Automechanika, the renowned international trade fair for the automotive service industry, has urged Nigerian exhibitors and industry players to take the advantage of its upcoming exhibitions in Johannesburg and Dubai to boost their businesses on the continent.
Michael Dehn, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa, announced in Lagos that these prestigious events provide a significant platform for industry stakeholders to showcase their products, network with global professionals, and explore new business opportunities.
Dehn revealed that Automechanika Johannesburg will be held from November 19-21, 2024, in South Africa, while Automechanika Dubai is scheduled for December 10-12, 2024, in the United Arab Emirates.
He emphasized that both exhibitions offer unparalleled opportunities for Nigerian businesses to expand their reach and enhance their industry presence. Dehn also noted that Africa is poised to overtake Asia as the hub for automotive activities by 2025, with Nigeria playing a pivotal role in this transformation.
“Today, we are introducing our exhibition, which originated in Germany and has now expanded worldwide,” Dehn said. “We will be hosting Automechanika Frankfurt this September, but we are focusing on the exhibitions in South Africa and Dubai. We aim to provide information to the Nigerian market due to the strong relationships between Nigeria and these regions.”
Dehn mentioned that Messe Frankfurt is considering establishing a branch in Nigeria and other markets. Currently on a roadshow in Africa, they plan to visit Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to present the exhibition due to strong trade relations.
“This is my first time in Nigeria, and I’m pleased with what I have seen so far. We have visited the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA) market, which has been very informative. The automotive industry in Nigeria is impressive. Everywhere we go, we aim to make an impact, and we are committed to doing the same here in Nigeria.”
He urged Nigerian exhibitors and industry players to apply for visas ahead of time. Dehn added that the show features 17 halls and eight product sections, with about 12,000 participants expected from more than 22 countries.
“It is an opportunity to interact face-to-face with over 12,000 buyers and network with industry peers, including key players in the sector. We can make Africa the hub because of the increase in products we import to Africa. We have many initiatives planned to link with Africa and will stage a bigger exhibition later in the year. Despite challenges, we see good prospects for the development of the show,” he concluded.
