AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software, will host AVEVA Day South Africa 2026 on 22 April at the Johannesburg Marriott Hotel in Melrose Arch.

The event, themed “Accelerating Africa's Industrial Future: Harnessing AI, Digital Twins and Data-Driven Operations for Sustainable Growth”, will gather industrial leaders, technology innovators, and ecosystem partners to examine how these technologies are transforming the continent’s industries.

Africa is at a critical stage in its industrial digital transformation.

Studies indicate that AI-enabled operational intelligence could cut unplanned downtime by up to 30% and reduce energy intensity by 10–20% in key sectors such as mining, chemicals, and power generation.

The World Economic Forum’s Africa Competitiveness Report notes that organisations advancing beyond pilot digital programmes are achieving marked gains in productivity, energy efficiency, and sustainability.

These efforts align with the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030) and initiatives towards a Digital Single Market by 2030, which are fostering the policy and infrastructure needed for industrial AI and connected operations to expand.

“Africa is not a spectator in the AI revolution; its industries are the foundation on which the global AI infrastructure is being built,” said Jesús Hernandez, senior vice president – EMEA, AVEVA.

“At AVEVA, we see Africa as a region of immense potential where digital transformation helps organisations overcome traditional barriers. The journey ahead involves moving from pilot projects to full-scale deployment, from data-rich to intelligence-led, and from reactive to predictive operations.”

Khaled Salah,vice president – Africa, AVEVA, added, “Global demand for African natural resources is accelerating: The companies that capture this growth will be those investing in operational intelligence through AI, digital twins, and connected data platforms to enhance efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. AVEVA Day South Africa offers a chance to move from conversation to action, enabling attendees to see what peers are achieving and gain a clearer path forward.”

The one-day programme opens with a welcome from Hernandez, followed by a strategic keynote from Hanno van Niekerk, Market Leader – Sub-Saharan Africa, AVEVA, on AI-powered industrial software and digital twins supporting the region’s energy transition and sustainability goals.

Further sessions include a presentation by Glenn Kerkhoff, Industry Principal – MMM, on improving reliability, productivity, and energy efficiency in mining equipment. Mr Salah will join a closing panel exploring how organisations can turn operational data into the foundation of industrial resilience.

Attendees will also explore AVEVA’s partner ecosystem and its Connected Industrial Ecosystem (CIE), with demonstrations of how partners address local water and wastewater challenges using CONNECT, AVEVA’s open, cloud-native industrial intelligence platform.

Dedicated technical and industry sessions will showcase the full scope of AVEVA’s capabilities, highlighting how an end-to-end digital twin strategy accelerates information discovery and boosts performance across the asset lifecycle.

The event underscores AVEVA’s commitment to supporting Africa’s industrial growth through practical, scalable digital solutions.

Large outside exhibition areas. (Image source: Montgomery Group)

Industrial sectors form the backbone of South Africa’s economy. Mining, power, electrical, automation, transport and local manufacturing each play a distinct but interconnected role in driving economic growth, employment, exports and industrial development.

However, capital equipment purchases in these sectors are complex, high-value, and long-term investments that rely heavily on trust and strong supplier relationships.

Electra Mining Africa uniquely brings together all levels of the capital equipment decision-making chain in a single environment, providing a powerful platform for building those essential relationships. This unmatched ability to facilitate meaningful, face-to-face engagement positions the show as a key driver of growth across South Africa’s industrial landscape.

The event connects potential clients directly with industry leaders, engineers, technical specialists, and local partners, enabling side-by-side comparison of suppliers and brands. Visitors can explore equipment, technologies and solutions in one location, making it easier to assess specifications, localisation levels, and support models. The show also facilitates detailed technical discussions around systems, components, automation, electrification, and digital solutions, supported by case studies and expert insights. These interactions are difficult to replicate through other marketing channels and highlight the unique value of a large-scale trade show environment.

