Algiers - The excellence of Made in Italy in furniture, design, and interior finishes is focusing keenly on Africa, which is set to double its population (currently 1.2 billion) over the next quarter-century. This demographic shift is expected to increase the middle class and their purchasing power. To capitalize on this emerging market, the Padua Fair has been promoting World Architectour Africa for the past three years. This event brings together buyers, designers, and architects from 15 African countries and companies from 11 Italian regions.

The fourth edition, scheduled for July 11 and 12, will gather 60 African operators from Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Libya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Tunisia. They will meet with around 40 Italian companies, 30% of which are from the Marche region, another 30% from Veneto, and the rest from Lombardy, Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Lazio, Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Abruzzo, and Friuli Venezia Giulia.

The strong representation from the Marche region is due to support from the Marche Region and Tecne, a special company of the Marche Chamber of Commerce for the furniture and mechanics sectors. Additionally, the Veneto Region, along with the province, municipality, and Chamber of Commerce of Padua, is sponsoring the event and will have an institutional stand.

The foreign buyers, who will participate in over 1,100 B2B meetings over two days, include representatives from prominent architectural firms accompanied by CEOs or managers, major retailers with multiple locations, and contractors managing large and luxurious construction projects in Africa. (9colonne)