The growing security industry in Africa has created a market of opportunity for providers of safety and security equipment and services. Upgrading security has been identified as a top priority by businesses and homeowners, who are increasingly looking for external expertise and new digital technologies. Surveillance equipment, particularly CCTV, is the largest sector of South Africa's security market, which is valued between USD 85 million and USD 165 million.

IFSEC is the world's largest annual security event and 30,257 (subject to ABC audit) attendees visited the 2008 event when it took place from 12-15 May 2008 at the NEC, Birmingham, UK. The IFSEC brand was successfully exported to India last year, with the launch of IFSEC India in October 2007, and IFSEC South Africa will extend the global reach of the brand still further.

Launched in 1994, Securex is the market-leading event for commercial security in South Africa. The 2007 Johannesburg show attracted 190 exhibitors and was attended by close to 6,000 visitors.

With IFSEC's 36 years' experience in the security industry, and Specialised Exhibitions' expert knowledge of the local market, the event promises to be a huge success.

CMPi group director, Simon Parker, comments on the launch: "The South African security market has rapidly increased over the past few years and, similarly, Securex has seen substantial growth. With the IFSEC global sales and marketing network we are well positioned to take the event to the next level as the largest pan-African security event."

Sandy Angus, chairman of Andry Montgomery Ltd says, "We're very pleased to be adding the IFSEC brand to Securex. The South African security market is an important one and this will be the ideal opportunity for international companies hoping to enter the market. We expect to announce some more exciting developments shortly."