Mining will remain the primary long-term source of revenue for the valves industry on the African continent, says valves and actuator technology manufacturer and supplier AR Controls director Julien Van Niekerk. He is confident that, with the cyclical nature of commodities, prices will improve and give rise to “a massive expansion in minerals processing plants across the continent”.
However, the energy industry represents short- to medium term opportunities for growth, especially solar, wind, and hydro-electricity opportunities in the renewable-energy sector. Hydro-electricity power plants are set to boom in the next few years, says Van Niekerk. He also highlights Africa’s oil and gas industries and is optimistic that, despite large scale oil and gas projects being put on hold, these projects will eventually take off and give rise to a large and prominent industry.