WoodEX for Africa is the premier platform for suppliers and manufacturers serving the full timber, woodworking, and construction value chain. The show attracts companies ranging from global machinery and technology providers to leading producers and distributors of finished wood products and materials. It is the ideal meeting point for businesses supplying furniture and kitchen manufacturers, shopfitting companies, flooring specialists, construction and building material suppliers, and the broader woodworking and forestry industries. Exhibitors showcase an extensive range of innovative timber and woodworking products, machinery, tools, and services.
EXHIBITOR PROFILE
WOODEX FOR AFRICA’S RANGE OF EXHIBITS INCLUDED:
- CNC Router & Milling Machines
- CNC Plasma Cutting
- Laser Cutters & Engravers
- Edge Banders & Trimmers
- Hand & Power Tools
- Sawblades & Sharpening Tools
- Forestry Industry & Technology
- Wood Materials
- Veneer Production
- Furniture Machinery & Production
- Solid Woodworking Machinery
- Preservative Treatment
- Timber Construction
- Formica & Melamine Boards
- Chipboard & MDF
- Laminates & Plywood
- Hardwood & Composite Materials
- Veneer & Decorative Materials
- Wood & Timber Flooring
- Cutting Machines & Tools
- Spindle & Turning
- Saws & Sawing Machines
- Portable Sawmills
- Resaws & Edgers
- Fastening Systems & Screws
- Adhesives & Glues
- Wood Treatment
- Sealers & Varnishes
- Many more timber related products, machines & materials
WHY EXHIBIT AT WOODEX FOR AFRICA?
THE GATEWAY FOR MACHINERY, TOOLS & MATERIALS SUPPLIERS
The Southern African wood industry is growing, investing, and modernising. Machinery, tools, and material suppliers who showcase at WoodEX for Africa gain access not only to South Africa’s market, but also to the broader region hungry for new technologies and solutions.
A FAST-GROWING MARKET
- Southern Africa’s wood sector adds US $10 billion annually to the economy, driven by forestry, sawmilling, panel production, and furniture manufacturing.
- Forestry income grew from R24.2 billion in 2019 to R32.1 billion in 2023, a 33% increase in just four years.
- Demand for panels, laminates, veneers, MDF, Supawood, and engineered boards is rising rapidly across shopfitting, kitchens, cabinetry, and construction sectors.
STRONG INVESTMENT MOMENTUM
- Over R46 billion already invested in pulp, panel production, and machinery upgrades, with billions more planned under the forestry masterplan.
- Investments are driving new demand for machinery, tools, adhesives, coatings, fittings, and materials as the industry modernises and shifts toward value-added products.
- New board plants and capacity expansions are being commissioned to meet the rising demand for MDF, particleboard, laminates, and engineered panels.
- Increased automation and digitalisation in sawmills, workshops, and furniture factories are accelerating the need for CNC machines, robotics, and advanced cutting and edging solutions.
SOUTH AFRICA AS THE REGIONAL HUB
- South Africa accounts for around 59% of sub-Saharan Africa’s wood industry value-addition.
- It acts as the commercial gateway into Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, countries that rely heavily on imports of tools, machinery, materials, and production technologies.
- Exhibitors at WoodEX connect not only with South African buyers, but also with distributors and decision-makers from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXHIBITORS
- Machinery & Technology: Sawmills, board plants, furniture workshops, and kitchen manufacturers are actively upgrading equipment.
- Tools & Consumables: Rising production creates ongoing demand for cutting tools, blades, adhesives, coatings, and fittings.
- Materials & Finishes: Strong growth in shopfitting and cabinetry fuels demand for panels, laminates, veneers, and surface finishing solutions.
- Import-Driven Demand: Many Southern African countries import most of their woodworking machinery and consumables, creating strong opportunities for international suppliers.
- Repeat Business Potential: Tools, adhesives, finishes, and coatings are consumables, ensuring ongoing repeat sales and long-term distributor relationships.
- Construction & Retail Growth: Expanding housing, retail, and commercial developments across the region are boosting demand for kitchens, cabinetry, and shopfitting solutions.
COMBINED FORECAST FOR 2026
VISITOR PROFILE
As the largest timber trade exhibition on the continent, WoodEX for Africa is considered the gateway to Africa’s timber trade. From the biggest CNC machines to the smallest screws, from the loggers of the great outdoors to sleek laminated flooring, WoodEX for Africa plays host to the most specialised, yet comprehensive range of equipment, tools, machinery and wood products available on the market.
MAIN BUSINESS ACTIVITIES OF VISITORS:
- Forestry & Sawmilling
- Furniture Manufacturers
- Kitchen Manufacturers
- Shopfitters
- Deck Contractors & Installers
- Truss Manufacturers & Installers
- Woodworking Companies
- Traders in Wood Products
- Hardware Distributors
- Woodworking Material & Consumables
- Joinery Companies
- Furniture Component Manufacturers
- DIY Enthusiasts
- Flooring Companies & Contractors
- Building Material Suppliers & Dealers
- Importers & Exporters of Timber
- Construction Companies
- Architects
- Interior Designers
- Contractors
- Foreign Mission
- Representatives
- Government Officials
- Engineers
- Distributors & Retailers
- Boat Builders
VISITOR FEEDBACK
BOOK YOUR EXHIBITION STAND
Showcase your timber-related technologies, products and services at Africa’s only expo dedicated exclusively to timber and woodworking machinery. Increase your footprint on the African continent and book your space today!