Casablanca: The Heart of Africa’s Industrial Revolution
In a significant move towards revolutionizing manufacturing in Africa, Casablanca is set to host the inaugural edition of 'Industrial Transformation Africa' (ITAF) from September 29 to October 1, 2026. This event marks a pivotal moment for the continent as it seeks to establish itself as a formidable player in the realm of smart manufacturing and automation. During a recent press conference held at The Venue Downtown in Casablanca, industry leaders and institutional partners gathered to unveil the details of this groundbreaking initiative. Organised by Deutsche Messe AG, in collaboration with local partners Smart Expos & Events Morocco, ITAF aims to position Morocco as a strategic hub for industrial transformation, thereby attracting key players from the manufacturing, technology, and innovation sectors.
Mehtap Gürsoy, Managing Director of Hannover Fairs Turkey & MENA, emphasized the strategic significance of choosing Casablanca as the host city for this continental gathering. She highlighted Morocco’s geographic advantage at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, along with its robust industrial ecosystems and modern infrastructure. As a leading manufacturing hub particularly in the automotive and aerospace sectors, Morocco is well-equipped to facilitate such an event. Gürsoy pointed out that the continent is experiencing dynamic growth in demand for advanced manufacturing solutions, driven by rapid technological adoption and supportive government policies. With its unique positioning, Morocco is poised to connect Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, fostering innovation while promoting stability and a long-term vision through initiatives like the Digital Strategy 2030.
Exploring Innovations at ITAF 2026
ITAF 2026 will serve as a platform to address the pressing need for more efficient and competitive production systems across Africa. The event will delve into how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation, can accelerate the continent’s industrial development while integrating it into global value chains. Attendees can expect to see a diverse array of innovations that are shaping the future of manufacturing, with particular emphasis on motion and drive technologies, as well as energy systems essential for modern industrial processes. Noteworthy industrial players such as OCP Maintenance Solutions, IFM Electronic, Igus, and Epson have already confirmed their participation, underscoring the growing international interest in Africa’s industrial potential and its role in the future landscape of global manufacturing.
At the heart of ITAF are three key pillars that align with the principles of Industry 4.0: a comprehensive international exhibition, a Smart Factory Academy in Casablanca dedicated to skills development and applied innovation, and the Industrial Edge Summit Africa, which will facilitate high-level discussions among industry leaders, policymakers, and institutions. This initiative is not solely about showcasing cutting-edge technologies; it aims to foster ongoing industrial development by creating a supportive environment that extends beyond the event itself, acting as a bridge between global technology providers and African industrial stakeholders.
Katharina Felgenhauer, CEO of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Morocco, shared insights on the long-term vision behind ITAF. She described it as an integrated ecosystem that merges various industrial and innovation components, including a trade show, a smart manufacturing academy, and a commitment to training on both existing and emerging technologies. This comprehensive approach aims to cultivate innovation that can be exported globally, reinforcing Morocco’s position as a leader in industrial transformation.
As the first African edition of ITAF approaches, all eyes are on Casablanca, which is poised to emerge as a key gateway for Africa’s industrial transformation and a meeting point for global manufacturing and innovation leaders. The event promises to be a landmark occasion that will not only showcase Morocco’s capabilities but also set the stage for the continent’s future in the manufacturing sector.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
