By: Paul Mabusa
South Africa’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities will take centre stage at Electra Mining Africa 2026 as the New Products and Innovation Awards recognise companies developing solutions to some of the mining and industrial sector’s most pressing challenges.
Innovation remains a key driver of progress across the industrial sector, helping companies improve safety, increase productivity, reduce operating costs and strengthen sustainability. The New Products and Innovation Awards provide a platform for exhibitors to showcase the technologies and engineering solutions they have developed to meet these demands.
The awards recognise not only new products, but also the research, engineering expertise and development work behind them. For manufacturers, the initiative provides an opportunity to demonstrate the quality, reliability and practical value of products developed for demanding local and international markets.
Entry into the New Products and Innovation Awards is exclusively open to exhibitors participating at Electra Mining Africa 2026.
The South African Capital Equipment Export Council (SACEEC) serves as the adjudicator for the awards, evaluating entries against a comprehensive set of criteria. These include innovation, engineering excellence, research and development, product quality, technical knowledge and the practical value delivered to industry.
The rigorous judging process is intended to identify products that represent genuine advances in technology, performance and industrial application.
SACEEC says continued investment in innovation is also closely linked to export competitiveness. Manufacturers that consistently develop and improve their products are better positioned to respond to changing customer requirements, compete in international markets and adapt to evolving industry needs.
Eric Bruggeman, Chief Executive Officer of SACEEC, said the awards highlight the commitment of South African manufacturers to solving real-world industrial challenges.
“The New Products and Innovation Awards celebrate far more than individual products. They recognise the commitment of South African manufacturers to continuous improvement, engineering excellence and solving the practical challenges faced by industry,” said Bruggeman.
He added that each innovation represents significant investment in research, testing and product development.
Previous editions of the awards have recognised innovations across a wide range of sectors, including mining, industrial, electrical, transport, information technology, health and safety.
Past winners have included advanced conveyor safety systems, intelligent monitoring technologies, specialised mining equipment, pumping solutions, industrial automation systems and other safety-focused innovations designed to improve operational performance.
The range of products recognised through the awards highlights the depth of engineering expertise and manufacturing capability within South Africa, while providing local companies with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to develop solutions for both domestic and international markets.
As manufacturers continue to invest in research and development, initiatives such as the New Products and Innovation Awards play an important role in promoting a culture of continuous improvement and recognising the contribution of engineering and manufacturing to economic and industrial development.
The winners of the New Products and Innovation Awards will be announced during Electra Mining Africa 2026, taking place from 7 to 11 September at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec.