Seen Here: Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver the keynote address at the 13th Manufacturing Indaba, reaffirming government’s commitment to industrialisation, investment and building a globally competitive manufacturing sector that drives inclusive economic growth across South Africa and the African continent. Photo Credit: Supplied
Johannesburg, South Africa — South Africa’s manufacturing ambitions will take centre stage next month as Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivers the keynote address at the 13th Manufacturing Indaba Conference and Exhibition, underscoring government’s commitment to industrialisation, investment and economic growth.
The prestigious event, scheduled for 14–15 July 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, is expected to bring together senior government leaders, policymakers, manufacturers, investors, development finance institutions, technology providers and industry experts from across Africa to chart the future of the continent’s manufacturing sector.
As Africa’s flagship manufacturing conference and exhibition, the Manufacturing Indaba has become a leading platform for advancing industrial development, promoting investment, strengthening regional value chains and unlocking new opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Mashatile’s participation signals the strategic importance government continues to place on manufacturing as a key driver of inclusive economic growth, job creation, industrial competitiveness and regional economic integration.
His keynote address is expected to outline South Africa’s industrial development agenda while highlighting the importance of policy certainty, public-private collaboration and investment in positioning Africa as a globally competitive manufacturing destination.
Manufacturing Indaba Managing Director Liz Hart welcomed the Deputy President’s participation, describing it as a significant endorsement of the sector’s role in shaping the country’s economic future.
“The participation of His Excellency, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, is a tremendous honour for the Manufacturing Indaba and reflects the importance of manufacturing in South Africa’s economic future,” said Hart.
“Manufacturing remains one of the country’s greatest opportunities to drive inclusive economic growth, create sustainable employment, stimulate investment and strengthen regional value chains. We look forward to the Deputy President sharing government’s vision for advancing industrialisation and fostering closer collaboration between the public and private sectors.”
Seen Here: Industry leaders, policymakers, investors and manufacturing experts come together at the Manufacturing Indaba to explore innovative solutions, strengthen regional value chains and shape the future of African manufacturing through collaboration and shared expertise. Photo Credit: Supplied
This year’s conference takes place against a rapidly evolving global manufacturing landscape, where businesses are increasingly focused on digital transformation, automation, supply-chain resilience, decarbonisation and sustainable industrial growth.
Delegates attending the two-day event will participate in high-level policy discussions, investment forums, business matchmaking sessions, technology showcases and strategic networking opportunities aimed at accelerating Africa’s industrial transformation.
With manufacturers seeking innovative solutions to improve productivity and expand into new markets, the Manufacturing Indaba continues to serve as a vital bridge between industry, government and investors, creating opportunities that strengthen Africa’s manufacturing ecosystem.
The conference also aligns closely with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which seeks to enhance intra-African trade, promote regional industrialisation and unlock new economic opportunities across the continent.
As Africa looks to increase local production, boost value addition and strengthen regional supply chains, the Manufacturing Indaba is expected to provide a critical platform for dialogue, collaboration and investment that supports long-term industrial development.
Industry leaders, manufacturers, SMEs, investors, policymakers and technology innovators from across Africa are expected to gather in Johannesburg to explore practical solutions that will shape the next chapter of African manufacturing.
With government and industry leaders united under one roof, the 13th Manufacturing Indaba is poised to reinforce manufacturing’s central role in driving sustainable economic growth, creating jobs and positioning Africa as a globally competitive industrial powerhouse.
