Africa IP SME Helpdesk at the Hannover Messe

The Africa IP SME Helpdesk attended the Hannover Messe trade fair from 17 to 19 April together with other International IP SME Helpdesks: India IP SME Helpdesk, Latina America IP SME Helpdesk, China IP SME Helpdesk and South-East Asia IP SME Helpdesk.

This annual exhibition is an important international platform, showcasing industrial technology highlights, innovations, and ground-breaking solutions. This year, more than 66 400 visitors from all around the world were expected to attend. Under the motto ‘Industrial Transformation Starts Here’, they had the chance to discover product innovations and latest technologies, and to expand their network of business contacts. In addition, visitors were able to attend conferences and presentations focused on the megatrends in all the core sectors –industrial automation and IT, energy and environmental technology, industrial supply, production engineering and services, and research and development.

European firms visiting the Hannover Messe have great potential for business internationalisation. The IP SME Helpdesks can add value by raising awareness on the services they offer to EU SMEs. The event was a great chance for the Africa IP SME Helpdesk to discuss the wide range of opportunities offered by African markets and their industrial growth projections. It was also an excellent platform gather IP intelligence on business experiences, concerns and challenges.