ABOUT THE FAIR
WoodEX for Africa is one of the most important trade fairs in the wood industry in Africa, established in 2012. Since its inception, the event has become an essential meeting point for professionals in the fields of woodworking, forestry, and furniture production. The name "WoodEX" is derived from the English word "Wood" and the abbreviation "EX" for "Exposition", symbolizing a fair focused on wood technologies and products.
The fair takes place annually at the renowned Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, attracting over 8,500 visitors and around 150 exhibitors from more than 30 countries each year. This highlights its significance for the entire African wood industry. The event is organized by ZOVICAP Events, a well-established organization specializing in the planning and execution of trade fairs and industry-specific events.
The key themes of WoodEX for Africa include the latest technologies and machinery for woodworking, forestry equipment for timber harvesting, and the production of wood-based materials such as plywood, MDF, and OSB. Furniture production and innovative recycling technologies for the sustainable use of wood resources also play an important role. Exhibitors showcase a wide range of products and services, from woodworking machinery and precision tools to wood products and sustainable solutions.
In addition to the technical topics, the fair also offers an excellent opportunity for networking. Professionals and decision-makers from various sectors, including manufacturers, suppliers, traders, distributors, and end-users, come together here. In collaboration with "The Big 5 Construct Southern Africa", the "Deck & Flooring Expo" and the "African Smart Cities Summit", the event experience is further enriched for both visitors and exhibitors. These partnerships expand the scope of the event and open up new perspectives for innovation and collaboration.
Another highlight of WoodEX for Africa is the exchange of knowledge and best practices, supported by workshops, seminars, and interactive presentations.
The main visitors to the fair are professionals from the wood industry, including producers, engineers, designers, architects, and businesspeople, who travel from various countries and regions across Africa. They are interested in the latest industry developments and are looking for new partners, suppliers, and business opportunities.
The Gallagher Convention Centre, the venue for WoodEX for Africa, is centrally located and easily accessible. It is situated in a well-connected neighborhood of Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city, allowing both international and local visitors to easily reach the fair. Johannesburg is known for its economic significance and good accessibility by both air and road.
WoodEX for Africa is more than just a trade fair – it is a showcase for innovation in the wood industry and a central meeting place for the exchange of ideas and the further development of the market in Africa.
The WoodEX for Africa in Johannesburg took place from Tuesday, 09. June to Thursday, 11. June 2026.