As we move into the second week of February 2026, the industrial atmosphere across the continent is buzzing with activity from the Investing in African Mining Indaba currently taking place in Cape Town. This gathering of global leaders is a powerful reminder that while the machinery we use is world class, the true foundation of our progress is the people who operate it with precision and care. This is why Lifting Africa remains the essential lifting equipment magazine for the region by focusing on the technical expertise and the dedication that drive every successful site.
A major priority for the sector this month is the full implementation of the new SOLAS Regulation II 1 3 13 for onboard lifting appliances which became mandatory on 1 January 2026. While many know us as the leading crane magazine, we are currently assisting port and maritime managers in understanding the new five year load testing cycles and annual thorough examinations required under these global safety codes. Our goal is to ensure that your operations remain fully compliant with these international benchmarks while minimizing any potential for structural failure on vessels operating in African waters.
Success on any site is built on the quality of your hardware and the reliability of your partners, which is why we continue to profile the most trusted cranes, hoists, and winches suppliers operating in the market. As we look toward the 2nd Southern African Lifting Awards on 30 October 2026 at the Birchwood Hotel in Johannesburg, we are seeing incredible examples of innovation in lifting gear and rigging Africa wide. Nominations are now officially open until 31 July 2026, and we invite the "unsung heroes" of the industry to share their success stories. Whether it is a brilliant young apprentice or a company implementing groundbreaking industrial lifting solutions Africa wide, these awards are the platform to celebrate those who raise the bar for excellence.
At the core of our mission is a relentless commitment to the highest lifting equipment safety standards to protect lives and infrastructure. With the recent news of a 14% rise in intra African industrial exports, the pressure on our logistics and heavy lifting machinery in Africa is growing. By sharing the best ways to manage equipment health through predictive maintenance and certified training, we can collectively ensure that the African industrial sector remains a world class leader in performance and integrity.
By staying engaged with this professional community, you are helping to foster a culture of safety and innovation that will define the next decade of development. It is an indispensable resource for anyone who is serious about reaching the highest levels of professional achievement in the African industrial sector.
Nominate your top performers or read the full technical brief at: https://www.liftingafrica.co.za/