We are thrilled to announce a dynamic partnership that promises to elevate the standards of the printing, packaging and signage industry across Southern Africa. Konica Minolta, a global leader in print and imaging solutions, has joined The GAPP Awards 2026 as a proud Associate Sponsor. This collaboration signifies a powerful commitment to fostering innovation, acknowledging exceptional accomplishments and driving the industry forward.
In today's dynamic world, your business demands technology that not only keeps pace but propels you forward. Konica Minolta South Africa delivers precisely that. The OEM provides award-winning, innovative solutions that transform your workplace into a truly connected office, ensuring agility and responsiveness in an ever-evolving market.
Its cutting-edge hardware and intuitive software streamline workflows, boost productivity and seamlessly integrate with your preferred cloud tools. Whether your team is in the office or remote, Konica Minolta South Africa will empower you to embrace digital transformation, making scanning, saving, printing and securing documents effortlessly efficient.
We sat down with Mohammed Vachiat, Chief Commercial Officer of Konica Minolta South Africa, to delve into what motivated this significant sponsorship, the specific aspects of The GAPP Awards that resonate with Konica Minolta’s core values and the profound impact the organisation foresees this partnership having on the industry's future.
The GAPP: What motivated you to become an Associate Sponsor of the GAPP Awards 2026?
MV: Konica Minolta’s decision to become an Associate Sponsor of the GAPP Awards 2026 is driven
by our ongoing commitment to championing excellence and fostering innovation within the print, packaging and signage industry. The GAPP Awards provides a unique platform that not only celebrates outstanding achievements but also aligns with our core values of quality, performance and leadership in technology.
As a brand, we believe in supporting platforms that uplift the industry and bring together leaders and changemakers. Sponsoring the GAPP Awards allows us to engage directly with industry stakeholders, showcase our ongoing support to the professional community and reinforce our position as a key player in shaping the future of the sector.
Ultimately, it's about contributing to an ecosystem that rewards innovation, encourages growth and inspires continuous improvement - and we are proud to be part of that journey.
The GAPP: What specific aspects of the GAPP Awards resonate with your company’s values or
mission?
MV: The GAPP Awards resonates deeply with Konica Minolta’s values of excellence, innovation and
industry leadership. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to driving quality, performance and meaningful progress in the print and imaging industry, values that the GAPP Awards embodies by recognising the very best in craftsmanship, creativity and execution.
What particularly stands out for us is the Awards’ focus on celebrating all sectors of the industry, from print and packaging to design and finishing, which reflects our belief in a holistic, integrated approach to success. The emphasis on raising standards and acknowledging those who go above and beyond mirrors our own drive to deliver cutting-edge solutions and to empower our partners and clients to thrive in a competitive landscape.
By aligning with the GAPP Awards, we’re not just supporting a ceremony, we’re championing a culture of excellence that uplifts the entire industry.
The GAPP: How do you think the GAPP Awards helps to elevate the standards of the printing,
packaging and signage industry in Southern Africa?
MV: The GAPP Awards plays a crucial role in raising the bar of the Southern African sector by
creating a credible, high-profile platform that celebrates and commends outstanding quality across the value chain.
By benchmarking best practices, the Awards not only highlights the outstanding work being done but also inspires others to raise their game, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and quality.
What makes the GAPP Awards particularly impactful is its inclusivity; it celebrates achievements across all sectors of the print, packaging and signage industry, giving recognition to a broad spectrum of skills, technologies and creative efforts. This drives healthy competition, encourages investment in new technologies and motivates businesses to adopt more sustainable, efficient and innovative practices.
In doing so, the GAPP Awards not only showcases the talent and capability within the region but also contributes to the long-term growth, professionalism and global competitiveness of Southern Africa’s printing industry.
The GAPP: Are there any particular categories or initiatives within the GAPP Awards that align with
your company’s strategic direction or product offerings?
MV: Yes, there are several categories within the GAPP Awards that align closely with our strategic
direction and product offerings. In particular, categories that focus on digital innovation, sustainable printing solutions and print quality excellence resonate strongly with our core objectives.
Konica Minolta’s commitment to delivering advanced digital imaging and workflow solutions directly supports customers striving for high-quality output, operational efficiency and environmental responsibility - areas which the GAPP Awards recognises and rewards.
