The Manufacturing Indaba is set to take place from 14 -15 July at Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.
The 12th edition of the Indaba aims to tackle issues such as South Africa’s efforts to grow its economy through manufacturing. Government and industry leaders will meet to discuss the depth of these issues.
The Manufacturing Indaba in 2026 is focused on rebuilding South Africa’s manufacturing sector and strengthening Africa’s industrial competitiveness.
The two-day conference opened with addresses by Deputy Minister of Trade John Steenhuisen and Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who outlined the government’s vision for industrial growth and manufacturing-led economic development.
The conference comes at a time when South Africa’s manufacturing sector has been struggling to gain momentum, weighed down by weak domestic demand, logistical bottlenecks, infrastructure constraints and global economic uncertainty, raising concerns about the sector’s ability to drive growth and create jobs.
Steenhuisen and Mashatile outlined the government’s vision for industrial growth and manufacturing-led economic development.
Steenhuisen said the government wants to reposition manufacturing at the centre of the country’s industrial strategy.
“Africa should increasingly trade in value-added products rather than just exporting raw materials and importing finished goods. Africa must transition from merely being the source of raw materials to becoming the manufacturing powerhouse,” Steenhuisen said.
Mashatile added that the industrialisation will be critical if Africa is to compete in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
“Africa cannot afford to be left behind. This requires investment in digital skills, robotics, coding, advanced engineering, data analytics and modern artisan development.”
