As industrial technologies continue to evolve and mining, manufacturing and industrial businesses across Africa pursue greater productivity, improved safety, operational efficiency and more sustainable practices, the need for practical technologies, trusted expertise and strong business partnerships has never been greater. From automation and digitalisation to energy efficiency, sustainability and advanced engineering, organisations are seeking solutions that deliver measurable business value while supporting long-term growth.
Taking place from 7-11 September at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec, Johannesburg, Electra Mining Africa will once again provide a meeting place for industry. Recognised as one of Africa’s leading industrial exhibitions, the event will bring together more than 1,000 predominantly local exhibitors, together with international companies, country pavilions, industry organisations, technical specialists, business leaders and decision-makers from across mining, manufacturing and related industries.
By bringing together six complementary sectors—mining, manufacturing, automation, electrical and power, transport and related engineering sectors—under one roof, Electra Mining Africa enables visitors to explore how integrated technologies and solutions can improve productivity, safety and operational performance. The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to compare products, engage directly with technical experts and discover how innovations from different sectors are increasingly working together to support smarter industrial operations.
Reflecting continued industry confidence, Electra Mining Africa has expanded its footprint for the 2026 edition, growing by 4,000m² to a record 44,000m² of net exhibition space across six indoor exhibition halls and expanded outdoor display areas.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore solutions ranging from large-scale mining equipment and industrial machinery to automation systems, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, digital manufacturing, predictive maintenance technologies, power solutions and advanced engineering services. The exhibition also features pumps, valves, welding and fabrication equipment, safety solutions, personal protective equipment (PPE), tools, components and specialist industrial services.
Electra Mining Africa has become an important business platform for companies serving markets across Africa. At the previous edition, industry professionals from 58 countries were represented, reflecting the exhibition’s growing international reach and its role in connecting manufacturers, technology suppliers, distributors, buyers and decision-makers from across the continent and beyond. For many exhibitors, the exhibition provides opportunities to strengthen customer relationships, meet prospective buyers, appoint distribution partners and explore new business opportunities. For visitors, it offers access to both internationally recognised brands and locally developed technologies designed to address the operational requirements of African industry.
Beyond the exhibition floor
Electra Mining Africa offers an extensive programme of technical knowledge sharing, professional development and industry collaboration. Free-to-attend seminars hosted by the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) will explore practical operational challenges and emerging technologies, while the Society for Automation Instrumentation Mechatronics and Computer Engineering (SAIMC) will present specialist workshops on advances in automation and mechatronics. WiMSA’s Women in Mining workshop will provide a forum for discussion around leadership, opportunity and professional development, and the Lifting Equipment Engineering Association of South Africa (LEEASA) will host its two-day National Conference, bringing together industry professionals to share knowledge and discuss developments affecting the sector.
New for 2026, the SA Institution of Mechanical Engineering (SAIMechE) Skills and Career Hub will strengthen collaboration between industry and the education and training sector, encouraging conversations around future workforce requirements, skills development and innovation. Visitors will also be able to experience the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA) Explorers Pitch, where finalist student teams present their mineral exploration projects to an expert industry judging panel before the winning team is announced.
Also taking place during Electra Mining Africa are the New Products and Innovation Awards, which recognise outstanding achievements by both local and international exhibitors. Adjudicated by the South African Capital Equipment Export Council (SACEEC), entries are evaluated against a comprehensive set of criteria, including innovation, engineering excellence, research and development, product quality, technical expertise and the practical value each solution delivers to industry. The winners are announced during the exhibition, recognising companies whose products and innovations are advancing technology, performance and industrial application.
“Industrial businesses are facing increasingly complex challenges that cannot be solved in isolation. Electra Mining Africa brings together the technologies, expertise and industry relationships that help organisations make informed decisions, identify practical solutions and build partnerships that support long-term growth. That’s what makes the exhibition such an important meeting place for industry, not only in South Africa but for businesses operating across the African continent,” says Charlene Hefer, Portfolio Director at Montgomery Group, organisers of Electra Mining Africa..
Industry professionals wishing to attend Electra Mining Africa can register (https://apo-opa.co/4xthQPH) as a Standard Visitor free of charge. There is also an option to upgrade to a Diamond Select Visitor.
Africa Fact: The Ethiopian city of Axum has a series of 7 giant obelisks that date from perhaps 300 BC to 300 AD. They have details carved into them that represent windows and doorways of several storeys. The largest obelisk, now fallen, is in fact “the largest monolith ever made anywhere in the world”. It is 108 feet long, weighs a staggering 500 tons, and represents a thirteen-storey building.
Alley Frog
In Toronto I saw a bumper sticker on a parked car that read: \”I miss South Africa.\” So I broke the window, took the radio and left a note that read: \”I hope this helps.\”
Shooter
Van der Merwe was watching a rugby test against the British Lions at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria. In the packed stadium, there was only one empty seat – next to Van der Merwe.
\”Who does that seat belong to?\” asked his neighbour.
\”It\’s for my wife.\”
\”But why isn\’t she here?\”
\”She died.\”
\”So why didn\’t you give the ticket to one of your friends?\”
\”They\’ve all gone to the funeral.\”