ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast – June 10, 2026 – Qingdao Newforge Intelligent Manufacturing Co., Ltd., a Chinese manufacturer specializing in prefabricated steel structure products, is currently participating in the 2nd Build Expo Abidjan Ivory Coast. This marks the first time the company has attended a construction industry exhibition in Ivory Coast, with the primary objective of gathering market information and establishing initial business connections.
The 2nd Build Expo Abidjan is recognized as one of the key annual events for the construction sector in West Africa. The 2026 edition brings together approximately 300 exhibitors from 25 countries across the globe. As of the third day of the exhibition, it has received around 12,000 professional visitors, primarily consisting of local construction contractors, real estate developers, architects, engineers, and building material distributors. The event covers a wide range of topics related to construction materials, equipment, and building technologies relevant to the regional market.
A standard booth has been set up by Qingdao Newforge in F11. The booth display features scale models of the company's main product lines, including prefabricated steel warehouses, single-story industrial workshops, and small commercial buildings. Printed product brochures and technical specification sheets are available for distribution to visitors. The exhibits focus on demonstrating the fundamental characteristics of steel structure construction, such as relatively fast assembly times and competitive overall project costs.
Throughout the first three days of the exhibition, the booth has received several hundred visitors. The majority of inquiries have been directed toward prefabricated steel warehouses and small-scale industrial facilities, which are currently in demand for local logistics operations and light manufacturing industries. Common questions cover product dimensions, material specifications, estimated delivery lead times, and available technical support for on-site installation. Responses are being provided based on the company's standard production capabilities and previous international project experience.
Approximately 15 in-depth conversations have taken place with representatives from local construction companies, material suppliers, and a small number of real estate development firms so far. Contact information has been exchanged with all interested parties, and preliminary discussions are being held regarding potential cooperation on future projects. Two local companies have expressed initial interest in procuring steel structure products for their planned upcoming projects, and simple letters of intent have been signed to facilitate further discussions following the exhibition. The potential value of these projects has not been finalized and will be determined during subsequent negotiations.
Participation in the exhibition is providing valuable insights into the local construction market and competitive landscape. Observations are being made regarding existing steel structure suppliers operating in Ivory Coast, including both local manufacturers and international competitors. Information is also being collected on local building codes, import procedures, customs regulations, and typical project requirements in the region. This information will be used to assess market suitability and adjust product offerings and service models if further market development is pursued.
Sustainable construction practices are a recurring theme in various exhibition discussions. Steel is inherently a recyclable material, and prefabricated construction methods can significantly reduce on-site construction waste compared to traditional building techniques. However, it has been noted that project cost remains the primary consideration for most construction activities in the region. Therefore, the company's focus will remain on providing affordable and practical steel structure solutions that meet local quality requirements.
The exhibition will continue for one more day. Additional visitor traffic and business discussions are expected during the final day of the event. Following the conclusion of the exhibition, all collected business cards and contact information will be organized and reviewed. Follow-up communications will be initiated with all potential contacts in the coming weeks to discuss specific project details and explore cooperation opportunities.
No immediate plans have been made to establish a local representative office in Ivory Coast. Market conditions will continue to be monitored, and future business decisions will be based on customer feedback and the development of concrete project opportunities.
Qingdao Newforge Intelligent Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is based in Qingdao, China, and has been engaged in the design and production of prefabricated steel structures for over 10 years. The company operates a manufacturing facility equipped with standard production equipment and employs approximately 80 staff members. It holds CE certification and ISO 9001 quality management system certification, ensuring products meet international quality standards. The company has exported its products to more than 30 countries, primarily in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, with most international projects being small to medium-sized industrial and commercial buildings.
For additional information about Qingdao Newforge Intelligent Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and its range of prefabricated steel structure products, please visit the company's official website at www.qdnewforge.com or contact via email at info@qdnewforge.com
