Transforming Africa's Industrial Landscape
The Office of Fairs and Exhibitions of Casablanca (OFEC) is set to host the inaugural edition of Industrial Transformation Africa (ITAF) from September 29 to October 1, 2026. This prestigious event, part of the renowned HANNOVER MESSE international portfolio, aims to unite decision-makers, equipment suppliers, and experts under the compelling slogan "Connecting Africa’s Industries, Creating Tomorrow." Over the course of three days, the summit will position Morocco at the forefront of the convergence between cutting-edge global technologies and the industrial potential of the African continent.
Organized in collaboration with Smart Expos & Events Morocco and supported by key strategic partners such as UNIDO, ITAF 2026 will showcase the latest innovations that are shaping the factories of the future. Attendees can expect to explore advancements in robotics, automation, artificial intelligence in production, smart intralogistics, and sustainable energy solutions. Major global and regional players in the industry, including Siemens, KUKA, Festo, WIKA, Wilo, OCP Maintenance Solutions, and Universal Robots, will be present, alongside a dedicated "Team Germany" pavilion featuring German technologies and applied research, supported by AHK Morocco, GIZ, and Fraunhofer.
Strategic Significance of Casablanca
The choice of Casablanca as the host city for this landmark African event is intentional. The Kingdom of Morocco, bolstered by thriving sectors such as automotive, aerospace, textiles, and agro-industry, is asserting its role as a logistical and economic hub connecting Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. "ITAF was born from a clear vision: to bridge global industrial expertise with the ambition, talent, and manufacturing potential of Morocco and, more broadly, the African continent," emphasized Mehtap Gürsoy from Hannover Fairs MENA during the opening ceremony.
Beyond serving as an exhibition platform, ITAF 2026 places a strong emphasis on creating business opportunities. Nearly 70 qualified buyers from over 15 countries, including North, West, Central, and East Africa as well as Southeast Europe, will engage in targeted B2B meetings. Additionally, the Industrial Edge Summit will bring together experts to discuss major industry challenges, such as industrial cybersecurity, IoT, corporate social responsibility, and workforce training. The inaugural day will feature a keynote address by Mounir Kharbouche, Vice President at Stellantis, who will share insights from the automotive group on the deployment of Industry 4.0.
As reported by h24info.ma.
