Kyocera Document Solutions South Africa (KDZA) signalled a bold new chapter for the print industry with the Production Print Roadshow 2025, which was hosted in October 2025.
The event, which brought together commercial printers and technology partners, gave the market a first-hand look at Kyocera’s rapidly expanding production print portfolio; an offering designed not only to compete with industry heavyweights, but to set new benchmarks for reliability, sustainability and long-term value.
At a time when the sector is grappling with skills shortages and volatile input costs, amongst other various challenges, the roadshow stood out as more than a product showcase. It was a statement of intent from KDZA; that the future of print in Africa will be defined, not by chasing the fastest machine, but by making smarter choices that balance cost, performance and sustainability.
From inkjet accessibility to high-value applications
Central to the showcase were Kyocera’s two flagship inkjet production devices: the TASKalfa Pro 15000c and the TASKalfa Pro 55000c. Both machines embody Kyocera’s philosophy that production print should focus as much on accessibility and usability as on performance.
The TASKalfa Pro 15000c has already carved out a reputation globally as an “everyday workhorse” for high-volume environments. Capable of supporting up to a million pages a month, it offers printers a dependable way to move transactional, trans-promotional, publishing and direct-mail applications onto inkjet without disruption.
For South African PSPs where uptime and serviceability often trump headline speeds, this is a significant differentiator. As KDZA’s production team has argued, ‘It’s not about being first, it’s about being right.’
Meanwhile, the TASKalfa Pro 55000c signals Kyocera’s entry into more premium markets. Its ability to print on offset-coated media, positions it as a bridge between digital and offset, giving print providers a way to capture high-value work such as brochures, catalogues and books without outsourcing. For PSPs under pressure to diversify revenue streams, this unit represents a pathway into markets traditionally guarded by offset and toner-based competitors.
Sustainability in practice
If one message resonated strongly at the event, it was Kyocera’s unwavering focus on environmental responsibility. This was most clearly expressed through FOREARTH, the company’s sustainable textile printer. FOREARTH slashes water usage by up to 99% compared to traditional dye-based systems, addressing one of the textile industry’s most urgent environmental challenges.
By eliminating pre- and post-treatment steps, while maintaining colour vibrancy and fabric flexibility that stays soft to the touch, FOREARTH gives African producers a chance to align with the growing global demand for sustainable fashion and textiles.
Kyocera’s sustainability story goes deeper than single products. From water-based inks and energy-efficient drying systems to reduced consumables and simplified service requirements, the company is embedding eco-conscious design across its production line-up. For local businesses facing rising energy costs and consumer scrutiny, these innovations offer both reputational and operational advantages.
Smarter workflows, stronger integration
Hardware alone does not win the future of print. Recognising this, KDZA also used the roadshow to highlight its partnership with Solimar Systems, a leader in workflow automation.
Solimar’s software integrates seamlessly with the TASKalfa Pro line and/or any other platforms or brands alike, streamlining file preparation, automating repetitive tasks and offering real-time visibility across the production process.
For PSPs in South Africa, where margins are thin and turnaround times are increasingly tight, this layer of workflow intelligence may prove as valuable as the hardware itself.
Industrial inkjet innovation with Nixka
Rounding out the portfolio was Kyocera Nixka Inkjet Systems, the group’s industrial inkjet division specialising in advanced photo and speciality printing.
Solutions such as the Belharra printer and Lenix 1200 series high performance inkjet printbars, demonstrate how Nixka is pushing into new applications, combining precision with environmental efficiency.
For the African market, where diversification is often the key to survival, Nixka’s entry represents an opportunity for printers to explore new niches, from high-quality photos to packaging and beyond.
The bigger picture: Intentional transformation
Kyocera’s Roadshow arrived at a pivotal moment for the South African and African print industries. Research forecasts steady growth in inkjet adoption across the region, but the pace and shape of that growth will be defined by local realities, from unreliable power supply to regulatory frameworks like POPIA.
As KDZA’s production print team lead, Heidie-Mari Middel, has argued, success will not come from chasing trends, but from asking the right questions: which workflows need modernising; what skills are available in-house; and which vendor will be there after installation, not just during the sales cycle.
By positioning its portfolio as scalable, serviceable and sustainable, Kyocera is making a strong case that it is not just selling machines, but building long-term partnerships. The message to PSPs is clear: digital transformation in print is not about jumping into the deep end, it’s about choosing the right tools at the right time.
Why this matters for Africa
For South African and African printers, Kyocera’s Production Print Roadshow 2025 was a timely reminder that global innovation can be adapted to local needs. By bringing together cut-sheet inkjet, coated media, sustainable textile, workflow automation and industrial inkjet under one roof, KDZA demonstrated a breadth of solutions that few competitors can match.
More importantly, it showed that Kyocera understands the balance African businesses must strike: the need to expand offerings and compete globally, while remaining grounded in the realities of local markets. In that sense, the roadshow was less about showcasing “the fastest machine in the race” and more about charting a sustainable, intentional path forward for print in Africa.