Johannesburg, South Africa: 6 July 2026 – As manufacturers across Africa face mounting pressure to improve productivity, reduce operating costs, address skills shortages and remain globally competitive, automation has become one of the most significant opportunities for industrial growth. Recognising this transformation, the Manufacturing Indaba will host its inaugural Automation Day on 16 July 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.
Taking place as a dedicated side event of the Manufacturing Indaba, Automation Day will bring together manufacturers, technology providers, automation specialists, policymakers, investors and industry leaders under the theme “Transforming African Manufacturing through Automation and Smart Technologies.”
Automation is fundamentally changing how manufacturers operate. From robotics and artificial intelligence to predictive maintenance, digital twins, machine learning and smart factories, companies are embracing new technologies to improve efficiency, increase product quality and strengthen their competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.
For Africa, where industrialisation remains central to economic development, automation presents an opportunity not only to improve manufacturing productivity but also to create smarter, safer and more sustainable industries capable of competing globally.
Automation Day has been designed to move beyond theory and focus on practical implementation. Throughout the day, delegates will hear from government leaders, industry experts and technology innovators who are driving digital transformation across the manufacturing sector.
The programme opens with a keynote address on “The Future of Manufacturing in Africa: Automation as a Competitive Advantage,” followed by sessions exploring Smart Factories and Industry 4.0, Robotics and Process Automation, AI and Predictive Manufacturing, Energy Efficiency through Automation, Financing Technology Adoption, and preparing the workforce for the future. The event concludes with a practical discussion on “From Strategy to Action: Implementing Automation in Your Business.”
One of the defining features of Automation Day is its emphasis on real-world business outcomes. Delegates will gain practical insights into successfully implementing automation projects, improving operational efficiency, reducing energy consumption, increasing production flexibility and building digitally enabled manufacturing businesses.
The event also provides a unique platform for manufacturers to engage directly with automation suppliers, robotics companies, software developers, industrial technology providers and system integrators who are enabling the next generation of African manufacturing.
Automation Day is expected to attract manufacturing executives, plant managers, operations leaders, production engineers, digital transformation specialists, technology providers, investors and policymakers from across the continent. By bringing together both technology developers and manufacturing end-users, the event aims to accelerate collaboration and encourage wider adoption of smart manufacturing solutions.
As African manufacturers continue navigating global supply chain disruptions, increasing energy costs and growing international competition, embracing automation has become essential for long-term resilience and growth. Businesses that successfully integrate automation technologies will be better positioned to improve productivity, enhance product quality, optimise resource utilisation and compete in increasingly demanding global markets.
Automation Day forms part of the broader Manufacturing Indaba programme, Africa’s leading manufacturing conference and exhibition, which continues to drive industrial development, investment and innovation across the continent.
Manufacturers, technology providers and industry stakeholders are encouraged to participate in this important new platform that will help shape the future of African manufacturing.
Automation Day 2026
Date: 16 July 2026
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
For more information or to register, visit www.manufacturingindaba.co.za.
