Johannesburg, South Africa – The Manufacturing Indaba is honoured to announce that His Excellency, Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver the keynote address at the 13th Manufacturing Indaba Conference and Exhibition, taking place on 14–15 July 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.
The Deputy President’s participation highlights the South African Government’s continued commitment to strengthening the country’s manufacturing sector as a catalyst for economic growth, industrialisation, investment, job creation, and enhanced regional competitiveness.
As Africa’s leading manufacturing event, the Manufacturing Indaba serves as a strategic platform that brings together government leaders, policymakers, manufacturers, investors, technology providers, development finance institutions, and industry experts from across the continent. The conference focuses on advancing industrial development, promoting investment, strengthening regional value chains, and accelerating Africa’s manufacturing transformation.
The presence of the Deputy President reinforces the critical role that manufacturing plays in achieving South Africa’s economic priorities and the broader objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). His keynote address is expected to provide strategic insights into South Africa’s industrial agenda, the importance of policy certainty and public-private collaboration, and the opportunities available to position Africa as a globally competitive manufacturing hub.
“The participation of His Excellency, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, is a tremendous honour for the Manufacturing Indaba and reflects the importance of manufacturing in South Africa’s economic future,” said LizHart, Managing Director of Manufacturing Indaba.
“Manufacturing remains one of the country’s greatest opportunities to drive inclusive economic growth, create sustainable employment, stimulate investment, and strengthen regional value chains. We look forward to the Deputy President sharing government’s vision for advancing industrialisation and fostering closer collaboration between the public and private sectors.”
This year’s Manufacturing Indaba comes at a pivotal time as businesses across Africa seek to improve productivity, embrace digital transformation, accelerate decarbonisation, build resilient supply chains, and unlock new opportunities through intra-African trade.
Over two days, delegates will engage in high-level conference sessions, investment discussions, business matchmaking, technology showcases, and networking opportunities designed to support the growth and competitiveness of African manufacturers.
The Manufacturing Indaba continues to play a leading role in facilitating meaningful dialogue between industry and government while connecting manufacturers with the partners, technologies, and investment opportunities needed to drive sustainable industrial growth across the continent.
Industry leaders, manufacturers, investors, SMEs, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Africa are invited to join this landmark event and be part of shaping the future of manufacturing on the continent.
Event Details
Event: Manufacturing Indaba 2026 Conference and Exhibition
Date: 14–15 July 2026
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
About Manufacturing Indaba The Manufacturing Indaba is Africa’s premier manufacturing conference and exhibition dedicated to the growth and development of the continent’s manufacturing sector. By bringing together key stakeholders from government, industry, finance, and technology, the event drives investment, promotes localisation, supports industrialisation, and facilitates partnerships that strengthen Africa’s manufacturing ecosystem.
