Johannesburg, South Africa: 29 October 2026: The one-day conference Automation Day, embedded within the Manufacturing Indaba 2026, will convene industry leaders, technology innovators and policy-makers for a focused deep-dive into how automation is transforming manufacturing across Africa. With the continent’s manufacturing sector poised for growth, Automation Day will highlight the strategic role of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and smart digital systems in unlocking competitiveness, productivity and sustainability.
Why Automation Matters for Africa
Automation is no longer a luxury—it is a strategic imperative for African manufacturers aiming to scale, modernise and compete on the global stage. Recent data underscores how the shift is underway:
- The African industrial process automation market was valued at approximately USD 687.2 million in 2024, and is projected to reach around USD 1.57 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 14.8%.
- In the Middle East & Africa region, the industrial automation market report indicates that “factory automation” solutions held 58.6 % of the market in 2024, and industrial IoT accounted for 46.3 % of revenue in that region.
- In South Africa, the warehouse automation market alone reached USD 134.6 million in 2024, and is forecast to grow to USD 657 million by 2033, at a CAGR of roughly 17.2 %.
- Among South African manufacturers, 61 % expect AI to drive growth by 2029, up from 41 % in 2024—highlighting the momentum behind digital transformation and automation.
- About 50 % of large firms (and roughly 46–47 % of medium and small firms) in South African manufacturing were still operating primarily manually in recent years, with only 10–16 % fully digital/system-enabled—indicating the significant opportunity for automation deployment.
Key Themes & Sessions
Automation Day will explore topics such as:
- Practical steps for integrating automation, robotics and smart technologies within African manufacturing – from SMEs to large OEMs
- How AI, industrial IoT and data analytics enable predictive maintenance, real-time visibility, quality enhancement and cost reduction
- Case studies of African manufacturers who have successfully adopted automation and seen measurable improvements in throughput, efficiency and competitiveness
- Workforce development and upskilling: preparing Africa’s manufacturing workforce for Industry 4.0
- Sustainability and automation: how smart manufacturing reduces waste, improves resource efficiency and supports circular-economy models
Who Should Attend
Automation Day is designed for manufacturing CEOs, plant managers, engineering and operations directors, technology solution providers, government and policy representatives, investors and financiers focused on industrial modernisation—and anyone committed to advancing Africa’s manufacturing sector through automation.
About the Manufacturing Indaba
The Manufacturing Indaba is Africa’s premiere manufacturing conference and exhibition, bringing together the full ecosystem of industry, government and innovation. Automation Day forms a critical one-day stream within the Indaba, dedicated exclusively to the future of smart manufacturing, automation and digital transformation in Africa.
Registration & Media Contact
For delegate registration and sponsorship enquiries, please contact:
📧 info@manufacturingindaba.co.za
🌐 Visit: www.manufacturingindaba.co.za
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