Automotive Incubator Highway Proposed as Automechanika Johannesburg 2026 Ends

Plans for an Automotive Incubator Highway that would connect African markets, suppliers and manufacturing value chains were announced at the CEO Breakfast that opened Automechanika Johannesburg 2026 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.

Michael Dehn, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa, presented the proposal to a packed audience of automotive industry leaders and decision-makers, inviting governments, associations and businesses across the continent to participate in shaping the initiative.

The CEO Breakfast Sets the Agenda

Discussions at the CEO Breakfast focused on localisation, skills development, investment and African trade. Speakers highlighted the automotive aftermarket as a critical contributor to industrial competitiveness, economic participation and safe, affordable mobility.

"Automechanika Johannesburg is where the automotive aftermarket turns ambition into action," says Dehn. "By bringing buyers, suppliers and industry leaders together, we create opportunities to strengthen supply chains, build technical expertise and unlock business growth. Our focus is to help the industry translate these connections into lasting commercial value across African markets."

Siphamandla Ndhlovu, Head: Industrial and Manufacturing at Nedbank Business and Commercial Banking, says the event continues to showcase growing opportunities throughout the automotive value chain.

"Automechanika highlights the opportunities emerging across the automotive industry, particularly in components and the aftermarket. Turning those opportunities into growth takes investment, expertise and strong partnerships. At Nedbank, we work closely with businesses to understand their ambitions and help them invest, expand and compete in an evolving industry," says Ndhlovu.

Three Days by the Numbers

The 11th edition of Automechanika Johannesburg was held from 27 to 29 October and organised by Messe Frankfurt South Africa. The event attracted 4,519 visitors and 317 exhibitors, while facilitating 2,837 business matchmaking meetings and welcoming 298 conference delegates.

Visitors attended from South Africa as well as international markets including Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Germany, China, India, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Parts and components accounted for 45% of recorded product interests, followed by diagnostics and repair at 14%. Electronics and connectivity, together with dealer and workshop management solutions, each represented 9% of interests recorded during the exhibition.

Exhibitors, Workshops and Conference Rooms

Manufacturers, suppliers, workshop professionals and buyers engaged across a broad range of product categories, including parts and components, repair and maintenance, electronics, accessories, and tyres and wheels. The exhibition provided opportunities to explore new products, establish supplier relationships and identify business opportunities.

Alongside the exhibition floor, the programme featured the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport regional conference, the Automotive Remanufacturers' Association conference, as well as conferences hosted by Goldwagen and Global One Automotive Southern Africa.

Technical presentations, training sessions and business-focused discussions connected industry trends to the practical requirements of workshops, suppliers and transport operators.

One of the exhibition highlights was the MIWA SpannerTorque Pavilion, which brought together 12 companies and organisations from the independent aftermarket, including Bosch, GUD Holdings, Hella, ZF, Diesel Electric, MANN+HUMMEL, Right to Repair, Launch, Green Drive, Abes, Workshop Pro and Backdraft Cobra.

Visitors were able to watch a vehicle being assembled from the chassis upwards, with various components fitted and removed to showcase the engineering principles behind its construction.

Returning in October 2027

The combination of business matchmaking meetings, conference sessions and live demonstrations ensured participants could engage with both the commercial and technical aspects of the evolving automotive aftermarket.

The 12th edition of Automechanika Johannesburg will take place from 26 to 28 October 2027 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. The event will once again feature product displays, international pavilions, expert-led conferences, live demonstrations and extensive networking opportunities.