The Inaugural BRICS Manufacturing Conference, which takes place in Sandton, Johannesburg tomorrow, is the culmination of months of preparation and a commitment to be part of efforts to revive the struggling manufacturing sector in South Africa by promoting trade and investment within the BRICS grouping.

The conference, which will be held at the IDC Conference Centre, is the BRICS Business Council’s Manufacturing Working Group’s (MWG) contribution to reinforcing the BRICS Business Council’s proposed recommendations to Governments in relation to the manufacturing sector.

The recommendations, which are detailed in the BRICS Business Council’s 2020 annual report, include the sharing of best practice in electromobility solutions with the hope of promoting co-operation and investment among the BRICS member countries.

CEO of the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa Mikel Mabasa will share his insights on electromobility solutions at the conference.

Mr Mabasa has previously said that sales of electric vehicles are forecast to exceed those of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2038. It is hoped, therefore, that the session will spark interest among players in the automotive industry, who stand to benefit from this development if, with the support of the Government, they are able to position themselves in this space.

MWG Chairman Kaizer Nyatsumba said South Africa cannot afford to be left behind in electromobility advancement. He said the global transformation to electrical vehicles will potentially result in job losses as demand for fuel emission vehicles wane.

“Our automotive industry is one the few success stories within the manufacturing industry. We need to ensure that we remain at the forefront of developments in that industry to remain relevant. It is there important that we share ideas on how to position ourselves as leaders in electrical vehicle manufacturing. The BRICS Manufacturing Conference is a good place to start that conversation,” he said.