As we continue to drive innovation through intelligent automation, colour consistency and environmentally conscious technologies, we see strong alignment with award categories that celebrate these very achievements.
Additionally, initiatives within the Awards that promotes skills development, industry transformation and recognition of young talent reflects our broader goal of empowering the next generation of print professionals and building a future-ready industry.
Being part of this platform reinforces our position as a solutions partner that is both progressive and purpose driven.
The GAPP: What benefits or unique opportunities have you seen through your involvement with the GAPP Awards so far?
MV: Our involvement with the GAPP Awards has provided us with several valuable benefits and
unique opportunities. Firstly, it has strengthened our relationships within the industry by connecting us with key stakeholders, innovators and decision-makers across the print, packaging and signage sector. This networking fosters collaboration and opens doors for strategic partnerships.
Additionally, participating in the Awards has enhanced our brand visibility and credibility, positioning us as a committed leader dedicated to supporting excellence and innovation in the industry. It also offers us direct insight into emerging trends, challenges and best practices showcased by the nominees and winners - information that helps us tailor our solutions to better meet the evolving needs of our customers.
Moreover, being part of such a prestigious platform motivates our team and partners by aligning them with a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
The GAPP: How do you see your company contributing to the growth and development of the
Southern African printing, packaging and signage industry through this sponsorship?
MV: Through our sponsorship of the GAPP Awards, we see our company playing an active role in
fostering the growth and development of the Southern African printing industry, through advocating for innovation, quality and professional distinction. By supporting this prestigious platform, we help shine a spotlight on outstanding achievements and encourage businesses across the region to raise their performance benchmarks.
We are committed to providing cutting-edge technologies, training and resources that empower print businesses to enhance their productivity, sustainability and competitiveness. Our involvement also includes supporting skills development and knowledge sharing, which are essential to building a future-ready workforce and advancing industry capabilities.
Ultimately, our sponsorship is not just about brand visibility, it’s about investing in the industry’s long-term success and helping to create a vibrant, dynamic market that benefits all stakeholders.
The GAPP: How do you think the Southern African sector - ranging from industry leaders to emerging
talent - can benefit from your company’s involvement as a sponsor?
MV: Our company’s involvement as a sponsor offers valuable benefits to the entire Southern African
printing, packaging and signage sector, from established industry leaders to emerging talent. For industry leaders, our advanced technologies and tailored solutions help drive operational efficiency, innovation and competitive advantage, enabling them to maintain and grow their market positions.
For emerging talent and smaller businesses, we are committed to supporting skills development, training programs and access to cutting-edge tools that help bridge the gap and nurture the next generation of print professionals.
By facilitating knowledge sharing and providing platforms for recognition, we help create opportunities for growth, collaboration and career advancement across the sector.
Ultimately, our sponsorship embodies a commitment to building an inclusive, sustainable and forward-looking industry where every participant has the resources and support needed to succeed.
The GAPP: What advice would you offer to future sponsors considering involvement with the GAPP Awards?
MV: View the GAPP Awards as a strategic partnership that can deliver long-term value by fostering
growth, collaboration and leadership within the Southern African printing community.
Konica Minolta’s partnership with The GAPP Awards 2026 is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving an entire industry forward. This isn't just about celebrating achievements; it's about igniting a future where innovation thrives, standards are continuously elevated and the Southern African printing, packaging and signage sector stands tall on the global stage.
With a deep commitment to customer service excellence, Konica Minolta South Africa will partner with you to enhance employee productivity, optimise business processes and significantly reduce your operational costs. As a division of Bidvest Branded Products, Konica Minolta South Africa leverages over 70 points of presence across Southern Africa to implement its technology-powered, service-focused approach. Experience the power of technology that truly works for you, ensuring your business remains profitable and competitive.
We invite you to join us in shaping this transformative journey. Limited sponsorship opportunities are still available for The GAPP Awards 2026, but time is running out to secure your place alongside industry trailblazers. Your impact starts now. Reach out immediately at U2FsdGVkX1/yWZ2FWR7UEAkGUa1ouH9qxpJrSHCgC9uKboi/IUeEhSENevMCo8O1MP0Q+rQhehmHpno1dczvww== to secure your place at the heart of this revolution. It’s a matter of pride!
