Johannesburg, South Africa: 21 January 2026: As Africa accelerates its industrialisation ambitions, the availability of reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy is emerging as one of the most critical determinants of manufacturing competitiveness. For manufacturers across the continent, energy costs, reliability, and environmental impact are not merely operational concerns—they are strategic imperatives. Renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, biomass, and small-scale hydro, are increasingly providing a pathway for African manufacturing to overcome persistent energy challenges while aligning with global sustainability standards.
The manufacturing sector is inherently energy-intensive, with operations ranging from raw material processing to assembly lines consuming vast amounts of electricity. In many African countries, the historical reliance on grid electricity—often characterised by intermittent supply, ageing infrastructure, and escalating tariffs—has constrained growth, led to operational inefficiencies, and discouraged investment. Renewable energy offers an alternative by enabling manufacturers to reduce dependence on unstable grids and expensive fossil fuels, while simultaneously managing their carbon footprint. Solar photovoltaic systems, wind farms, and co-generation plants can be deployed on-site or sourced through dedicated off-take agreements, providing predictable energy supply at competitive rates. This predictability is essential for manufacturers seeking to maintain production schedules, optimise costs, and guarantee quality standards for both domestic and international markets.
Beyond operational efficiency, renewable energy adoption in manufacturing has broader economic and strategic benefits. It allows manufacturers to align with increasingly stringent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria demanded by investors, financiers, and international buyers. Incorporating renewables also stimulates local job creation in installation, maintenance, and technology support, fostering skills development that complements broader industrial growth initiatives. Moreover, renewables support energy security by diversifying supply sources, insulating manufacturers from volatile global fuel prices, and reducing vulnerability to power outages that disrupt production.
The Manufacturing Indaba 2026, taking place on 14 – 15 July 2026 in Johannesburg, provides an ideal platform for industry stakeholders to explore these opportunities. As the flagship gathering for African manufacturers, the Indaba brings together government representatives, industry leaders, financiers, technology providers, and innovators to engage in dialogue around energy, technology adoption, and competitiveness. Within the context of renewable energy, the Indaba will highlight practical solutions, financing mechanisms, and policy frameworks that can enable manufacturers to integrate renewables into their operations effectively. Delegates will also gain insights into regional best practices, case studies of successful renewable integration, and opportunities to forge partnerships that accelerate energy transition in manufacturing.
In conclusion, renewables are no longer peripheral to Africa’s manufacturing strategy—they are central to its future growth. By providing reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy, renewable technologies empower manufacturers to scale operations, improve efficiency, and meet international market expectations. The Manufacturing Indaba 2026 offers a crucial forum for decision-makers to understand, plan, and invest in the renewable energy solutions that will drive Africa’s industrial transformation and competitiveness in the years to come.
