ITAF 2026: A Platform for Industrial Collaboration
The Office of Fairs and Exhibitions of Casablanca (OFEC) is set to host the inaugural edition of the ITAF 2026 from September 29 to October 1, under the theme "Connecting Africa's Industries, Creating Tomorrow." This groundbreaking event is organized by Hannover Fairs MENA on behalf of Deutsche Messe AG, the renowned German organizer of the Hannover Messe, which is recognized as the largest industrial fair in the world. The hosting of its African counterpart is a significant achievement for Morocco, with ITAF's General Director, Katharina Felgenhauer, emphasizing that this fair transcends the announcement of a new event; it aims to establish a sustainable industrial platform linking Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Bridging Industries and Fostering Innovation
Over the span of three days, more than five thousand decision-makers are anticipated to attend, alongside a hundred buyers and industry leaders from Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, and Mali. The event will showcase several leading international industrial partners, including renowned companies like Siemens, Festo, Universal Robots, Epson, WIKA, Wilo, and igus, in addition to Moroccan players such as OCP Maintenance Solutions. The discussions at the fair will cover a wide array of technologies pertinent to the industry of the future, including robotics and automation, industrial artificial intelligence, supply chain management, industrial internet of things, smart logistics, cybersecurity, as well as energy solutions and sustainability.
The fair has been structured to facilitate meaningful engagements through an invited buyers program and a B2B matchmaking platform, ensuring that interactions lead to tangible partnerships rather than mere booth visits. Central to the program is the Industrial Edge Summit, the primary conference platform of the fair, which will address critical issues related to Industry 4.0, cybersecurity, the industrial internet of things, energy, and skill development. Additionally, a Smart Factory Academy will take place in Casablanca, offering dedicated training in automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing technologies.
According to the organizers of the event, Soley Özsoy Bürümcek and Mehtap Gürsoy, ITAF 2026 is far from a traditional exhibition. The event aspires to sustainably connect Moroccan and African industrial ecosystems with international technologies, leveraging Morocco's strategic position as a crossroads between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East and its status as a mature platform for industrial investment.
As reported by lopinion.ma.
