YourTechLive is a new full-value-chain event set to take place in
Sandton in November 2014. The first of its kind on the African continent, the
show will present the latest and greatest technology & gadgets from
existing manufacturers and distributors operating on the continent. More
importantly, it is also a channel for manufacturers looking to enter the
world’s fastest growing consumer electronics market and will challenge the
industry to lose its complacency and give consumers what they know their
counterparts in Europe and the US are already using.
A 2012 Deloitte & Touche report noted that ‘the consumer technology
market in South Africa alone was worth $9.4 billion in 2012 and is projected to
rise to $13.6 billion in 2016.’ To assist in stimulating this sector to achieve
these projections, YourTechLive will combine trade and consumer days, and
encompass the development of business partnerships and supply-chains required
to facilitate business as well as develop brand and product exposure to the
consumer.
The show will provide a shop window for manufacturers, distributors and
retailers to connect with each other and will create a platform for opening new
distribution channels looking to trade in Africa whether through traditional
models or online. Suppliers will also expose technology to new consumer markets
as well as established tech savvy audiences after a touch of the extraordinary.
Paul Dunne, CEO of Your Tech Media Limited, organisers of YourTechLive,
believes that the time is right for a concept of this nature to enter the
African business arena. “Over the past 24 months we have researched the
consumer electronics market on the continent and spoken to numerous companies
and experts. Our findings confirm that the market is ripe for innovation and
disruption of the current status quo.” Dunne believes that in so doing,
YourTechLive can positively influence the future African electronics market. “Not
only do we anticipate the increased economics in this sector, but consumers
will ultimately benefit with a raft of new price competitive electronic
offerings that can assist today’s modern lifestyle.”
Supporting Dunne’s hypothesis, Toby Shapshak, editor of Stuff magazine,
concurred: "As ‘The Economist’ has noted, Africa is rising. There is no
more exciting place to be in the world in terms of innovation and
entrepreneurship than Africa, especially in the mobile space. This event isn't
the extension of an international one, but is specifically focused on tech in
Africa. That is stand-out in itself.”
Drawing on their international expertise of presenting large-scale tech
shows, the organisers have created a format designed to give maximum exposure
to all exhibitors and provide visitors with an exceptional experience: a
diagonal boulevard will ensure easy visibility and accessibility while elements
like product shoot-outs for visitors to enjoy and comment on; exposure to never
before seen technology (except that offered through international online
portals) will provide a fresh experience, one not to be ignored or forgotten.
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