Automechanika Johannesburg hosts information session in Windhoek
The event, held at the Mercure Hotel, formed part of a series of engagements across Africa, with stops in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya and Mozambique before concluding in Namibia.
The session aimed to provide a platform for industry professionals to network, exchange ideas, and share expectations for the upcoming 10th edition of Automechanika Johannesburg. Organisers also invited feedback on how the annual fair can better reflect the needs of the African automotive sector.
Speaking at the event, Heinrich Stoltz, Automotive Manager at SKF Manufacturing Company, emphasised the continent’s untapped potential in producing automotive parts. “Africa has all the resources and a young workforce capable of manufacturing automotive components, either partially or entirely,” Stoltz said. He criticised the current trend of exporting raw materials to countries such as China, only to re-import the finished products at higher costs. “There is no secret recipe for why batteries must be made in China. They can be made in Africa, and that’s something we must push,” he added, noting that Africa has sufficient wealth, resources, and a ready market.
Stoltz highlighted models in Europe and China, where domestic manufacturing is prioritised for local consumption before exports, and argued that Africa should adopt a similar approach. During his presentation, he shared insights into the projected growth of Africa’s traditional automotive aftermarket, expected to expand from US$21.07 billion in 2024 to over US$33.14 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.16%.
Cost of mobility
He also pointed to the high cost of mobility as a key challenge, noting that vehicles on the market often cater to Chinese, European, or Japanese preferences, with limited relevance to African needs. “If we had vehicles designed specifically for our market, like India does, it would significantly reduce costs,” Stoltz said. He explained that many vehicles perceived as Japanese are actually manufactured in India, including brands such as Toyota, Hyundai, and Kia, due to lower production and material costs.
Delivering the keynote address, Willem Hausiku, logistics and supply chain specialist and Council Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, explored the future of the automotive aftermarket. He advocated greater automation, artificial intelligence, and digitalisation within logistics platforms. Hausiku also stressed sustainability and reusability, noting opportunities in remanufacturing, repairing, and reintegrating parts into the supply chain.
Networking
Tracy Gounden, Business Development Director at Messe Frankfurt, highlighted the fair’s role as a continental networking hub. Automechanika Johannesburg offers a dedicated meeting room for delegates from across Africa to connect with potential partners. “If you want to meet a specific client, let us know and we’ll arrange the meeting,” she said. “Besides reconnecting with existing partners, the event is an opportunity to meet new suppliers and collaborators.”
Stoltz also announced a strategic realignment within SKF, separating its automotive function into a new, independent business. “Automotive is a fast-moving industry with incredibly high demands. To make the necessary investments, SKF needed a focused entity concentrating solely on automotive,” he explained.
The 10th edition of Automechanika Johannesburg is scheduled for 28 to 30 October 2025, promising new industry developments, strategic partnerships, and strong African representation.
The session aimed to provide a platform for industry professionals to network, exchange ideas, and share expectations for the upcoming 10th edition of Automechanika Johannesburg. Organisers also invited feedback on how the annual fair can better reflect the needs of the African automotive sector.
Speaking at the event, Heinrich Stoltz, Automotive Manager at SKF Manufacturing Company, emphasised the continent’s untapped potential in producing automotive parts. “Africa has all the resources and a young workforce capable of manufacturing automotive components, either partially or entirely,” Stoltz said. He criticised the current trend of exporting raw materials to countries such as China, only to re-import the finished products at higher costs. “There is no secret recipe for why batteries must be made in China. They can be made in Africa, and that’s something we must push,” he added, noting that Africa has sufficient wealth, resources, and a ready market.
Stoltz highlighted models in Europe and China, where domestic manufacturing is prioritised for local consumption before exports, and argued that Africa should adopt a similar approach. During his presentation, he shared insights into the projected growth of Africa’s traditional automotive aftermarket, expected to expand from US$21.07 billion in 2024 to over US$33.14 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.16%.
Cost of mobility
He also pointed to the high cost of mobility as a key challenge, noting that vehicles on the market often cater to Chinese, European, or Japanese preferences, with limited relevance to African needs. “If we had vehicles designed specifically for our market, like India does, it would significantly reduce costs,” Stoltz said. He explained that many vehicles perceived as Japanese are actually manufactured in India, including brands such as Toyota, Hyundai, and Kia, due to lower production and material costs.
Delivering the keynote address, Willem Hausiku, logistics and supply chain specialist and Council Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, explored the future of the automotive aftermarket. He advocated greater automation, artificial intelligence, and digitalisation within logistics platforms. Hausiku also stressed sustainability and reusability, noting opportunities in remanufacturing, repairing, and reintegrating parts into the supply chain.
Networking
Tracy Gounden, Business Development Director at Messe Frankfurt, highlighted the fair’s role as a continental networking hub. Automechanika Johannesburg offers a dedicated meeting room for delegates from across Africa to connect with potential partners. “If you want to meet a specific client, let us know and we’ll arrange the meeting,” she said. “Besides reconnecting with existing partners, the event is an opportunity to meet new suppliers and collaborators.”
Stoltz also announced a strategic realignment within SKF, separating its automotive function into a new, independent business. “Automotive is a fast-moving industry with incredibly high demands. To make the necessary investments, SKF needed a focused entity concentrating solely on automotive,” he explained.
The 10th edition of Automechanika Johannesburg is scheduled for 28 to 30 October 2025, promising new industry developments, strategic partnerships, and strong African representation.
