Manufacturing Indaba, a leading conference and exhibition on manufacturing in Africa, focuses on supporting the industrial development of the entire continent. The past event gathered industry experts, manufacturers, and government representatives to stimulate growth, investment, and innovation in this sector.
According to Liz Hart, CEO of Manufacturing Indaba, the Manufacturing Indaba 2026 event demonstrated significant momentum in Africa's manufacturing sector. The conference served as a platform for important discussions on industrialization, regional trade, attracting investment, technology adoption, and the future of production on the continent.
Following the successful conclusion of the 13th Manufacturing Indaba, which lasted two days, dialogue, collaboration, and business interaction took place at the Sandton Convention Centre. The event brought together government leaders, manufacturers, investors, policymakers, industry experts, and innovators from across the African continent under the theme 'Made in Africa: Scaling Growth and Shaping Trade.'
Over the two days, delegates participated in high-level conference sessions, networking meetings, business matchmaking events, and an exhibition showcasing innovative products, technologies, and services that enhance the competitiveness of African manufacturing.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile emphasized the government's commitment to promoting industrial development, localization, infrastructure investment, and economic growth through strengthening the manufacturing sector. High-ranking government officials, policymakers, and industry stakeholders agreed on the need for closer interaction between the public and private sectors to unlock Africa's manufacturing potential.
Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition John Steenhuizen called on Africa to transition from exporting raw materials to producing higher value-added goods. He stated that Africa should increasingly trade in value-added products instead of merely exporting raw materials and importing finished goods, and must transform from a source of raw materials into a manufacturing powerhouse.
Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr. Kgosiyenso Ramokogapa highlighted the crucial role of energy security in ensuring industrial growth. He noted that expanding electricity generation and strengthening transmission infrastructure are critical for creating a stable energy environment necessary for producers to invest, expand production, and compete globally.
Experts throughout the conference examined key issues shaping the future of manufacturing, including industrial policy and economic resilience, regional trade opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), investment and access to finance, localization and supply chain development, digital transformation, automation, and artificial intelligence, energy security, and sustainable production, skills development and future workforce, as well as the competitiveness of manufacturing in African markets.
The exhibition functioned as a marketplace where exhibitors interacted with decision-makers, procurement specialists, and investors, creating commercial opportunities and partnerships. Hart noted that the discussions over the last two days were aimed not only at identifying problems but, more importantly, at implementing practical solutions to boost industrial growth, increase investment, and expand intra-African trade. She added that cooperation between government, industry, and investors strengthens belief in a bright manufacturing future for Africa.
The event also demonstrated how new technologies, innovations, and strategic partnerships are transforming manufacturing processes, increasing productivity, and enabling African producers to tap into new regional and international market opportunities. Momentum continues with Automation Day on July 16, 2026, where industry leaders will review technologies, automation strategies, and digital innovations shaping the next generation of African manufacturing. Experts observe that while manufacturing enterprises are adopting AI, financing models must evolve to support digital transformation and enhance competitiveness.
Africa's manufacturing sector is at a critical juncture of development. Thanks to the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which opens unprecedented opportunities for regional trade and industrialization, governments and business leaders are increasingly viewing manufacturing as a driver for sustainable economic growth, job creation, and reducing the continent's dependence on imports.
In this context, the XIII Manufacturing Indaba conference and exhibition will take place on July 14–15, 2026, at the Convention Centre in Sandton, Johannesburg. The event will bring together ministers, policymakers, manufacturers, investors, development institutions, and technology leaders from across the continent to explore practical strategies for building a stronger industrial future.
The theme for the 2026 event is 'Made in Africa: Scaling Growth, Shaping Trade'—reflecting the growing momentum in regional production, localization, and added value across the continent. The two-day program will feature senior government officials, global experts, and industry leaders who will discuss the policies, investments, and innovations needed to transform Africa into a globally competitive manufacturing powerhouse.
A major highlight will be the address by South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who will affirm the government's commitment to industrial development, localization, and economic transformation through manufacturing. Speeches are also scheduled from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau, as well as ministers responsible for trade, industry, and manufacturing from Kenya, Namibia, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Eswatini.
Manufacturing remains a powerful stimulant for economic development, as every job created in this sector supports additional employment in the broader economy, stimulating demand for logistics, mining, agriculture, engineering, financial services, and technology. Furthermore, it creates opportunities for small businesses to participate in regional supply chains while increasing exports and enhancing economic resilience.
As Africa is expected to become home to one of the world's fastest-growing consumer markets in the coming decades, the ability to produce goods closer to consumers has become unprecedented. Local processing of raw materials instead of exporting them in an unprocessed state allows African economies to retain significantly greater value, expand industrial potential, and create globally competitive industries.
Conference participants will examine Africa's industrial future, exploring how the continent can transition from being primarily a raw material exporter to a competitive global manufacturing hub. Leading experts from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), UNIDO, the Kenyan Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, and NewSpace Systems will discuss the necessary policies and investments to achieve this goal.
Regional trade will remain a central element, with a special plenary session examining how the African Continental Free Trade Area can unlock a $3.4 trillion market for African producers. Practical steps to remove trade barriers, strengthen regional supply chains, and increase intra-African trade will be studied.
Infrastructure and logistics, long recognized as critical constraints to industrial growth, will take a significant place in discussions on implementing power transmission in South Africa, transport infrastructure, port and railway modernization, and the role of these investments in ensuring competitive production.
The second day of the conference will focus on practical industry challenges and new opportunities through specialized breakout sessions covering Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, automation, digital manufacturing, automotive, critical minerals, mining value chains, agro-processing, skills development, innovation, logistics, industrial parks, and Africa's energy transition.
These sessions will attract leading organizations, including NTT DATA, Bosch, CSIR, GIZ, Transnet Engineering, the Automotive Industry Development Centre, and numerous African industry associations. An equally important part of Manufacturing Indaba is the extensive exhibition, where technology suppliers, equipment manufacturers, industrial solution providers, and service companies will showcase the latest innovations shaping the future of manufacturing.
The exhibition provides manufacturers with valuable opportunities to discover new technologies, improve productivity, enhance competitiveness, and establish new commercial partnerships. Business networking and investment facilitation remain at the core of the event. Through structured B2B meetings, networking sessions, and interaction with leaders from the public and private sectors, delegates can forge new partnerships capable of stimulating investment and industrial expansion across the continent.
Manufacturing Indaba 2026 provides a platform where governments, investors, and industry can move from discussion to practical action, creating the partnerships necessary to open the next chapter of Africa's industrial growth. The event will take place on July 14–15, 2026, at the Convention Centre in Sandton, Johannesburg.
