Johannesburg, South Africa – 9 June 2026 — Africa has the resources, the talent, and a $3.4 trillion market. The question for manufacturers is no longer whether to localise production but how to do it profitably while accessing bigger markets and staying ahead of the competition. That is exactly why forward-thinking manufacturers from across South Africa and the continent are converging at Manufacturing Indaba 2026 the premier platform for industrial transformation and competitive growth.
The $3.4 Trillion AfCFTA Opportunity
Full implementation of the AfCFTA is projected to boost intra-African trade by up to 45% by 2045, adding approximately $275 billion in trade value with manufacturing and agro-processing sectors set to benefit the most. Intra-African exports in manufactured goods could surge dramatically (World Bank estimates show potential growth of 109% in intra-African manufactured exports), while overall African exports to the rest of the world could rise by 32% by 2035. This creates massive new revenue streams for local manufacturers: economies of scale, regional value chains, and tariff-free access to a continental market that already sees manufactured goods making up a significant share of intra-African trade. The agreement is expected to attract increased foreign direct investment into labour-intensive manufacturing, drive industrialisation, and create millions of new jobs positioning African producers to move from raw material exporters to competitive manufacturers of finished goods.
Under the banner “Made in Africa”, the two-day event will equip delegates with practical, high-impact strategies to turn localisation into a genuine competitive advantage in the AfCFTA era.
Why You Should Be There (Key Reasons to Attend):
- Get immediately actionable strategies you can implement the moment you return to your factory — proven localisation frameworks, supplier development models, and cost-reduction tactics that have already delivered results for fellow African manufacturers.
- Access new revenue streams — direct exposure to domestic, regional (AfCFTA), and export market opportunities, complete with practical guidance on compliance, logistics, and buyer connections.
- Stay ahead of the curve — discover how to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies (AI, automation, robotics) to slash costs, boost efficiency, and meet global quality standards.
- Unlock funding and partnerships — meet investors, development finance institutions, and government officials offering tailored incentives, grants, and capital for manufacturers ready to scale.
- Real peer learning — hear genuine case studies from business owners who have successfully shifted from import dependency to local production champions.
- High-impact networking — two days of concentrated deal-making with over 1,000 manufacturers, policymakers, buyers, and solution providers in one venue.
“Manufacturing Indaba 2026 is not another talk shop,” said event organisers. “It is a results-driven platform where manufacturers gain the tools, networks, and insights needed to localise profitably, capture new markets, and lead Africa’s industrial renaissance.”
We look forward to welcoming you as we build a stronger, more competitive Made in Africa manufacturing sector.
Event Details:
Dates: 14 – 15 July 2026
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa For registration, exhibition booking, sponsorship opportunities, and further information, visit: www.manufacturingindaba.co.za
Media Contact:
011 463 9184 / linda@manufacturingindaba.co.za
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About Manufacturing Indaba
Manufacturing Indaba is Africa’s leading conference and exhibition dedicated to advancing localisation, industrialisation, innovation, and trade. It brings together manufacturers, policymakers, investors, and technology providers to drive practical solutions that strengthen Africa’s manufacturing competitiveness and economic growth.
