"Africa is drawing interest from across the world" - Bhupinder Singh, CEO of Messe Muenchen India

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Messe Muenchen India, Bhupinder Singh has praised Africa for its huge interest and participation in this year's IFAT-Africa being held in South Africa.

According to him, Africa is drawing lots of interest from across the world.

Speaking at the IFAT-Africa 2023, he said "Africa is drawing interest from across the world. This year, we have truly global participation with delegates from as far afield as Germany, Austria, China, Italy, Norway and the UK"

He also added that Africa will present research and science from local labs that are solving critical challenges.

Bhupinder Singh further noted that the IFAT-Africa conference will also offer perspectives on urgent matters like the circular economy and resource efficiency.

He was optimistic, the IFAT-Africa will showcase a dynamic participation from the African and international community.

Bhupinder Singh underscored the importance of sustainable development, a circular economy, waste management and a rapid transition towards localised R&D as IFAT-Africa's core objective.

On her part, Katharina Schlegel, of Messe Muenchen Germany stated that the event will tackle issues relevant across the SADC region and the broader continent.

She further explained that IFAT-Africa was gratified to have the African Water and Sanitation Association hosting their meeting at the event for its first time likewise host guests from across Africa.

The event seeks to address, tackle and find lasting solutions through the extensive exhibition areas, high-level discussion forums, workshops.

She expressed gratitude to partners and exhibitors for being phenomenal.

"In partnership with leading industry bodies, participants are networking, doing business and addressing common issues. We are also showcasing solutions and services from the biggest brands, all under one roof for three days"

She revealed that the successful return of IFAT-Africa and analytica Lab Africa pave the way for ongoing growth and an even bigger and better event next year.

Taking her turn, General Manager, SSGL Private, threw more light on the journey and achievements of Jospong Group of Companies in the area of waste management in Ghana.

She lauded Jospong Group of Companies for establishing Zoomlion, Dregde Masters, Sewage Systems among others adding that collective efforts from these subsidiaries has seen Ghana not only making progress in the environmental space but also recycling reusable material to create new and beneficial products.

She noted that per the successes chalked by Jospong Group of Companies in Waste Management, it is opened to investors to collaborate in ensure that filth and waste is totally dealt with in Africa.

Deputy Head of Mission of the Germany Embassy in South Africa, Enrico Brandt, reiterated that Africa offers very important platforms for foreign direct investment.

He noted that in turn, international organisations ought provide lots of palns and solutions which will help the African Continent to deal with these challenges.

He spoke at the official opening of the three-day IFAT-Africa trade show for the water, sewage, refuse and recycling industry, co-located with analytica Lab Africa.

The three days event is the only trade show in South Africa for the of laboratory technology, analysis, biotechnology and diagnostics sectors.

IFAT-Africa and analytica Lab Africa, running at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand until 7 July, bring together multiple synergistic industry sectors for networking and discovery.

About 5,000 visitors from across Africa are expected to be part of the events to view thousands of solutions from hundreds of brands.

“Africa offers a broad variety of opportunities for foreign direct investment and cooperation. South Africa, as with any other industrialised nation, faces challenges of limited resources and waste management.”

"Markets are becoming more informed and quality control has become a critical aspect. Therefore it’s crucial for South African companies to invest in the necessary equipment to enhance quality control processes.”

About IFAT-Africa

As Africa's leading environmental trade fair, IFAT Africa offers an effective business and networking platform for South African and international professionals in the environmental sector and is accompanied by a first-class supporting program.

It is the ideal platform for professionals in the environmental industry to develop business, exchange ideas and network.

Leading Event: IFAT Africa is the leading trade fair in Southern Africa for Water, Sewage, Refuse and Recycling.

Market Leaders: IFAT Africa gathers numerous market leaders of the environmental technology sector.

Global Network: IFAT Africa is a part of the worldwide IFAT network, including IFAT Munich in Germany, IE expo China, IE expo Guangzhou/Shenzhen and IE expo Chengdu in China, IFAT India in India and IFAT Eurasia in Turkey.

Exhibitors and visitors benefit from our international network and our global partnerships with associations, key industry players and media.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith