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
