Johannesburg, South Africa _ 8 January 2026 — Manufacturing Indaba 2026 will convene government leaders, manufacturers, investors, and technology providers from across the continent under the theme “Building Competitive, Resilient & Sustainable African Manufacturing.” The theme reflects Africa’s growing urgency to strengthen its industrial base, enhance competitiveness, and build resilience in an increasingly volatile global economy.
The 2026 edition of Manufacturing Indaba will focus on translating industrial policy into practical outcomes by addressing the key enablers of manufacturing growth, including energy security, access to finance, skills development, infrastructure, and technology adoption. Central to the programme will be the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in unlocking regional value chains and expanding market access for African-made products.
With global supply chains under pressure and sustainability becoming a competitive imperative, the Indaba will also spotlight localisation strategies, supply chain resilience, green manufacturing, and circular economy models. Discussions will explore how manufacturers can improve productivity, reduce costs, and decarbonise operations while remaining globally competitive.
Manufacturing Indaba 2026 will bring together Ministers, policymakers, CEOs, SMEs, and development finance institutions to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors. The platform is designed to support investment-ready manufacturing projects, encourage technology transfer, and enable scalable industrial growth that delivers jobs, exports, and long-term economic value.
As Africa positions itself for the next phase of industrialisation, the next edition of the Manufacturing Indaba aims to move beyond dialogue and support action-driven partnerships that strengthen Africa’s role in global manufacturing value chains.