According to Eric Bruggeman, CEO of the South African Capital Equipment Export Council (SACEEC), South Africa exports R220-billion worth of mining technology globally each year, with export activity often increasing in the six to twelve months following Electra Mining Africa. This uplift is attributed to the show’s ability to stimulate the market, generate qualified leads, and support deal-making that feeds into the next investment cycle. “South African engineers are leaders in innovation and technology development, creating solutions for real-world industry challenges. The country’s leading mining technologies will be on display at Electra Mining Africa this September,” he says.

Electra Mining Africa 2024 was the biggest show to date, hosting 950 exhibitors across six exhibition halls and four outside areas, with 40,000 visitors in attendance. Charlene Hefer, Portfolio Director at Montgomery Group Africa, organisers of the show, says, “This year’s edition will be even larger and more dynamic, featuring over 1,000 exhibitors, expanded floor space, and a new outdoor ‘Orange Zone’ to accommodate additional OEMs and service providers. International exhibitors include companies from Australia, Austria, Canada and Poland. Beyond the exhibition floor, the event offers valuable networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing opportunities through seminars, technical workshops and informal engagement across the industrial ecosystem.”

As part of its commitment to delivering high-value, free-to-attend content, the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) will host the Seminar Theatre, reinforcing its role as a technical partner and creating opportunities for professional engagement around key industry themes. The Society for Automation Instrumentation Mechatronics and Computer Engineering (SAIMC) will present industry workshops on the second day, while the SA Institution of Mechanical Engineering (SAIMechE) will host the Skills and Career Hub throughout the event.

Visitors can also look forward to the return of the popular Forklift Driver Competition, organised by Lifting Africa. Winners of the Innovation and New Products Awards, a joint initiative between Electra Mining Africa and SACEEC, will be announced on the final day of the show.

“Electra Mining Africa is more than an exhibition; it is a cornerstone of South Africa’s industrial sector,” says Hefer. “Since its inception in 1972, it has facilitated billions in trade between exhibitors and local and global customers, connected SMMEs with global brands, and helped build resilient supply chains. By attending this September, visitors become part of a long-standing tradition of industry excellence and gain access to a platform that continues to launch major innovations.”

Electra Mining Africa will take place at Nasrec, Johannesburg, from 7–11 September 2026. Visitors can register at www.electramining.co.za  for free standard access to the exhibition. An upgraded visitor package is also available at R600 (approx. US$30) per person per day, or R2,000 (approx. US$100) per person for the full week, offering added comfort, convenience, and exclusive benefits to enhance the overall experience.

Almost 40,000 visitors attended Electra Mining Africa 2024 to discover latest innovations, products, systems, and services. (Image source: Montgomery Group Africa)

South Africa’s mining, power, electrical, automation, industrial, transport and manufacturing sectors form the backbone of the national economy

Collectively, they drive growth, generate employment and convert raw materials into value-added products that support trade and exports.

Electra Mining Africa brings these industries together in a dynamic trade show environment, offering a platform for buyers, sellers and decision-makers to connect, explore innovations and build partnerships. With in-person networking and cutting-edge exhibitor showcases, the event stands at the intersection of industry collaboration and business growth.

The biennial exhibition will introduce several new features in 2026, including an expanded outdoor exhibit area in the Arena at the Expo Centre. According to Montgomery Group Africa portfolio director Charlene Hefer, the addition of the Orange Zone responds directly to growing exhibitor demand.

"The new Orange Zone provides the additional space needed to accommodate more companies that want to showcase their equipment and innovations outside," said Hefer.

"There will be more original-equipment manufacturers than at previous shows and this level of representation will be of benefit to visitors interested in this particular sector as they are able to view, compare and evaluate the offerings all in one place. The Orange Zone complements the existing Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow Zones, creating an even more dynamic outdoor showcase."

Exhibitors in the outdoor areas will represent the full mining and industrial equipment value chain, ranging from global and local OEMs to leading component and service providers. Major OEMs such as Bell Equipment, Komatsu, Sandvik, Sany, Eickhoff, All Terrain Mining & Tunnelling Machinery, and Shantui (represented by Everstar Industries) will showcase complete machinery and technology solutions aimed at improving productivity and innovation.

