Industrial sectors form the backbone of the South African economy. Mining, power, electrical, automation, transport and local manufacturing each play a distinct yet interconnected role in driving economic growth, employment, exports and industrial development. However, capital equipment purchases in these sectors are complex, high-cost and long-term investments that rely heavily on trust and strong supplier relationships.

Electra Mining Africa uniquely brings together all levels of the capital equipment decision-making chain in one environment, making it a powerful platform for building those relationships. This unmatched ability to facilitate meaningful, face-to-face engagement positions the show as a key driver of growth across South Africa’s industrial landscape.

The event connects potential clients directly with industry leaders, engineers, technical specialists and local partners, enabling side-by-side comparison of suppliers and brands. Visitors can explore equipment, technologies and solutions in one location, making it easier to assess specifications, localisation levels and support models. The show also enables detailed technical discussions around systems, components, automation, electrification and digital solutions, supported by case studies and expert insight. These interactions are difficult to replicate through other marketing channels and highlight the unique value of a large-scale tradeshow environment.

According to South African Capital Equipment Export Council (SACEEC) CEO Eric Bruggeman, South Africa exports R220-billion worth of mining technology globally each year, with export activity often increasing in the six to 12 months following Electra Mining Africa. This uplift is attributed to the show’s ability to stimulate the market, generate qualified leads and support deal-making that feeds into the next investment cycle. “South African engineers are leaders in innovation and technology development, creating solutions for real-world industry challenges. The country’s leading mining technologies will be on display at Electra Mining Africa this September,” he says.

Electra Mining Africa 2024 was the biggest show to date, with 950 exhibitors across six exhibition halls and four outside areas, and 40 000 visitors in attendance. Show organiser Montgomery Group Africa portfolio director Charlene Hefer says “This year’s edition will be even larger and more dynamic, featuring over 1 000 exhibitors, expanded floor space and a new outdoor ‘orange zone’ to accommodate additional original-equipment manufacturers and service providers. International exhibitors include companies from Australia, Austria, Canada and Poland. Beyond the exhibition floor, the event offers valuable networking, collaboration and knowledge-sharing opportunities through seminars, technical workshops and informal engagement across the industrial ecosystem.”

As part of its commitment to delivering high-value, free-to-attend content, the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) will host the Seminar Theatre, reinforcing its role as a technical partner and creating opportunities for professional engagement around key industry themes. The Society for Automation Instrumentation Mechatronics and Computer Engineering (SAIMC) will present industry workshops on the second day, while the South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering (SAIMechE) will host the Skills and Career Hub throughout the event.

Visitors can also look forward to the return of the popular forklift driver competition, organised by Lifting Africa. Winners of the Innovation and New Products Awards, a joint initiative between Electra Mining Africa and SACEEC, will be announced on the final day of the show.

“Electra Mining Africa is more than an exhibition; it is a cornerstone of South Africa’s industrial sector,” says Hefer. “Since its inception in 1972, it has facilitated billions in trade between exhibitors and local and global customers, connected small, medium and micro enterprises with global brands and helped build resilient supply chains. By attending this September, visitors become part of a long-standing tradition of industry excellence and gain access to a platform that continues to launch major innovations.”

Electra Mining Africa will take place at Nasrec, Johannesburg between September 7 to 11,  2026. Visitors can register at www.electramining.co.za for free standard access to the exhibition. An upgraded visitor package is also available at R600 per person per day, or R2 000 per person for the full week, offering added comfort, convenience and exclusive benefits to enhance the overall experience.