The first Africa Print Expo outside of South Africa took place at the Mulungushi ICC on the 8-9 June in Lusaka, Zambia. Exhibitors welcomed 567 visitors from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Business opportunities in print were showcased, with many affordable start-up solutions available. Visitors were also shown products to diversify and grow their print businesses.
A visit from the Honorable Japhen Mwakalombe, Lusaka Province Minister, and representatives from the Government Printers was a significant step in forming relations with the Government of Zambia and the Expo organisers. He urged South African investors dealing in printing to invest in Zambia. His goal is to improve the quality of print and have all materials, including ballot papers, printed in Zambia.
Africa Print Expo organiser, Dyelan Copeland said, 'Zambia has proved to be a good business environment for South African investors. This will be a region that we look forward to returning to with good relationships with local partners in place. The market in Zambia is ready to grow and is hungry for information and products. The exhibition was well supported and it was a pleasure to meet and deal with very friendly Zambian people. Exhibitors and organisers were overwhelmed with the turnout. We plan to host more exhibitions outside of South Africa.’
The Business Opportunities in Print and Signage Programme was a success, with presentations taking place free of charge, on both days of the expo at the respective companies' stands.
Modern Press & Stationers Limited kindly sponsored a networking event with the exhibitors at the Kingfisher Garden Court. The event was a success and underpinned by the warmth and hospitality of Zambia. Director of Operations, Amit Sikand, made the event possible and ensured that everyone was taken care of.
Africa Print exhibitor feedback:
Neil Dowden, Fellowes Beswick: ‘The show was excellent, and we were surprised with size of the market. We will definitely be back.’
Gary Stockenstroom, Fujifilm: ‘The enthusiasm of the Zambian people is exceptional. Product pricing is on par and accepted. Visitors liked the technology showcased. We will definitely do this again with a bigger machine.’
Libby Ballardin, Kemtek Imaging Systems: ‘It was a positive experience. We have had a lot of interest in products from both Epson and the Auto ID side. We showcased the Cipher Lab and Data Logic scanning devices. As a result of companies we met on the stand our local agents Prosperity will be trained to service them with Kemtek’s full range of Auto ID products.’
Sean Greer, Midcomp: ‘The event surpassed my expectations. We obtained good quality leads. It was worth it!’
David Fenn, Agfa: ‘We were pleasantly surprised. It was a lot busier and better than expected and we got very good leads. We would rather exhibit with a machine going forward.’
Judges visited each stand at the expo and judged the stands according to criteria based on design, staff friendliness and professionalism. The stand winners and runners up included:
Small Shell Scheme
First: Agfa and Kemtek Imaging Systems
Second: Fellowes Beswick
Medium Floor Space
First: Fujifilm SA
Second: Falcon
Medium Shell Scheme
First: Midcomp
Second: Penanel Zambia
Upcoming expos include:
Johannesburg: 13-15 September, Gallagher Convention Centre.
