Futuroad Expo, Africa’s premier trade fair for the truck, bus and commercial vehicle sector, is gearing up for its upcoming event taking place from 19 to 21 November 2024 at Nasrec Expo Centre, Johannesburg. Organisers are expecting an increase in visitors from across Sub-Saharan Africa, building on the attendance seen in 2023.
“Just over 6,000 visitors attended Futuroad in 2023, excluding those who participated in conferences and workshops,” says Tracy Gounden, Business Development Director at Futuroad. “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%.”
This growth aligns with the rising trend of intra-Africa trade. According to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), intra-African trade currently sits at around 18%, with significant potential for further growth. Futuroad Expo recognises this potential and is 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,” says 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.”
Futuroad offers a comprehensive platform for industry professionals, with a variety of events – including conferences and workshops – attracting visitors from across Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to the highly anticipated Conference organised by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport’s South Africa and Zimbabwe branches, attendees 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, as well as SMME development workshops.
To further amplify its reach, Futuroad recently embarked on a successful roadshow across key African markets.
“This year, we have visited Nigeria (Lagos), Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe, with Mozambique and Zambia to come,” continues Gounden. “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.”
The roadshow garnered significant enthusiasm from potential attendees. “Participants were excited about the opportunity to attend the expos,” says Gounden. “We built strong relationships and support, and it has become clear that sourcing products in Johannesburg is an attractive proposition for them. As a result, these countries send more visitors. We also have a close working relationship with the automotive associations in these countries.” A strong delegation from Mozambique is also expected.
Futuroad Expo 2024 promises to be a landmark event, showcasing the latest trends and technologies in the commercial vehicle sector. “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,” concludes Gounden.
Futroad Expo 2024 takes place from 19 to 21 November at Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. For more information visit https://futuroad.za.messefrankfurt.com/johannesburg/en.html
About Futuroad Expo and Messe Frankfurt: Brought to you by Messe Frankfurt South Africa, Futuroad Expo Johannesburg is the most comprehensive business platform for the Truck, Bus and Commercial Vehicle Body Sectors. As the first and only truly international trade fair of its kind on the African continent, Futuroad attracts a visitor audience from across the sub-Saharan region, making it the ideal platform to grow your business footprint.
Messe Frankfurt South Africa, a branch of one of Europe’s oldest and extensive trade fair organizers, boasts a proficient team of personnel in marketing, sales, and operations at its South African branch. Messe Frankfurt is recognized as one of the world’s biggest organizers of trade fairs, congresses, and events, employing over 2,200 staff worldwide. Since 2017, we have expanded our portfolio from two to nine events in 2023, and we remain receptive to new concepts for launching events and partnerships for conferences, exhibitions, and other unique occasions in South Africa.
Our operations span 28 different locations globally, and our South African branch is supported by a proficient team of over 25 staff members equipped with established marketing, sales, and operational expertise.
Messe Frankfurt South Africa is responsible for organizing grand events, including Automechanika Johannesburg, Futuroad Expo, Festival of Motoring, Boatica Cape Town, AERO South Africa, allfashion sourcing, Hobby-X, and Solar Power Africa.
Issued by:
CVLC Communication – Catherine Larkin APR CMILT
087 133 0525
083 300 0331
ca*******@cv**.za
www.cvlc.co.za
