⎪ Hydraulic, pneumatic and automation solutions ⎪
with fresh thinking. It's a reminder that in- dustries evolve by building on experience, not replacing it. For Bosch Rexroth Africa, investing in people has always been fundamental to long- term success. Through technical training programmes, MERSETA-accredited courses, SHEQ initia- tives and youth programmes, the company has helped build capability across South Africa and the continent. One such success story is Sheron Ubisi, who joined through the YES4Youth programme in 2021 and today holds an MPhil in Quality Engineering while working as a Compliance Administrator and Quality Inspector. Her journey reflects what's possible when potential is matched with mentorship and opportunity. "Our anniversary theme, #StrongerTogether, isn't simply a slogan," says Riley. "It's a reflection of how we've grown over six decades. Whether it's experienced professionals sharing knowl- edge with younger colleagues, teams working together to solve complex challenges, or part- nerships built on trust over many years, we've learned that sustainable success is always a collective effort." Strong communities build strong industries The company's people-first philosophy extends beyond the workplace. Over the years, Bosch Rexroth Africa has supported initiatives ranging from 16 years of Mandela Day container libraries and Operation
Over six decades, Bosch Rexroth Africa has grown alongside Africa's industrial sector, shaped by people whose contributions often happen far from the spotlight.
Antifreeze, which provides and packs school meals for hungry children, to environmental and educational programmes. Across the con- tinent, projects such as Father's Care Home in Ghana – which provides shelter, education and support to vulnerable Ghanaian children – have extended that impact further. They are united by a simple belief: strong in- dustries and strong communities grow together. Looking to the next 60 years While this anniversary celebrates the past, it's also an opportunity to consider the future. Africa’s industry is entering a new era shaped by automation, digitalisation and artificial intel - ligence, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation. Yet after 60 years in Africa, Bosch Rexroth Africa believes the future won't be defined by technology alone. It will be shaped by the people who design, operate, maintain and improve it. And it will require businesses, communities and the expansion of operations into North Africa, with Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco now supported through established Bosch Rexroth operations. "A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work in Africa," says Chris Riley, Regional President, Bosch Rexroth Africa and Chief Executive Officer of Bosch Rexroth South Africa. "Customers need partners who understand their operating environments, their industries and their challenges. That's why we've invested so heavily in local capability, local leadership and strong relationships across the continent." Local capability is becoming a competitive advantage As industrialisation accelerates, access to local expertise is becoming an increasingly important differentiator. The majority of Bosch Rexroth Africa's operations are led by country managers who call those markets home. Their understanding of local industries, regulations and customer requirements helps bridge the gap between global technology and local application. The need for local capability extends beyond leadership and customer support, though. The Group’s training footprint extends across the
industries to work together in ways that create lasting value. "The technologies shaping industry will con- tinue to evolve, but our commitment to people will not," says Riley. "If we want a strong indus- trial future for South Africa and the continent, we must continue investing in talent, innovation and the partnerships that help communities and industries grow together." #StrongerTogether. More than a campaign theme, it reflects a belief that progress is built through collaboration – between colleagues, customers, communities and future genera- tions. “The hidden heroes of Africa's industrial growth may never seek recognition. Yet their stories remind us that behind every milestone, every innovation and every success, there are people who make it possible. “They've shaped the last 60 years. And, together, they'll help shape the next 60, too,” Riley concludes. https://boschrexroth.africa/ continent through classroom, on-site, and e- learning programmes designed to strengthen technical capability. The reputation of that train- ing has grown well beyond Africa. Learners now travel to South Africa from countries including Australia, the United States, Saudi Arabia and China to access specialised hydraulic, pneumat- ic, automation and mechatronic programmes not readily available in their home markets. A single company, technology or project rarely drive industrial growth. It is built over time through collaboration, investment and the transfer of knowledge across industries, countries and generations. That belief is reflected in Bosch Rexroth Africa's 60th an - niversary theme, #StrongerTogether. "Building industrial capability takes time," says Riley. "You build it one relationship, one customer, one project and one market at a time. That's what we've been doing for the past 60 years, and that's what we'll continue doing as we help support Africa's next phase of growth." Africa's industrial future is still being writ- ten, but the foundations are already taking shape. The question is no longer whether opportunity exists, but how quickly it can be realised.
Africa's industrial future is still being written According to the African Development Bank, Africa's manufacturing sector generated ap- proximately R6.7 trillion in economic value in 2025, up from around R5.4 trillion in 2020. Yet despite this progress, the continent still ac- counts for less than 2% of global manufacturing output – highlighting both how far Africa has come and the scale of the opportunity that remains.
For companies operating across the conti- nent, that opportunity comes with a unique chal- lenge: no two African markets are exactly alike. For years, many African markets were served remotely from Europe, the Middle East or other regional hubs. Increasingly, however, businesses are recognising the value of local decision-making, closer customer support and a stronger presence in the markets they serve. It's an approach Bosch Rexroth Africa has been investing in for the last six decades. Today, the company supports customers across more than 20 African countries through 17 legal enti- ties, 45 locations and a workforce approaching 1 000 people. Recent milestones include the establish- ment of a dedicated entity in Côte d'Ivoire and
July-August 2026 • MechChem Africa ¦ 25
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