Johannesburg, South Africa – 6 May 2026 – Unreliable energy remains one of the biggest barriers to industrial growth across Africa, with load shedding, high electricity costs, and grid instability disrupting production, destroying jobs, and undermining competitiveness in key manufacturing sectors. As the continent pushes to expand “Made in Africa” production and capture a larger share of global manufacturing value, securing affordable, resilient, and sustainable energy has become a strategic imperative for manufacturers. The Manufacturing Indaba 2026 will place the importance of energy supply for manufacturers in Africa at the heart of its programme, providing a dedicated platform for practical solutions and partnerships that can power industrial expansion.
Under the theme “Made in Africa: Scaling Growth, Shaping Trade”, the event will bring together over 5,000 manufacturers, policymakers, energy solution providers, and investors to address how reliable power can unlock productivity, reduce costs, and enable sustainable industrialisation. Energy challenges continue to hamper African manufacturing. Frequent power outages force factories to rely on expensive diesel generators — often increasing operational energy costs dramatically — while limiting output and threatening jobs, particularly in energy-intensive sectors such as agro-processing, smelters, automotive components, metals, and food production. The added issue of the War in the Middle East is further compounding the pressure on African Manufacturers who rely on diesel supply.
Experts emphasise that without stable and affordable electricity, Africa’s industrial ambitions cannot be realised, as factories remain underutilised and the continent continues to export raw materials instead of value-added goods. Dedicated sessions at the Manufacturing Indaba 2026 will explore:
- Innovative energy solutions including solar PV, hybrid systems, battery storage, and smart energy management tailored for industrial applications
- Strategies to build resilient power supply and reduce dependence on unstable grids
- The role of sustainable energy in lowering costs, improving ESG performance, and supporting green manufacturing
- Public-private partnerships and financing models to deliver reliable energy to industrial zones and special economic zones
- Real-world case studies of manufacturers who have successfully transitioned to cleaner, more reliable power sources
“Reliable energy is not just an operational requirement — it is the foundation for competitive, scalable, and job-creating manufacturing in Africa,” said a senior organiser of the Manufacturing Indaba. “The 2026 event will connect manufacturers facing real power challenges with the solution providers, financiers, and policymakers who can help deliver practical, bankable energy solutions.”
The programme reflects a strong focus on energy as a critical enabler of industrial growth, including discussions on Africa’s evolving energy landscape and the transition toward diversified, sustainable sources that ensure both reliability and affordability. Manufacturers, energy companies, technology providers, and investors attending the Indaba will have the opportunity to engage on the exhibition floor, participate in targeted workshops, and forge partnerships that translate into on-the-ground impact. With global pressure for decarbonisation and Africa’s vast renewable potential, the Manufacturing Indaba 2026 positions itself as the key gathering where energy security and industrial competitiveness intersect.
