• Regional Logistics and Transport Conference

This three-day conference, hosted by the South African and Zimbabwe Branches of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, is a landmark event for the logistics and transport sector in sub-Saharan Africa.

It will focus on five key pillars: Infrastructure, Harmonisation, Security, Skills Development and Technology & Digitalisation. The conference aims to address critical challenges such as the high cost of logistics in Africa, inadequate transport infrastructure and complex regulatory landscapes across African countries.

It will bring together industry experts, policy makers and stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving regional integration, boosting economic development and enhancing safety and security in the transport sector.

• Urban Mechanics Summit and Awards

This innovative event aims to bridge the gap between informal township car service providers and the wider automotive aftermarket industry.

The summit will feature two days of interactive sessions focusing on critical issues such as access to finance, market opportunities, anti-competitive behaviour in the industry, skills development and access to accredited workshops.

It aims to expose township mechanics to the wider automotive industry, facilitate networking with key industry players and foster collaboration between township mechanics and established stakeholders.

The event will also include an awards ceremony to recognise excellence among township mechanics and highlight their contribution to the automotive industry and their communities.

• E-Hailing Mobility Indaba

Organised by SAMTEA (South African Metered Taxi Association), this one-day event will focus on enabling e-hailing entrepreneurs to transition from owner-drivers to fleet owners.

The indaba will address key challenges in the e-hailing sector, such as rising operating costs and market saturation. It will showcase technological innovations that can transform the e-hailing landscape, including advances in telematics, electric vehicles and app-based operational management tools.

The event will feature skill-building workshops and seminars on topics such as advanced driving, customer service excellence and fleet management. An interactive exhibition will allow attendees to experience the latest products and services in the e-hailing and automotive services sectors. The Indaba will conclude with an awards ceremony celebrating excellence in the e-hailing industry.

Michael Dehn, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa, emphasises the added value that these events will bring to Futuroad Expo attendees: "By hosting these three cutting-edge industry events alongside Futuroad Expo, we're creating a powerhouse of knowledge sharing, networking and business opportunities.

Futuroad Expo is the only truly international show of its kind on the African continent, attracting visitors from across the sub-Saharan region. It serves as a comprehensive business platform for the truck, bus and commercial vehicle body sector.

• For more information and to register, please visit www.futuroad.co.za