The Electrical Contractors Association SA and South African Equity Workers Association (SAEWA) have joined forces to launch what is said to be the first-ever industry-led and produced electricity event on the continent –Electricity Expo Africa, taking place in September.
Electricity Expo Africa was officially launched at the ECA(SA) Presidential Excellence Awards in November 2024.
ECA(SA) and SAEWA have a 50-year collaboration, which began with establishing the National Bargaining Council for the Electricity Industry, which remains one of South Africa’s most influential bargaining bodies. Joining forces again, they launched the Electricity Expo Africa, set to have its first run at the NASREC Expo Centre in Johannesburg from 9 to 11 September 2025.
“The players in this trade have organised this expo as a meeting point between contractors, installers, manufacturers, innovators and policymakers, where business transactions will be conducted,” noted Mark Mfikoe, national director of ECA(SA).
Groundbreaking in its structure, the Electricity Expo Africa is set to unite industry leaders, innovators and other key stakeholders. This will be an immense contribution to unlocking the potential of Africa’s energy sector.
Robert McAlpine, general secretary and CEO of SAEWA, observed: “The idea behind the expo is a desire to unify all stakeholders – under one big, commercial umbrella – with the aim of growing the electricity sector’s potential for job creation and a sustainable future. “
The bigger picture includes harnessing Africa’s mighty wind and solar resources, smart grid technologies and other energy efficiency applications to ensure all communities enjoy the fruit of our vast continent.
Powering Africa’s future
“Electricity is the pulse of Africa’s future – an engine of innovation, development, and prosperity across the continent,” said Frans Swanepoel, president of the ECA(SA). “The Electricity Expo Africa is not just an exhibition; it’s a call to action – a chance to explore, discover, and collaborate on game-changing technologies that will transform Africa’s energy landscape and ensure safe, sustainable access to electricity for all. Yes – Africa will work with the universe to contribute bright energy to the World.”
Full endorsement
In their opening addresses at the ECA(SA)’s Presidential Excellence Awards 2024, all three keynote speakers acknowledged and endorsed Electricity Expo Africa. Marina Dumakude, president of SAFCEC, Matthew Mflathelwa, general manager of Strategy and Planning at Eskom and City of Joburg MMC, Eunice Mgcina, all put their significant weight behind the expo, agreeing that its time has come.
As MMC Mgcina noted: “Tonight, we gather to celebrate more than the launch of an expo; we celebrate the promise of transformation and innovation in addressing one of Africa’s most pressing challenges: energy sustainability.
“The Electricity Expo Africa will serve as a crucial platform for collaboration, innovation and opportunity – uniting over 5,000 attendees, including suppliers, manufacturers, contractors, and regulators.
“This event is not just an opportunity to showcase technological advancements; it is a commitment to shaping a resilient and sustainable energy future for our continent.”
With both the commercial and the public sector endorsing the venture, the organising principle itself sees Africa’s future take centre stage. Establishing routes to new markets across the continent is both a challenge and a promise, which can only be unlocked through cooperation and unification.
Watch a YouTube video about this event
