Johannesburg, South Africa – 11 November 2026
The 5th South Africa International Industrial Expo (SAIIE 2026) is set to return to the Sandton Convention Centre from 19 to 21 November 2026, bringing together exhibitors from nine Chinese provinces, 49 South African SMMEs, and industry stakeholders from across Africa.
Organized by Golden Bridge Expo, this year's edition marks another milestone in the development of a platform dedicated to strengthening trade, investment and industrial cooperation between China and Africa. With the highest number of exhibitors in its history, SAIIE 2026 will be the largest edition of the exhibition to date.
The exhibition will bring together exhibitors from Shandong, Henan, Fujian, Jilin, Hunan, Jiangxi, Hebei, Zhejiang and Guangdong provinces in China, alongside 49 local South African SMMEs. This diverse participation reflects the growing interest in strengthening commercial connections between Chinese manufacturers and the African business community.
Covering a broad range of industrial sectors, the exhibition will showcase robotics, machine tools, automotive and motorcycle parts and accessories, industrial and mining equipment, engineering machinery, power and new energy, agricultural machinery, automation, electric transport, specialty vehicles, as well as instrumentation and testing equipment.
Through this diverse industry representation, SAIIE 2026 aims to provide a practical platform for businesses to explore new technologies, identify potential partners, exchange industry knowledge and develop long-term commercial relationships.
Strengthening Business Connections Between China and Africa
At the media briefing, Ambassador Imram Makama, National Head of Africa Young Entrepreneurs South Africa, highlighted Golden Bridge Expo’s role in strengthening commercial ties between China and Africa, sharing how the platform had supported the expansion of his business connections, including the establishment of Sinayo International in Hong Kong. He also pointed to business engagement with Jiangsu, Sichuan, Hong Kong and Macau, and emphasised opportunities for cooperation in energy, mining and technology, as well as the importance of involving young entrepreneurs in Africa’s economic development.
Ms. Mel Mosime, Head of Department of Market Linkages and Business Development, Lepharo Incubation Program, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of enterprise development, support for small businesses and stronger institutional partnerships in advancing industrial and economic growth.
The media briefing was attended by representatives of supporting organisations, business chambers, industry associations and other institutional partners, reflecting broad stakeholder interest in the continued development of SAIIE and China-Africa business cooperation.
Beyond Trade: Supporting Africa's Industrial Development
Golden Bridge Expo sees the exhibition as more than a conventional trade event. Its broader objective is to facilitate partnerships that contribute to Africa's industrial development, strengthen local productive capacity and create opportunities for technology and skills transfer.
By connecting Chinese manufacturers with African businesses, the platform seeks to encourage local supplier development, manufacturing, agro-processing and greater participation by African enterprises in regional and international value chains.
While South Africa serves as the host market, the exhibition also aims to strengthen commercial connections across Southern, Central and other parts of Africa, providing opportunities for businesses from different African countries to engage with Chinese companies and explore cross-border cooperation.
The exhibition also comes at an important time for China-Africa trade relations, following China's implementation of zero-tariff treatment for imports from 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, effective 1 May 2026. The initiative is expected to create further opportunities for eligible African products to access the Chinese market.
Expanding Partnerships Across Africa
As part of its fifth-anniversary activities, Golden Bridge Expo will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Prosperity Fund, marking another step towards expanding its partnerships and engagement across the African continent.
The company continues to work with departments, business chambers, enterprise development organisations, institutions and industry stakeholders to strengthen the exhibition platform and encourage greater participation in China-Africa business cooperation.
South Africa offers significant industrial potential, while businesses across the wider African continent continue to seek new markets, technologies and investment opportunities. SAIIE 2026 aims to bring these opportunities closer together by creating meaningful connections between businesses.
Golden Bridge Expo invites manufacturers, distributors, investors, industry associations and business representatives from across Africa to attend the exhibition and explore new opportunities for cooperation.
Event Details
- Event: 5th South Africa International Industrial Expo (SAIIE 2026)
- Date: 19–21 November 2026
- Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Organizer: Golden Bridge Expo South Africa
