa’s only dedicated conference exploring the benefits of smart cities enabled through economic growth in IoT, technology and creative thinking.
The Big 5 Southern Africa Construction Impact Awards on 27 June have been created as a platform to celebrate the achievements and transformation of the construction industry that goes beyond traditional measures of project delivery.
These events serve as a hub for the Southern African construction industry and combine 200+ exhibitors and 30+ associated partners.
The Concrete Manufacturers Association (CMA) is among the associated partners with this year’s Big 5 Construct Southern Africa. “It’s a privilege to be affiliated with events that are tailored to our industry and that stand for promotiong innovation and professionalism. We look forward to engaging with the many stakeholders and representatives who will come together to showcase new ideas and to determine the way forward to ignite further progress in the construction sector within Southern Africa,” says Henry Cockcroft from the CMA.
“Uniting as an industry to address and solve the current problems and realities allows us to reflect on how far we’ve come and what we can do together to make the most of the future. These events will offer unrivaled networking and deal-making opportunities, combining all facets of construction infrastructure in Southern Africa and are not to be missed, “ Behr concludes.
Driving progress towards a resilient, transparent, and transformed construction industry, top ministers to attend
Tackling corruption, imbalance and destructive delays in the local construction environment are essential for the industry to do well. From AI-based solutions to removing regulatory stumbling blocks, the industry needs to come together to plot the way forward.
To facilitate this, the Big 5 Construct Southern Africa Stakeholders Engagement Forum, hosted in partnership with NAFBI will once again be taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg this June. The Forum is co-located with a number of industry events including Totally Concrete, the African Smart Cities Summit and the Big 5 Southern Africa Construction Impact Awards.
“The African Smart Cities Summit will bring together the continent’s brightest minds to collaborate in advancing Africa’s cities, addressing the best practices and lessons learned in the field of smart city development,” says Tracy-Lee Behr, Portfolio Director at dmg events.
Taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg on 28 June 2023, the African Smart Cities Summit will be co-located with Big 5 Construct Southern Africa, running from 27-29 June 2023, and will host top industry professionals through a series of panel discussions and real-life case studies to inspire successful smart city projects across the continent.
Designing resilient smart cities that allow urban populations to thrive will be the theme for this year’s Summit and attendees will witness how Africa can create cities that are far more efficient, resilient, and environmentally friendly, considering local needs, through the use of smarter and interoperable techniques, technologies, and ideas.
Victor Radebe, Co-Founder of the Mobility Centre for Africa (NPC) will open the Summit and says: “With the right strategies and investments in place, African smart cities can become beacons of innovation and progress for the continent and the world.”
Discover how transport and mobility are intertwined with wider social systems and structures, where smart mobility considerations include introducing low emission zones, urban tolls, Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and the future of connected and autonomous vehicles, electromobility and personal mobility vehicles (PMVs). Electric motorcycle usage in Africa has increased from under five million in 2010 to an estimated 27 million in 2022, 80% of which is for commercial use , adding to the narrative of smart mobility disruption on the continent.
Leadership will be high on the agenda at the Summit, as it has become obvious that advances in information and communication technology (ICT) are central for the transformation of cities into smart cities. Yet, it is the ability to apply ICT efficiently that defines whether a smart city will be resilient and sustainable. The leadership and decision-making for urban design and the built environment development is of utmost importance for any smart city.
Many African cities need improved digital infrastructure to support smart city technologies, such as high-speed broadband networks and reliable power supplies. A panel discussion by the eThekwini Municipality will examine the role of resilience in building smart cities and how to maintain infrastructure in the face of disasters.
Mike Salawou, Ag. Director of the Infrastructure and Urban Development Department, African Development Bank will present on Climate and COP27: Political Pressures & Investment Implications to ponder among other topics, the long-term investment opportunities in physical assets to achieve global net zero goals. It will take collective, consistent efforts to reach net zero and the Summit provides a unique platform to leverage the latest technological advances and funding solutions for the betterment of the continent.
Together we can build new networks that foster long-term efficiency and will create a more connected and sustainable urban environment for all.
Chuma Mbambo, Consultant: Smart Cities Programme, The World Bank and advisory board member to the African Smart Cities Summit agrees. “I am thrilled to attend the African Smart Cities Summit – a crucial event in Africa’s pursuit of creating future-proof cities that cater to diverse communities’ specific needs. This year’s programme promises a glimpse into the future of urban development, where innovation and sustainability are harmonised to transform the African socio-economic and spatial landscape. I cannot wait to witness the unveiling of groundbreaking solutions that will help us create inclusive and sustainable cities for generations to come,” Mbambo says.
Attendees will witness how Africa can establish cities that are efficient, resilient, environmentally friendly, and considerate of local needs through using smarter techniques and technologies.
“Connect with top industry players and uncover the smartest solutions for city-living in Africa. Registration to attend is now open,” Behr concludes.
Synergistically evolve 2.0 technologies rather than just in time initiatives. Quickly deploy strategic networks with compelling e-business. Credibly pontificate highly efficient manufactured products and enabled data.
A detailed set of enhanced health and safety measures to ensure the successful integration of exhibitions and events post-COVID-19.
