Casablanca is set to host the first-ever edition of Industrial Transformation Africa (ITAF) from September 29 to October 1, 2026. This groundbreaking event aims to unite global technology firms, manufacturers, investors, and key decision-makers from Africa’s industrial landscape to foster advancements in smart manufacturing and spearhead industrial transformation across the continent. Taking place at the Casablanca International Fairgrounds (OFEC), ITAF represents a historic milestone as it marks the initial instance of this international industrial platform being held in Morocco.
Organizers of the event have articulated that ITAF is strategically crafted to bridge the gap between global technological expertise and the burgeoning needs of industrial ecosystems in Morocco and throughout Africa. By gathering manufacturers, technology providers, policymakers, institutions, investors, and buyers, ITAF will serve as a collaborative arena focused on next-generation industrial technologies. This initiative is part of the HANNOVER MESSE ecosystem, which extends the reach of one of the world’s premier industrial trade fair platforms into the African market.
Unlike conventional trade exhibitions, ITAF is designed to establish a sustainable platform that connects African industries with a vast global network of manufacturers, technology providers, and innovators. Under the compelling theme of **“Connecting Africa’s Industries… Building Tomorrow,”** the event will showcase an array of transformative technologies that are redefining modern manufacturing. These include robotics and automation, digital manufacturing, artificial intelligence, smart intralogistics, supply-chain management, motion and drive systems, as well as advanced energy solutions.
One of the pivotal elements of ITAF will be the hosted-buyer program, which aims to strengthen business connections through a dedicated B2B matchmaking platform. The inaugural event is projected to attract around 100 qualified hosted buyers and decision-makers from various industrial sectors, thereby providing exhibitors with invaluable access to professionals involved in procurement, technology, supply-chain, and investment decisions. This network will encompass not only Morocco and Tunisia but also several West and Central African markets, including Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Mali, Niger, Mauritania, Guinea, Togo, and Benin.
Through meticulously organized business-to-business meetings, the hosted-buyer program will facilitate critical discussions surrounding sourcing, distribution, technology partnerships, and long-term industrial cooperation. The selection of Morocco as the venue for ITAF’s first African edition is a testament to the country's emerging significance as an industrial and trade hub that connects Africa with Europe and the Middle East. With substantial industrial capabilities in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, aerospace, electronics, food processing, textiles, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing, Morocco boasts a robust logistics and industrial infrastructure, complemented by an extensive network of international trade relations.
Casablanca, recognized as Morocco’s economic, financial, and industrial epicenter, is expected to play a crucial role as a meeting point for international technology providers and African manufacturers eager to explore new technologies, partnerships, and investment opportunities. By launching ITAF in Morocco, the HANNOVER MESSE ecosystem aims to forge a dedicated gateway that links international industrial expertise with African markets, granting companies across the continent enhanced access to technology, knowledge, and global industrial networks.
Prominent industrial and technology companies such as Efaflex, Festo, Getriebebau Nord, ifm electronic, igus, MEA Pulse, Metronelec-Universal Robots, OCP Maintenance Solutions, R2T Industrie-Epson, Siemens, WIKA, and Wilo are expected to present their latest innovations, smart-manufacturing solutions, and next-generation automation systems at the event. Additionally, a collaborative “Team Germany” pavilion will be featured, showcasing German technology, applied research, and sustainable industrial solutions tailored for Africa’s manufacturing sector.
Knowledge exchange will form a cornerstone of ITAF 2026, particularly through the **Industrial Edge Summit**, which will serve as the event’s primary conference platform. This three-day summit is set to bring together industrial executives, technology experts, manufacturers, institutions, and academics to discuss the future of African industry and the practical implementation of industrial transformation. Topics of discussion will include artificial intelligence in industry, Industry 4.0, industrial connectivity, energy sustainability, cybersecurity in manufacturing, the Industrial Internet of Things, and the development of human capital in the Industry 4.0 era. The conference will also feature case studies and real-world industrial applications, bridging the gap between showcased technologies and the operational challenges faced by manufacturers.
Moreover, skills development will be another essential focus of the event, particularly through the Smart Factory Academy Casablanca, which is geared towards manufacturers, engineers, industrial professionals, and aspiring industry specialists. This academy will emphasize smart manufacturing, industrial automation, digital manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 technologies, with the objective of equipping participants with the skills necessary to implement emerging technologies in real-world industrial settings.
Ultimately, ITAF aspires to transform international expertise and the HANNOVER MESSE network into sustainable local knowledge and scalable industrial capabilities. This initiative aims to evolve into a year-round industrial ecosystem, promoting ongoing knowledge exchange, technology transfer, skills development, and business networking well beyond the three-day exhibition. By melding an international industrial technology exhibition with high-level industry dialogue, professional training, and structured B2B matchmaking, Industrial Transformation Africa 2026 looks to position Casablanca as a pivotal hub connecting the global industrial technology community with the expanding manufacturing opportunities across Africa.
As reported by africa.dailynewsegypt.com.
