The inaugural African Infrastructure Salon (SAI) concluded successfully on Saturday at Libreville's Baie des Rois, following three days of exhibitions and conferences. Organized by BTP Afrique, the event drew numerous participants, including companies, investors, and funding agencies, to discuss construction and financing challenges. The gathering showcased a diverse range of exhibitors from Cameroon, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, and Morocco, alongside local businesses. French visitors also attended the event.
Notable exhibitors included Porteo Group, AOM Gabon, Gab'Oil, CITP, Avantis, Ola Energy, Infracom, Sogame Equip, Addoha, Équateur Construction, FMCT, GIEEBI, Codalec, and AMC. The program combined conferences and masterclasses, offering valuable insights into industry topics. Infracom presented on the application of artificial intelligence in extending infrastructure lifespan, featuring Mohamed Ali Besbes from IA4Scale. Additionally, Hussein Tham, CEO of Codalec, discussed electrical risk management.
Employment opportunities were also a focus, with Codalec announcing five electrician positions and receiving numerous CVs during the event. The Minister of Industry, Lubin Ntoutoume, emphasized that the salon signals Gabon's ambition to play a significant role in the continent's transformation. Boris Ndong, the event's commissioner general, stated that the primary objective was achieved: creating a sustainable platform to structure the infrastructure market in Central Africa.
The event brought together a wide range of industry stakeholders, facilitating networking and collaboration. With participants from various countries, the SAI demonstrated its potential as a premier infrastructure event in Africa. The diversity of exhibitors and attendees underscored the growing interest in infrastructure development across the continent.
Key discussions during the conference centered on innovative solutions for infrastructure development and management. The role of technology, including artificial intelligence, was highlighted as a crucial factor in optimizing infrastructure performance. These conversations reflected the evolving landscape of infrastructure development in Africa.
The success of the inaugural SAI has already generated anticipation for the next edition. Scheduled for 2027 in Libreville, the event is expected to build on the momentum established this year. Organizers and participants alike have expressed enthusiasm for the potential of the SAI to drive growth and collaboration in the infrastructure sector.
As the infrastructure landscape in Africa continues to evolve, events like the SAI play a vital role in fostering dialogue and cooperation among industry stakeholders. With a strong foundation established, the future of infrastructure development in the region appears promising, driven by innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.
Key points
- The first African Infrastructure Salon (SAI) was held successfully in Libreville, gathering industry players and investors to discuss construction and financing challenges.
- The event featured a diverse range of exhibitors and attendees from across Africa, highlighting the growing interest in infrastructure development.
- The next edition of the SAI is scheduled for 2027 in Libreville, aiming to build on the success of the inaugural event.
