Africa Automotive - Cairo is a go

The Automotive Expo and Forum is a go for 2023 at the Egypt International Convention Centre in Cairo – this follows a venue change from the original Abidjan site.

As part of the Intra Africa Trade Fair 2023, the Automotive Expo, hosted by the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) gains feature status this year within the fair that runs from November 9 to November 15.

Fully backed by the Department of Trade and Industry in South Africa, many local automakers and assemblers are expected to be visible in Cairo along with a strong showing from assemblers in other African countries such as Morocco.

Indeed, automotive interest and passion at all levels is becoming increasingly evident in the investment plans already in place, or being put into place, in various African countries and, perhaps, is highlighted by the news Kenya will be staging an auto show in September.

This will run from September 15 to September 17 at, the Sarit Centre Expo Hall in Nairobi and aims to attract new partners and players in the automotive and associated industries.

The Motorshow's theme this year is ‘The Connection,’ emphasising the seamless integration of automotive technology with our daily lives and the endless possibilities it brings.

The organisers expect 10 000 attendees and the title sponsor is NCBA Bank whose Group Managing Director, John Gachora, says: "As the leaders in asset financing in Kenya and East Africa, we are dedicated to creating sustainable transport options by providing affordable financing solutions."

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Africa Automotive - Short haul to Cairo

The road to the Intra Africa Trade Fair (IATF) may have hit a pothole with the late venue change from Abidjan to Cairo, Egypt but a strong turnout from South African business executives at a recent roadshow in Johannesburg confirmed a strong interest.

Indeed, as Mike Whitfield, President of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) said during the panel discussion: “If we do not focus on competitiveness, the others out there are ready and moving fast.”

Mike Whitfield

While he was speaking specifically about the auto industry and the Africa Automotive Show, the comment could equally be applied across all spheres of business in this country.

Although backed up and supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which talks a big game, that entity is still severely hampered by most of its key players on the critical injury list – Iscor, Eskom, Transnet etc.

Nevertheless, the DTI fully backs the IATF and the ongoing efforts to formally create a working African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) that will benefit South African business as well as the rest of Africa by stimulating trade, lowering entry barriers to business and creating job opportunities across the continent.

Dave Coffey the CEO of AAAM says “We believe the Africa Automotive Show is well timed as the automotive industry is gaining traction in Africa where we will see trading of vehicles between assembly hubs across the continent supported by the development of regional value chains.”

Panyaza Lesufi

Perhaps the biggest rev up to the business delegates came from Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi who said: “Less talk, more work. The days of celebrating agreements are over, the days of celebrating transactions are within us.

“If it is Africa's time, let that time be the time for everyone. We must not leave anyone behind. The time of talking is over, the time of implementation is now! The time of meeting to change or amend agreements is over, the time to strengthen business transactions is now.

“Count on us, not today but forever!”

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