Industry leaders, government representatives and manufacturers gather to explore investment opportunities, strengthen local production and position Cape Town as a competitive manufacturing destination.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – 12 November 2026 – The Cape Town Manufacturing Summit 2026 brought together government representatives, industry leaders, manufacturers, investors and business stakeholders at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) today, placing the spotlight on the opportunities and interventions needed to accelerate industrial growth across Cape Town and the Western Cape.
Held under the theme “Manufacturing the Cape. Connecting Africa. Competing Globally,” the one-day summit provided a platform for meaningful engagement around manufacturing investment, industrial development, localisation, infrastructure, innovation and the future competitiveness of the region’s manufacturing sector.
The gathering focused on the importance of creating an enabling environment for manufacturers to grow, attracting new investment and strengthening collaboration between government and the private sector to unlock the full potential of Cape Town’s industrial economy.
City of Cape Town reinforces commitment to manufacturing growth
Delivering the opening keynote address, Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth at the City of Cape Town, highlighted manufacturing as a critical driver of economic development, job creation and investment.
Vos outlined the City’s commitment to strengthening its industrial ecosystem through its Manufacturing Support Policy, which focuses on supporting all 33 of Cape Town’s industrial areas, enabling existing businesses to expand and attracting new investment.
“Manufacturing is a vital driver of our economy, creating jobs, attracting investment and connecting Cape Town to markets across Africa and the world. Through our Manufacturing Support Policy, we are focused on strengthening all 33 of Cape Town’s industrial areas, supporting existing businesses to grow and expand, and attracting new investment.
“Government cannot do everything on its own. By working closely with industry experts and manufacturers, we can remove barriers, unlock opportunities and build a more competitive sector. Cape Town is open for business, and we want all 33 of our industrial areas firing on all cylinders. Together, we can manufacture more, export more and create more jobs for Capetonians,” said Vos.
He also emphasised the importance of building a stronger national manufacturing ecosystem, with regions working together to complement their respective strengths, strengthen supply chains, increase local production and reduce reliance on imports.
Turning industry conversations into opportunities
Liz Hart, Managing Director of Manufacturing Indaba, said the summit demonstrated the importance of bringing industry, government and the private sector together to advance Cape Town’s manufacturing ambitions.
“The conversations taking place at the Cape Town Manufacturing Summit are an important step towards unlocking the full potential of the region’s manufacturing sector. We cannot speak about industrial growth without addressing the need for stronger partnerships, investment, innovation and an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“What is particularly important is that we move beyond identifying opportunities and begin translating these discussions into meaningful action. Through platforms like this, we can connect the right stakeholders, encourage collaboration and create pathways for manufacturers to grow, compete and contribute to a stronger African industrial economy,” said Hart.
The summit explored the importance of connecting manufacturers with the resources, expertise, capital and strategic partnerships required to scale their operations and remain competitive in an evolving global manufacturing environment.
Discussions also highlighted the role of investment incentives, access to finance, industrial development and collaboration in helping businesses overcome barriers to expansion and unlock new markets.
Financing manufacturing growth and unlocking investment
A key focus of the summit was “Financing Manufacturing Growth: Unlocking Capital, Incentives and Investment for Manufacturers,” which brought together perspectives from business, science, investment and industrial development.
The discussion featured Olga Mlaudzi, Professional Scientist; Tressan Jansen of Business Partners Ltd; Jamiel Carim of Africa International Advisors (AIA); Mark Goliath of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC); and David Hallett of MANE Deli Spices.
The session examined the importance of accessible financing, investment opportunities and incentives in supporting manufacturers looking to expand, modernise and strengthen their operations.
These conversations reinforced the need for closer collaboration between financial institutions, development agencies, government and the manufacturing community to ensure businesses can access the support and capital needed to grow.
Building a stronger manufacturing future for Cape Town
Supported by the City of Cape Town and Invest Cape Town, the Cape Town Manufacturing Summit forms part of a broader effort to strengthen the city’s positioning as a manufacturing, investment and trade destination.
By bringing together key stakeholders across the industrial value chain, the summit provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives, establish connections and identify areas where greater collaboration can support the sector’s development.
As manufacturing continues to evolve, the need for stronger industrial ecosystems, competitive production capabilities and access to regional and international markets remains central to Africa’s economic growth ambitions.
The Cape Town Manufacturing Summit reinforces the importance of continued engagement between government and industry in turning industrial potential into tangible opportunities for investment, business expansion and employment creation.
