The Manufacturing Indaba can serve as a catalyst for industrial development, fostering a collaborative environment where African manufacturers are empowered to become key players in the global economy, states events management company and Manufacturing Indaba organiser Siyenza Management MD Liz Hart.

Ahead of the twelfth edition of the yearly Manufacturing Indaba – to be held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on July 15 and 16 – Hart explains that attendees can expect an engaging and dynamic event, “packed with insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and actionable takeaways”.

This year, the indaba has introduced the theme: “Igniting Africa’s Industrial Revolution: Innovation, Integration, and Inclusive Growth” with topics, such as ‘Public–private partnerships to boost industrialisation’ and ‘Financing Africa’s industrial future’, to reflect the evolving landscape of African manufacturing.

“This theme highlights the urgent need to accelerate Africa’s industrial transformation by embracing innovation, enhancing regional integration and promoting inclusive economic growth. It also underscores the importance of harnessing cutting-edge technologies, developing resilient value chains and fostering collaboration across the continent to position African manufacturers as global competitors,” Hart says.

These objectives are integral to boosting growth on the continent, as well as making a success of the nascent African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The conference will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions and interactive breakaway sessions tackling key issues in African manufacturing, which include access to finance, infrastructure gaps, skills shortages, regulatory barriers, global competition, market access and sustainability pressures.

Challenges, Development Strategies

Noting the impediments that hinder the growth and competitive advantage of South Africa’s manufacturing sector, Hart says that many manufacturers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as township industrialists, struggle to secure funding for expansion activities, technology upgrades and skills development.

Further, complex regulatory environments and inconsistent policy frameworks make it difficult for businesses to operate seamlessly across borders, she says, adding that limited access to local and international markets restricts opportunities for export growth.

Events such as the Manufacturing Indaba aim to provide a platform to influence policy by giving manufacturers a voice in shaping regulations that support industrial growth and creating financing opportunities by connecting manufacturers with investors, development finance institutions and funding mechanisms tailored to industrial growth.

Investing in transport, energy and digital infrastructure could reduce production costs, improve logistics and enhance connectivity across value chains.

Further, creating incentives for industrial investment and harmonising cross-border trade policies to improve the ease of doing business are some of the key strategies for developing a globally competitive manufacturing sector.

Hart adds that there is also a “great need” to encourage the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, such as automation, AI and the Internet of Things (IoT), to boost productivity and leverage mechanisms such as AfCFTA to enhance intra-African trade, develop regional value chains and access larger markets.

“As the continent’s most industrialised economy, South Africa has established manufacturing hubs, advanced infrastructure and a strong financial sector, providing a solid foundation for growth.”

Many African nations are also making strides in industrialisation, with the development of special economic zones, industrial parks and industrial development zones creating investment-friendly environments.

“However, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance and fragmented markets still present hurdles to scaling manufacturing competitiveness,” Hart adds.

Economic Significance

The manufacturing sector contributes about 13% of the country’s GDP and acts as a catalyst for broader economic development by creating value from raw materials and fostering industrial activity.

From an employment perspective, manufacturing is a major employer, providing jobs across diverse skills sets – from entry-level assembly line work to specialised engineering roles – and the sector also drives job creation indirectly through its links with suppliers, logistics and service industries.

In highlighting the significance of the manufacturing sector, Hart notes it is not only “a cornerstone of economic activity” but also a critical engine for long-term economic resilience, adding that strengthening the sector is key to unlocking inclusive growth and positioning the country as a competitive player on the global stage.