IFAT Africa was held from September 12 to 14, 2017. The trade fair is becoming a hub for environmental technology in Southern Africa.

Over 1,800 visitors gathered over three days at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. 152 exhibitors took part in the trade fair, an increase of 31 percent compared to the previous event in 2015, and a 33 percent increase in floor space. Technologies and solutions for the water, sewage, refuse and recycling sectors were the focus of IFAT Africa 2017 covering an area of over 6,000 square meters.

This year, the international character of the trade fair was especially impressive. More than 1,800 visitors from 38 countries attended. There was a similar international trend among exhibitors: 64 percent of the companies came from outside South Africa, from 16 different nations. 

There was not only intensive dialog at the trade fair’s stands. Participants also discussed trends in the industry and market developments at the accompanying forums and in the supporting program. For example, the Young Professionals Forum. The networking platform informed young talents about career opportunities in the environmental technology sector.

A special highlight was the opening ceremony which was attended by Ms. Alexandra Langeveldt, Deputy Head / Trade Advisor at Swiss Business Hub representing the Embassy of Switzerland and also by different local ministers and international embassies. Our Swiss Exhibitors were very positive about their participation at the joint Swiss stand.

We would like to thank Fimars SA/Liquiflow Pumps SA (Pty) Ltd., Hitachi Zosen Inova AG, Hofstetter Gastechnik AG, Keller AG/Instrotech (Pty) Ltd., LSM Systems GmbH/Biogreen and Swiss Eco Line AG/Urimat Schweiz AG for joining the Swiss Pavilion!