dmg events - Experts & Thought Leaders

dmg events, a pioneering international organizer of business-to-business exhibitions, is expanding its footprint in Africa with the launch of West Africa Infrastructure Expo and HVACR Nigeria, set to take place from 7–9 April 2026 in Lagos. West Africa’s rapid urbanization and $668 billion infrastructure market are creating major investment and collaboration opportunities, with dmg events leveraging its international expertise and ten years of African market experience to accelerate this growth. With offices in Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa, dmg events has been active on the continent since 2015, delivering some of Africa’s most established exhibitions, including Big 5 Construct Egypt, EGYPES, Big 5 Construct Nigeria, Nigeria Energy Week, Big 5 Construct Ethiopia, East Africa Infrastructure Expo, Big 5 Construct South Africa and South Africa Infrastructure Expo. Longstanding presence This longstanding presence, combined with its global infrastructure and HVACR portfolio across the UAE, South Africa, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, positions dmg events as a trusted partner in connecting governments, investors and industry pioneers to support Africa’s development priorities. Commenting on the launch, Matt Denton, President of dmg events, said: “Urbanization and climate challenges are reshaping the future of West Africa. With West Africa Infrastructure Expo and HVACR Nigeria, we are creating focused events that not only highlight the scale of opportunity but address in tandem infrastructure development and climate-conscious technologies.” “Africa remains a core market for dmg events, where we have built a longstanding presence since 2015 and continue to expand. With offices in Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa, dmg events combines local market knowledge with international expertise, connecting governments, investors and industry leaders to support the region’s development priorities.” Driving infrastructure and sustainable growth West Africa Infrastructure Expo will unite stakeholders from the construction and infrastructure value chain, focusing on urban connectivity, smart cities, digital infrastructure, waste management, power infrastructure, water management and communications. It will showcase solutions to support projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Railway, Trans-Guinea Railway, Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway, Escravos Seaport Industrial Complex and Africa Data Centre Accra. The event also aligns with Nigeria’s National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, which aims to raise infrastructure stock to 70% of GDP by 2043 (Source: The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Nigeria). Region’s infrastructure expansion Alongside the region’s infrastructure expansion, the demand for advanced heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technologies is rising rapidly. HVACR Nigeria addresses this need directly by offering energy-efficient solutions that enhance air quality and improve energy performance in both urban and industrial developments. With Nigeria’s accelerating urbanization, emphasis on sustainability and tackling climatic pressures, the role of HVACR technologies has never been more critical in supporting cities and resilient industries. The HVACR sector in Nigeria is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 8.78% between 2025 and 2029. By connecting international solution providers with local businesses and government leaders, HVACR Nigeria will promote collaboration and business making that complements the region’s infrastructure transformation.

Saudi Arabia’s Western region is currently building on its $692 billion construction projects pipeline, representing 55% of the Kingdom’s $1.25 trillion development plan (Source: Knight Frank). In response to this burgeoning scale of opportunity, Jeddah Construct, the largest construction event in the Western Province, returns for its second edition from 28 – 30 September 2025 at the new Jeddah Superdome. Following a successful launch in 2024, the exhibition, organized by dmg events and powered by Big 5 Construct Saudi, returns larger, welcoming over 13,000 industry professionals. Construction sector’s growth outlook Saudi Arabia’s construction output value reached $141.5 billion in 2023, a 4.3% increase from the previous year Saudi Arabia’s construction output value reached $141.5 billion in 2023, a 4.3% increase from the previous year, and is forecast to rise to $181.5 billion by 2028, making it the largest construction market globally (Source: Knight Frank).  The Western region, led by Jeddah, is significantly contributing to this growth. Jeddah Central, a $19.9 billion coastal redevelopment, will deliver a marina, beaches, museums, a stadium, and 2,700 hotel rooms. Jeddah Tower, set to surpass 1km, will be the world’s tallest building. Restoration of UNESCO-listed Al-Balad, alongside Jeddah Cove and Airport City, underscores the city’s dynamic blend of heritage, leisure, commerce and infrastructure. Residential sector According to Knight Frank’s Construction Landscape Review, the residential sector continues to lead construction output value in Saudi Arabia, accounting for 31% of the total in 2023 at $43.5 billion and expected to reach $56.9 billion by 2028. The power and utilities sector follows closely at $35.1 billion, with growth forecast to $46.5 billion (Source: Knight Frank). The scale and diversity of this pipeline underscore the breadth of opportunity for companies across the construction ecosystem. With projects reshaping Jeddah’s skyline and driving new demand for technologies and expertise, the exhibition offers a timely opportunity for businesses to engage with decision-makers, align with Vision 2030 objectives and contribute to the delivery of one of the fastest-growing construction markets in the world. Exhibitor highlights This year, Jeddah Construct will bring together more than 200 exhibitors from over 20 countries This year, Jeddah Construct will bring together more than 200 exhibitors from over 20 countries, including China, Germany, India, Italy, Spain, Türkiye and Qatar, among others. Major brands such as Madar, Masdar, Al Yamamah Steel and Henkel will represent sectors from building interiors and finishes to heavy construction, metal and steel, MEP services, HVAC R, digital construction, modular and offsite solutions, marble and stone, urban design and solar technologies. Over 3,500 products will be on display, attracting senior buyers, procurement heads, architects, engineers and construction managers seeking solutions for projects of every scale. Construction market “Jeddah Construct reflects the scale and ambition of the construction market in Saudi Arabia’s Western Province. With significant investment concentrated in the region, the event offers a strategic setting for companies to connect with industry leaders, present their solutions and explore opportunities aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives,” said Muhammed Kazi, Senior Vice President – Construction at dmg events. He adds, “It is an environment where the market’s ambitions for growth and the partnerships shaping its future come together.”  Sector-wide transformation Visitors can witness equipment and materials in action, compare solutions side-by-side Amidst this rapid growth and sector-wide transformation, Jeddah Construct’s move to Jeddah Superdome offers an expanded layout and upgraded facilities, with easier access to product zones, live demonstration areas and networking lounges. Visitors can witness equipment and materials in action, compare solutions side-by-side and engage directly with suppliers, driving innovation and efficiency across the construction value chain. Alongside the exhibition, the Construct Talks program will feature more than 15 CDP-certified sessions, with over 30 major speakers who will share industry knowledge, addressing topics, such as sustainable building practices, digital transformation, advanced materials, safety standards and large-scale project delivery. Key speakers Key speakers include Wael Samy Abdelghany, HSE Director – Non Haramain Projects, Saudi Binladin Group; Dr Luay Ayyash, Director of Construction, The Royal Commission for AlUla; Bilal Khalid, Chief Portfolio Officer, IHCC; Matt Doran, MENA Regional Hub Manager, Chartered Institute of Building; Mohamed Anber, Project Manager, Kabbani Construction Group; Ahmad Mhanna, Director, Middle East / North Africa Region, American Concrete Institute; Ibrahim Sarhan, Project Delivery Manager, Red Sea Global; Dr Paul Mckeown, CEO, HanmiGlobal Saudi; Simon Jobbins, Engineering Director, Parsons; and Elise Chalouhi, Design Manager, NEOM. Jeddah Construct is supported by Lanyard Sponsor, Himalaya Steel; Exclusive Badge Sponsor, Al Yamamah Steel Industry Company; Supporting Associations, Chartered Institute of Building and Institution of Civil Engineers; and Industry Partner, SCAVO.