These will be complemented by distributors, technology partners and service providers including Barloworld Equipment, Egelquip, GHM Machinery, Drilling Mining and Construction, Kappa Engineering, Alpin and nVolve Solutions. Together, they offer equipment support, automation technologies, parts, systems and engineering services that enhance operational efficiency and reliability. This broad participation ensures a comprehensive representation of the mining and industrial ecosystem, from manufacturing and digital integration to distribution, maintenance and operational excellence.

“The presence of these industry leaders will attract high-level buyers, engineers, and decision-makers seeking reliable, high-performance solutions, while also fostering partnerships, local manufacturing, and skills development,” noted Hefer.

Electra Mining Africa 2026 is already fully sold out, reflecting strong industry backing and reinforcing its reputation as a key driver of leads and sales. A range of sponsorship opportunities, however, is still available.

Taking place in Nasrec, Johannesburg, from 7–11 September 2026, Electra Mining Africa 2026 is a six-in-one trade exhibition, incorporating Electra Mining Africa, Automation Expo, Elenex Africa, PowerEx, Transport Expo and the Local Southern African Manufacturing Expo. It remains the largest event of its kind in Southern Africa and ranks among the biggest mining and industrial shows globally.

“We are really excited about Electra Mining Africa 2026,” remarked Hefer.

“Ranked in the top 2% of trade events globally, the 2024 event was the biggest ever show since the inaugural edition in 1972, hosting 950 exhibitors across 6 exhibition halls and 4 outside exhibit areas, with almost 40 000 visitors attending. Now, with the addition of the Orange Zone and other exciting initiatives, Electra Mining Africa 2026 is set to be even bigger! We’ve already surpassed the 2024 total exhibition floor space!”

Formoreinformation,visit: www.electramining.co.za 

Middle East Energy 2026 returns to Dubai World Trade Centre, uniting global power leaders for its 50th edition. (Image source: Middle East Energy)

Informa has announced the completion of preparations for the 50th edition of Middle East Energy Dubai 2026, scheduled to take place from 7 to 9 April 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure

The exhibition is the region's leading platform for the energy sector, enabling organisations to compare solutions, engage directly with suppliers, and accelerate project progress. The event attracts exhibitors from around the world, alongside broad participation from senior officials and decision-makers.

The exhibition also aims to support entities and institutions navigating current market dynamics, including delivery pressures, advanced technologies, and renewable energy priorities. It empowers participants to select partners, evaluate new products, and fast-track commercial discussions.

Ahmed Al Kaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Electricity, Water and Future Energy Sector at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, affirmed that the ministry's patronage of the 50th edition reflects the UAE's commitment to supporting specialised international platforms that enhance energy system integration and reinforce the country's position as a global hub for dialogue and cooperation in the energy sector.

He noted that the exhibition represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen partnerships and showcase the latest technologies and solutions supporting the energy sector's transformation, in line with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. It further contributes to enhancing energy security and sustainability while supporting the competitiveness of the national economy.

"Middle East Energy brings buyers and sellers together, turning interest into actual demand," said Mark Ring, group director of Energy at Informa. He added that this edition focuses on outcomes through targeted business matchmaking, meaningful networking, product and service comparison, and delivering the insights and collaboration needed to drive trade today and accelerate the energy transition.

Middle East Energy Dubai 2026 will feature a comprehensive programme of specialised panel discussions, with the participation of more than 150 speakers from industry leaders and international experts. They will provide practical insights on energy transition, energy security, technological innovation, and sustainability, equipping decision-makers with the knowledge needed to conclude deals.

The exhibition further strengthens its position as a high-impact industrial marketplace. Its previous edition recorded commercial participation valued at approximately US$4.05bn, with 1,600 exhibitors and around 30,000 visitors and energy professionals. More than 1,200 senior officials and decision-makers attended, reflecting its global reach and influence.

To find out more and register, visit: https://link.informa.com/xsl