Futuroad Expo 2024 is gearing up to welcome thousands of logistics professionals from across Sub-Saharan Africa at the latest edition of the event at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg in November.
The expo, known as Africa's premier trade fair for the truck, bus and commercial vehicle sector is organised by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport’s South Africa and Zimbabwe branches. The event will showcase the latest trends and technologies in the commercial vehicle sector from November 19 to 21.
Futuroad business development director, Tracy Gounden, said organisers are expecting an increase in visitors from across Sub-Saharan Africa compared to last year.
“Just over 6000 visitors attended Futuroad in 2023, excluding those who participated in conferences and workshops,” Gounden said.
“This number reflects a growing interest in the expo, particularly from Sub-Saharan Africa. We saw a slight increase in visitors from other countries last year, and this year we’re expecting a jump of at least 30%,” Gounden added.
This growth aligns with the rising trend of intra-Africa trade. According to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), intra-African trade is currently around 18%, with significant potential for further growth.
Gounden said the expo’s organisers recognise this potential and are committed to facilitating connections between businesses across the continent.
“The increased attendance from Sub-Saharan Africa signifies a growing appetite for the products and services showcased at Futuroad,” said Gounden.
“This includes not just traditional trucks, but also electric vehicles, commercial vehicles, light commercial vehicles, and motorcycles, all essential components of a thriving intra-Africa trade network,” she said.
Futuroad offers a comprehensive platform for industry professionals. Expo delegates can participate in the Township Mechanics Workshop, skills development workshops, the Motor Industry Workshop Association conference, the e-hailing conference, new product launches, tyre competitions and SMME development workshops.
To extend the event’s reach, organisers recently embarked on a roadshow across key African markets.
“We visited Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe, with Mozambique and Zambia to come,” Gounden said.
“The purpose was to invite relevant buyers from garages, workshops, fleets, and logistics companies to attend Futuroad and Automechanika, the afterparts expo. Many of these buyers currently travel internationally to source their products, and Futuroad offers them a convenient and efficient solution within Africa,” she said.
Gounden said the roadshow garnered significant enthusiasm.
“Participants were excited about the opportunity to attend the expos. We built strong relationships and support, and it has become clear that sourcing products in Johannesburg is an attractive proposition. We also have a close working relationship with the automotive associations in these countries,” said Gounden.
“With its strong focus on connecting businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa, the expo is well-positioned to play a key role in driving intra-Africa trade and propelling the continent's economic growth,” Gounden concluded.
For more information visit https://futuroad.za.messefrankfurt.com/johannesburg/en.html
