Africa's manufacturing sector stands at a defining moment. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opening unprecedented opportunities for regional trade and industrialisation, governments and business leaders are increasingly recognising manufacturing as the engine that will drive sustainable economic growth, create millions of jobs and reduce the continent's dependence on imported goods.

Against this backdrop, the 13th Manufacturing Indaba Conference and Exhibition, taking place on 14–15 July 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, will bring together ministers, policymakers, manufacturers, investors, development finance institutions and technology leaders from across Africa to explore practical strategies for building a stronger industrial future.

The event's 2026 theme, "Made in Africa: Scaling Growth, Shaping Trade," reflects the growing momentum behind regional manufacturing, localisation and value addition across the continent. The two-day programme features senior government leaders, global experts and industry executives who will address the policies, investments and innovations needed to transform Africa into a globally competitive manufacturing powerhouse.

A major highlight of this year's event will be the keynote address by South Africa's Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, reaffirming government's commitment to industrial development, localisation and economic transformation through manufacturing.

The conference will also feature addresses from Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, together with ministers responsible for trade, industry and manufacturing from Kenya, Namibia, Mozambique, Lesotho and Eswatini.

Manufacturing remains one of the most powerful catalysts for economic development. Every manufacturing job created supports additional employment throughout the broader economy, stimulating demand for logistics, mining, agriculture, engineering, financial services and technology. It also creates opportunities for small businesses to participate in regional supply chains while increasing exports and improving economic resilience.

With Africa expected to become home to one of the world's fastest-growing consumer markets over the coming decades, the opportunity to manufacture products closer to consumers has never been greater. By processing raw materials locally rather than exporting them in their unprocessed form, African economies can retain significantly greater value, expand industrial capability and build globally competitive industries.

The conference programme reflects these priorities through discussions that address every aspect of industrial development.

Delegates will examine Africa's industrial future, exploring how the continent can transition from being primarily an exporter of raw materials to becoming a competitive global manufacturing hub. Leading experts from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), UNIDO, Kenya's Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry and NewSpace Systems will discuss the policies and investments needed to achieve this ambition.

Regional trade will remain a central focus, with a dedicated plenary examining how the African Continental Free Trade Area can unlock a US$3.4 trillion market for African manufacturers. The session will explore practical steps to reduce barriers to trade, strengthen regional supply chains and increase intra-African commerce.

Infrastructure and logistics—long recognised as critical constraints to industrial growth—will feature prominently through discussions on South Africa's electricity transmission rollout, transport infrastructure, ports and rail modernisation, and the role these investments play in enabling competitive manufacturing.

The second day of the conference will focus on practical industry challenges and emerging opportunities through specialist breakout sessions covering Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, automation, digital manufacturing, automotive manufacturing, critical minerals, mining value chains, agro-processing, skills development, innovation, logistics, industrial zones and Africa's energy transition. These sessions will feature leading organisations including NTT DATA, Bosch, CSIR, GIZ, Transnet Engineering, the Automotive Industry Development Centre and numerous African industry associations.

An equally important component of Manufacturing Indaba is its extensive exhibition, where technology providers, equipment manufacturers, industrial solution providers and service companies will showcase the latest innovations shaping the future of manufacturing. The exhibition creates valuable opportunities for manufacturers to identify new technologies, improve productivity, strengthen competitiveness and build new commercial partnerships.

Business networking and investment facilitation remain at the heart of the event. Through structured B2B meetings, networking sessions and engagement with public and private sector leaders, delegates will have the opportunity to establish new partnerships that can drive investment and industrial expansion across the continent.

As Africa seeks to create sustainable employment for its rapidly growing population while strengthening economic resilience, manufacturing has become one of the continent's greatest opportunities. Manufacturing Indaba 2026 provides a platform where governments, investors and industry can move beyond discussion to practical action, creating the partnerships needed to unlock Africa's next chapter of industrial growth.

Manufacturing Indaba 2026 will take place on 14–15 July 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.

For more information or to register, visit www.manufacturingindaba.co.za.