Messe Muenchen India has announced a strategic partnership with RX Africa to strengthen the scale, reach and market impact of its co-located trade fairs, analytica Lab Africa and IFAT Africa, ahead of their 2027 editions. As part of the collaboration, the Africa Automation Technology Fair (AATF) will join the co-located platform from 6–8 July 2027 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, creating an integrated environment for scientific, environmental and automation technologies.
RX Africa, part of RX Global, is one of Africa’s leading exhibition organisers, with an established portfolio of events across key industries and markets. Its local expertise, experienced team and strong relationships with industry stakeholders, associations and business communities will support the continued development of analytica Lab Africa and IFAT Africa. The partnership also aligns with Messe Muenchen India’s strategy to expand its presence across the African continent.
IFAT Africa is Southern Africa’s leading trade fair for water, sewage, refuse and recycling, serving as an important platform for environmental technologies across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. Co-located with analytica Lab Africa, the region’s leading exhibition for laboratory technology, analysis and biotechnology, the two events connect technology providers with industries focused on environmental management, research, testing, quality control and scientific development.
Adding a further dimension to the platform, AATF brings a 28-year legacy as Africa’s leading and comprehensive automation technology trade fair. The integration of the three exhibitions will bring scientific analysis, environmental technologies, industrial-scale implementation and automation technologies together within one business environment.
Over the years, the co-located exhibitions have facilitated international business relationships and technology transfer by bringing together government bodies, municipal authorities, industry stakeholders, market leaders and scientific researchers. Previous editions have also featured country pavilions from Germany, China, the United Kingdom and the USA, alongside seminars, technical training workshops and forums addressing regional infrastructure and analytical challenges.
Stefan Rummel, CEO, Messe München, said, “Africa is an important growth market for Messe München. Through this partnership with RX Africa, we are strengthening analytica Lab Africa and IFAT Africa as platforms for technology transfer, international business and long-term industrial development across the region.”
Bhupinder Singh, President – IMEA (India, Middle East, Africa), Messe München and CEO, Messe Muenchen India, added, “The alliance would deepen connections between local buyers and international exhibitors, creating a more impactful trade environment.”
The 2027 editions will feature an enhanced supporting programme led by international experts, offering local buyers access to global market leaders and technologies.
Carol Weaving, Managing Director, RX Africa, said, “The collaboration would bring regional insight and on-ground expertise to strengthen market relevance and deliver greater value to the industries served by the exhibitions.”