Africa’s industrial revolution accelerates
May 2025
News

Johan Steyn.
As Africa undergoes a rapid industrial transformation, AATF Connect 2025 emerges as the premier platform to showcase innovation, drive collaboration, and spark discussions that will shape the continent’s industrial future. Taking place from 7-8 May 2025 as part of Africa Automation Technology Fair (AATF) at the Gallagher Convention Centre, this two-day conference brings together visionaries, experts and decision makers to address the biggest challenges and opportunities in Industry 4.0, automation, AI, IoT, cybersecurity and sustainable manufacturing.

Yanesh Naidoo.
Powering Africa’s industrial future
With Africa’s industries increasingly integrating smart technologies, AATF Connect 2025, powered by Schneider Electric provides an unmatched platform for industry professionals to exchange ideas, explore new technologies and gain insights from the best minds in the field.
“Africa is not just keeping pace with global industrial advancements, we are actively shaping the future,” says Martin Hiller, portfolio director of AATF. “This year, we’re bringing together pioneers in automation, AI and cyber security to tackle Africa’s biggest industrial challenges and unlock new growth opportunities. If you’re serious about staying competitive in this digital era, this is the event you can’t afford to miss.”

Kaluba Chikonde.
Key highlights of AATF Connect 2025
• Expert-led sessions: Industry leaders like Johan Steyn (IITPSA), Yanesh Naidoo (Jendamark), Brendan van Staaden (MoData), Kaluba Chikonde (DimystifAI) and Andisa Liba (Floatpays) will share insights on AI, automation and smart manufacturing.
• The future of Industry 4.0: Discover real-world applications of IoT, AI and automation in industrial settings.
• Cybersecurity and risk management: Understand how to safeguard your business against digital threats.
• Sustainability and green automation: Learn how African industries can implement eco-friendly manufacturing practices.
• Networking and collaboration: Engage with decision makers, innovators and business leaders in exclusive networking sessions.
The conference is designed not just for industry veterans but also for business leaders, engineers, tech professionals, investors and policymakers looking to stay ahead in an increasingly digital world.

Andisa Liba.
Be part of the change and secure your seat today!
• Date: 7-8 May 2025
• Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand
• Tickets: R2566 (both days) or R1395 (one day)
• Register now at https://aatf2025.showhub.live/
As technology redefines African industries, AATF Connect 2025 sets the stage for the next wave of industrial transformation. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect and innovate with the best in the business.
Further reading:
New Würth Elektronik location in South Africa
News
A new Würth Elektronik branch has opened in Brackenfell, Western Cape. The location operates under the name Wurth Electronics South Africa and will serve local customers, as well as being responsible for markets in Botswana, Mauritius, Namibia, Tanzania and Zambia.
Read more...
John Thompson and BECS partner to deliver biomass energy solutions
News
John Thompson, a division of ACTOM and South Africa’s leading provider of industrial energy solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Berkeley Energy Corporate Solutions, a specialist developer and supplier of biomass energy projects. Together, the companies aim to accelerate the deployment of reliable, renewable steam solutions to industrial customers across Africa.
Read more...
Academy pumps out the next generation of experts
News
KSB Pumps and Valves has invested in a specialised training centre designed to equip internal and branch staff and certified partners with in-depth knowledge of KSB products and systems.
Read more...
Celebrating the power of diversity in the engineering sector
News
The engineering sector has historically been a male-dominated field, and to a large extent it still is. However, this is changing, and the shift is gaining significant momentum as more women begin to take up leadership roles, spearheading innovation and driving inclusive growth.
Read more...
Fifteen years of promoting innovation and supporting engineering excellence
RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa is celebrating 15 years of promoting innovation and supporting engineering excellence through DesignSpark, its pioneering online engineering platform.
Read more...
From the Editor's desk: What happened to the metaverse?
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
One of the most interesting technical crashes in recent years is the metaverse. As recently as 2022, it was white hot, with massive hype led by Meta. Even Bill Gates was saying that in two to three years
...
Read more...
Omniflex celebrates 60th anniversary
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
News
Remote monitoring specialist Omniflex is celebrating its 60th anniversary.
Read more...
Nidec adopts Siemens Teamcenter for electric motor development
Siemens South Africa
News
Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced that Nidec Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer and distributor of electric motors, has adopted Teamcenter X software from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software to achieve innovative motor development and supply to set new industry standards, including automotive.
Read more...
Yaskawa Southern Africa and Sol-Tech advance industrial robotics training
Yaskawa Southern Africa
News
Yaskawa Southern Africa has announced a strategic collaboration with Sol-Tech, a private vocational training institution based in Pretoria, to strengthen technical education in industrial robotics and support the development of future-focused talent for South Africa’s evolving manufacturing sector.
Read more...
Building skills and sharing knowledge for growth in Africa
SEW-EURODRIVE
News
As a leading provider of drive and automation solutions across the continent, SEW-EURODRIVE recognises that local insight and on-the-ground capability are critical to delivering effective sustainable results. The company continues to invest in people development and technical training within its network of African subsidiaries and partners, supporting the long-term growth of its customers and the broader industrial ecosystem.
Read more...