As Africa continues its push towards sustainable economic growth, manufacturing and industrialisation are vital to create long-term development, job creation and economic resilience. Across the continent, governments and industry leaders recognise that Africa’s future prosperity will depend on its ability to move beyond raw material exports toward value-added production, beneficiation and industrial capacity building.
Manufacturing is a catalyst for inclusive growth. It opens up skilled employment opportunities, strengthens supply chains, boosts exports and supports the development of small and medium enterprises. Most notably, it enables African economies to retain more value locally, reducing dependence on imports and increasing global competitiveness.
At the centre of this conversation is the Manufacturing Indaba, a showcase for Africa’s manufacturing agenda that gathers policymakers, manufacturers, investors, suppliers and development partners to accelerate industrial growth across the continent.
Manufacturing as the industrialisation catalyst
Industrialisation remains one of Africa’s most powerful tools for transforming economies. Countries with strong manufacturing bases are better positioned to withstand global shocks, diversify revenue streams and support growing populations.
Still, Africa’s manufacturing contribution to GDP is significantly lower than global averages, constrained by challenges like energy reliability, infrastructure gaps, skills shortages and limited access to finance. Addressing these barriers requires coordinated action between the public and private sectors.
By convening decision-makers from across the manufacturing value chain, the Indaba facilitates practical dialogue on how to unlock industrial capacity and scale manufacturing across sectors including automotive, agro-processing, chemicals, metals, machinery, consumer goods and industrial equipment.
Kickstarting manufacturing growth
Reliable energy, efficient logistics and modern infrastructure are essential to industrial development. Without these foundations, manufacturers struggle to operate competitively and attract investment.
The Manufacturing Indaba highlights the interconnected nature of manufacturing, energy and infrastructure, recognising that industrial growth depends on integrated planning and investment. Discussions at the Indaba focus on improving energy security, strengthening transport corridors, developing industrial parks and special economic zones, and modernising ports and logistics networks. These enabling conditions are critical to creating a manufacturing ecosystem that supports both domestic production and export-led growth.
Mobilising investment and stronger supply chains
Manufacturing growth requires capital for plant expansion, technology upgrades, skills development and supply chain localisation. The Manufacturing Indaba is a meeting point for manufacturers and investors, enabling engagement around project financing, localisation strategies and industrial partnerships.
As global supply chains transform, Africa has an opportunity to position itself as a competitive manufacturing destination. By strengthening regional value chains and promoting intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), manufacturers can access new markets and reduce reliance on external suppliers.
The Indaba is a platform for these conversations, supporting collaboration between manufacturers, suppliers and policymakers to build resilient, competitive supply chains across Africa.
Supporting skills, technology and innovation
Industrialisation encompasses people, skills and innovation. A modern manufacturing sector requires a skilled workforce, access to advanced technologies and a culture of continuous improvement.
The Manufacturing Indaba addresses these needs by showcasing innovation, automation and digitalisation as key drivers of productivity and competitiveness. By promoting technology adoption and skills development, the Indaba supports the evolution of African manufacturing toward higher-value production and global standards.
Africa's manufacturing future in focus
As Africa’s population grows and urbanises, the demand for locally produced goods will continue to rise. Manufacturing offers a pathway to meet this demand while creating jobs, supporting SMEs and strengthening economies.
By advancing industrialisation and strengthening manufacturing capacity, Africa can unlock inclusive growth and build a more resilient economic future. The Manufacturing Indaba is where that future begins.
To find out more, register or book expo space, visit https://manufacturingindaba.co.za/
