Presidential Diplomacy Meets Sustainable Business

A Week in South Africa – Presidential Diplomacy, Business Exchange & Sustainable Impact

One week. Three cities. Countless conversations – and one shared objective: building strong partnerships for a sustainable future.

This week marked an important milestone for FIMA Industries. Our CEO, Markus Maierhofer, had the honour of joining the official Austrian business delegation to South Africa, led by Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Martha Schultz, Vice President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber.

📍 Pretoria | Johannesburg | Cape Town

Throughout multiple destinations, the focus remained clear: meaningful dialogue between politics, business and society is essential to drive long-term, sustainable development. The journey highlighted the value of collaboration, trust and locally anchored solutions.

Highlights of the Delegation Program

The delegation offered an exceptional platform for exchange, strategic dialogue and new perspectives:

• Business Forum South Africa – Austria
  High-level economic exchange between Austrian and South African companies.
• B2B meetings with key stakeholders and ministers
  In-depth discussions on investment, infrastructure and sustainable technologies.
• Visit to ALPLA Group in Lanseria
  Austria’s largest investment in Sub-Saharan Africa – a strong example of long-term commitment and local value creation.
• Roundtable with the Western Cape Government
  Focused on sustainability, innovation and public-private partnerships.
• Social impact insights at COOKtastic
  An inspiring initiative demonstrating how entrepreneurship can drive social change.
• Cultural exchange at Zeitz MOCAA and Constantia Glen
  Encounters that broaden perspectives beyond business and strengthen cultural connections.

📍 Final Stop: IFAT Africa, Johannesburg

The journey concluded at IFAT Africa, the continent’s leading trade fair for environmental technologies.

At this key industry platform, we proudly presented FIMA AFRICA – our dedicated local entity focused on circular economy infrastructure and sustainable waste management solutions tailored to African realities.

FIMA AFRICA stands for:

Bridging European Technology with African Potential

This week once again underscored what FIMA Industries represents:
connecting European innovation with African potential – through partnership, sustainability and long-term commitment.

With strong networks, a clear vision and deep local engagement, we develop solutions that combine economic viability with environmental responsibility.

For sustainable impact. For shared success. For the future.