Ethiopia’s construction market is valued at $67 billion, driven by the country’s economic growth priorities under its Ten-Year Development Plan 2020-30. Supporting this ambition, the 2025 edition of Big 5 Construct Ethiopia, the country’s largest construction event, will take place from 26-28 June at the Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa.  Endorsed by the Ministry of Urban & Infrastructure, the event connects international companies with regional opportunities, enabling business networking, knowledge sharing and collaboration. Critical infrastructure development Co-located with Big 5 Construct Ethiopia, the inaugural East Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo, broadens the event's impact by engaging government representatives, utilities service providers, regulators and public project owners. This expanded focus strengthens regional cooperation and supports critical infrastructure development across East Africa. Ethiopia’s pipeline of multi-billion-dollar projects, including the $1.5 billion La Gare urban redevelopment This comes at a time, as Ethiopia accelerates investment in transformative projects across transport, water, power and ICT. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the Mesob Tower, airport expansions and major expressway projects are some of the region’s mega projects and modernization initiatives. From residential properties to logistics hubs, Ethiopia’s pipeline of multi-billion-dollar projects, including the $1.5 billion La Gare urban redevelopment and the $7.8 billion Abusera International Airport, is attracting growing interest from construction firms, material suppliers and technology providers. Enabling knowledge exchange “The launch of East Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo alongside Big 5 Construct Ethiopia supports Ethiopia’s development vision by enabling the exchange of expertise, technology and investment,” said Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President – Construction, dmg events. “With Ethiopia’s infrastructure market valued at $395 billion, these events allow international companies to form strategic partnerships with Ethiopian and East African stakeholders, enabling knowledge exchange and creating opportunities to realize some of the region’s construction and infrastructure goals (Source: ABiQ).” Construction-grade copper solutions provider The exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to engage with over 230 exhibitors The exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to engage with over 230 exhibitors, including international and local brands that will showcase high-quality products, materials and technologies tailored to Ethiopia’s growing construction and infrastructure demands.  Some of these include Jotun and Asian Paint, known for durable coatings and finishes; NAFFCO, a pioneer in firefighting equipment, fire protection, alarm and safety systems; USG, manufacturer of interior construction products; Emirates National Copper Factory, an electrical and construction-grade copper solutions provider; and SCAFFCO, a recognized major player providing efficient scaffolding and formwork solutions. Power and communications infrastructure The event also welcomes first-time exhibitors such as Signify (Philips Lighting), known for high-quality, energy-efficient lighting solutions; Thomsun Industries, a brand in the building materials sector; and Bitumat, a manufacturer of advanced waterproofing and roofing solutions; further expanding the range of solutions on display and the growing demand in the sector. The event also welcomes first-time exhibitors such as Signify (Philips Lighting), known for high-quality Country pavilions from Germany, Türkiye, China, Italy and India, among others, highlight rising international interest in the market. Across Big 5 Construct Ethiopia, exhibitors will cover sectors such as Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Services, building materials, construction tools & personal protection equipment, heavy construction equipment, digital construction and more. Meanwhile, East Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo will spotlight solutions in smart cities, urban mobility, waste and water management, power and communications infrastructure.  Sustainable building materials Big 5 Construct Ethiopia and East Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo feature CPD-certified talks and practical sessions focused on regional priorities, offering valuable opportunities to learn, connect with decision-makers and engage with government entities and industry leaders. Big 5 Talks will cover sessions on architecture and design, project management, technology and sustainable building materials. New themed programmes, Infra360 and Water360, will explore practical solutions to East Africa’s infrastructure and water challenges, from smart systems and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to resource-efficient technologies and urban resilience. Infrastructure development pathways East Africa Infrastructure & Water Summit, a premium, invite-only programme, will convene policymakers, project owners and technical experts to explore unique strategies and infrastructure development pathways for the region. “Urbanization across Ethiopia and the wider East African region is creating new business opportunities at an unprecedented pace. Big 5 Construct Ethiopia alongside the East Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo, will support and accelerate this growth,” concluded Heijmans.