By: Mamiki Matlawa, Group Business Development Executive at ACTOM  

Africa’s industries are transforming rapidly. Fuelled by a huge demand for energy connectivity, better infrastructure, increased manufacturing and responsible resource management, electro-mechanical solutions are key to shaping this growth, allowing industries to scale up their operations efficiently and sustainably. Here, advanced equipment such as high-voltage transformers, switchgear, and automated systems can ramp up productivity, reduce energy use and increase infrastructure reliability. These innovations are essential for key industries like mining, manufacturing and power generation - the very backbone of regional economies. This is where companies specialising in electro-mechanical solutions come in. They are vital to this growth, building modern infrastructure that expands access to energy, creating jobs and training people with skills needed to power a stable economy.

A growing continent with growing needs 

In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 600 million people have no access to electricity. This means that there is an urgent need for infrastructure and electro-mechanical solutions to supply power for the purposes of energising large parts of the African continent. Only once this is achieved, can we fully maximise the opportunities for industrialisation in Africa. Currently, minerals are being extracted and exported as-is, because certain regions lack the ability to add value beyond extraction. 

Energising Africa is a fundamental requirement to unlocking the continent’s vast potential. It is needed to power homes, schools, hospitals and businesses, all of which will improve lives and boost economies through industrialisation, small business growth and job creation. From this foundation it becomes possible to foster innovation and technological advancement that enables sustainable development by harnessing our abundant renewable energy resources. 

Switching on growth by powering sub-Saharan Africa 

Advanced electro-mechanical equipment such as high-voltage transformers and switchgear, coupled with automated systems will significantly boost productivity and reduce energy consumption. This will be achieved by minimising power loss during transmission and distribution, which will allow for the transmission of higher voltages over greater distances while improving grid stability and reliability. 

Furthermore, advanced electro-mechanical equipment is a game-changer for industries wanting to move away from fossil fuel and become more energy efficient. It is what is needed to boost the uptake of renewable energy sources, by making them easier to use. This will enable traditionally power-hungry sectors like mining and manufacturing to optimise their industrial process energy use, while advancements such as automated systems for monitoring and control will enable wider access to electricity across the continent through the establishment of grids that are more efficient and robust. This will allow for the connection of previously underserved communities in a way that will drive economic development and bring them out of poverty.

Stepping in with technology to step up transformation

Technological advancements such as automated systems and condition monitoring will make infrastructure more reliable. Automated industrial systems, like the ones used in car factories, will streamline manufacturing and help to use energy more efficiently, which increases energy reliability and availability for everyone. Condition monitoring makes it possible to keep an eye on equipment remotely, which helps make sure everything is running efficiently in a way that improves equipment longevity.  

Properly managing electro-mechanical equipment through its entire lifespan is essential to sustainable and efficient industrial operations. Lifecycle management helps to reduce operating and manufacturing costs, which is critical for competitiveness, and regular maintenance of equipment and infrastructure minimises breakdowns, which increases output and productivity. In the long run, taking care of equipment from start to finish saves money, boosts production capacity and ensures smoother, more sustainable operations for Africa’s growing industries. 

Industrial agents of transformation and growth

Providers of electro-mechanical equipment and solutions are now able to drive job creation and skills development within their sector, by providing employment opportunities for a range of technical professionals, from skilled tradespeople like fitters and turners to engineers and technicians. Furthermore, these companies invest heavily in training programmes, equipping individuals with the specialised knowledge and abilities required to grow the industry.

The increasing demand for electro-mechanical solutions, particularly in the expanding renewable energy sector, is fuelling this trend. As companies experience increased demand for products like high-voltage transformers and other equipment, their manufacturing facilities expand, creating more jobs. This increased activity also allows them to deepen investment in skills development initiatives, training more individuals to meet the growing market needs and ensuring a pipeline of qualified professionals for the future.

Powerful partnerships for progress

Strategic collaboration between local industries and electro-mechanical companies will be necessary to accelerate regional development. These partnerships can bring new technologies into the region that were not previously available, and this access to advanced technology in turn helps to localise the production of essential equipment, while at the same time localising the skills needed to run and maintain operations. Bringing production closer to home will increase output, which consequently fuels economic growth through job creation. 

Here, companies can contribute to Africa’s industrialisation by leveraging advanced technology to balance the demand for economic progress with the need for sustainability. Technology improves efficiency, reduces costs over time, and creates new jobs and skill sets as it is implemented, which contributes positively to building and sustaining both the economy and the industrial sector.

Taking ownership for powering Africa’s rise

In short, electro-mechanical solutions and their providers have a major role to play in Africa's ongoing transformation, starting with the expansion of access to energy which is a fundamental building block for industrialisation. At the same time, the increased focus on sustainability and renewable energy projects presents significant opportunities for economic growth and the development of much-needed technical skills, while prioritising the lifecycle management of equipment will be vital for ensuring its reliability and longevity. This focus on maintenance and sustainability will be the key ingredient to avoid the scenario where Africa becomes simply a consumer of technology without the capacity to support and maintain it. By embracing these principles, Africa can tap into its true industrial potential, by adding value to its resources in a way that allows everyone to reap the benefits.