A Pivotal Moment for Industrial Growth

Africa’s automation and industrial technology sector is entering a decisive phase, shaped by rapid technological change, shifting economic priorities, and the need for inclusive and sustainable industrial development. Responding to this moment is the Africa Automation Indaba 2026, a flagship thought leadership conference within the Africa Automation Technology Fair ecosystem, created to guide strategic dialogue on automation, manufacturing, and industrial transformation across the continent.

Partnering with Engineering News and Creamer Media

The Africa Automation Indaba is proud to partner with Engineering News, a publication of Creamer Media, a respected authority within Africa’s engineering and industrial landscape. Known for its credibility, technical depth, and industry insight, Engineering News is well aligned with the Indaba’s objective of fostering informed discussion that connects engineers, policymakers, investors, and industry leaders around Africa’s automation future.

The Strategic Pillar of the AATF Ecosystem

The inaugural Africa Automation Indaba will take place on 13 and 14 May 2026 at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront, Cape Town. Developed as the strategic thought leadership pillar of the Africa Automation Technology Fair, the Indaba brings together policy, investment, ethics, skills development, and technology in one high level forum. The insights generated at the Indaba directly inform the technology adoption and implementation showcased at the Africa Automation Technology Fair, creating a clear link between strategy and execution. Further details on the event vision, themes, and contributors can be explored in the official Africa Automation Indaba 2026 digital magazine, available at https://www.flipsnack.com/CFD7ABC9E8C/aai-magazine-2026.

A Premium Forum for Decision Makers

Designed as a premium, high level conference, the Africa Automation Indaba brings together engineers, industry leaders, government representatives, policymakers, investors, academics, and technology solution providers. The programme explores not only what automation can deliver for Africa, but how it should be implemented responsibly, inclusively, and at scale.

The delegate investment for Africa Automation Indaba 2026 is R6,500 excluding VAT. This includes full access to all conference sessions across two days, high level networking opportunities, daily lunch and refreshments, complimentary on site parking, free Wi Fi throughout the venue, and comprehensive delegate materials and support.

Influential Voices Driving the Conversation

Africa Automation Indaba 2026 features a high calibre speaker lineup representing leading voices in technology, policy, ethics, and business. The conference opens with welcome remarks from the South African Government and the event’s Platinum Sponsor, setting the tone for a pan African dialogue on automation led growth. Proceedings will be hosted by Lerato Ditshego, Chief Executive Officer of Ditshego Media.

Keynote sessions include Jean Pierre Murray Kline, Business and Environmental Technologist at Alkebulan, presenting Automating Inequality, an exploration of how automation intersects with society, environmental sustainability, and economic disparity. Professor Thuli Madonsela, former Public Protector of South Africa and Stellenbosch University academic, will deliver a keynote on ethical leadership and responsible innovation. Industry perspectives will be shared by Jessie Ndaba, Chief Executive Officer and Co Founder of AET Africa, alongside Arthur Goldstuck, Founder of World Wide Worx, who will provide a data driven overview of automation and artificial intelligence readiness across African markets.

From Insight to Implementation

Across two days, the programme combines keynote addresses, panel discussions, fireside conversations, and interactive strategy sessions. Day one focuses on policy, ethics, and investment readiness, while day two turns to skills development, future readiness, and strategic foresight. Sessions are designed to move beyond theory and toward practical pathways for industrial digitalisation.

As part of the Africa Automation Technology Fair ecosystem, the Africa Automation Indaba establishes the strategic foundation for the Africa Automation Technology Fair 2027, where solutions move from discussion to deployment. With the support of Engineering News and Creamer Media, these conversations will reach a wider engineering audience across Africa.