Africa’s lifting industry gears up for second annual awards programme
ENTRIES now open for the Southern African Lifting Awards as sector recognition drive gains momentum
The Awards are returning for a second edition, with organisers Lifting Africa confirming the event will take place on 30 October 2026 at the Birchwood Hotel & Conference Centre in Johannesburg.
The awards programme, which debuted last year as the only dedicated recognition initiative for Africa’s lifting, rigging and materials-handling sectors, has moved quickly to establish itself as a fixture on the industry calendar. This year’s edition will again bring together engineers, operators, manufacturers, service providers and senior decision-makers for an evening of industry recognition and networking.
Entries are now open, with submissions closing on 31 July 2026.
The awards span 11 categories covering the breadth of the sector, from frontline skills recognition — including an Apprentice/Technician of the Year Award and Rising Star Award — through to Project of the Year, Innovation Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award. Categories also recognise excellence in safety and training, environmental performance, people development and engineering.
All entries will be assessed by an independent panel of industry experts, with judging criteria centred on innovation, measurable impact, sustainability and contribution to the broader African lifting sector.
Lifting Africa is positioning the awards as a business development tool as much as a recognition platform, arguing that finalist and winner status provides ongoing commercial value — strengthening tender submissions, supporting marketing and PR campaigns, and improving stakeholder confidence.
The programme is open to individuals, SMEs and large corporates operating anywhere on the continent, a deliberate design choice aimed at ensuring the awards reflect the full spectrum of the industry rather than defaulting to established players.
The 2026 awards are supported by sponsors Yoke Industrial Corp, RiConnect and Electra Mining Africa. Additional sponsorship opportunities remain available.
Full entry criteria, category guidelines and registration details are available at www.liftingawards.co.za.
