Manufacturing Indaba

Where ideas meet industry. Where connections create opportunity.

The Cape Town Manufacturing Summit 2026 brings together the people shaping the future of manufacturing from industry leaders and policymakers to investors, innovators and businesses.

Join the conversation on industrial growth, investment, market access, innovation and Africa’s manufacturing future.

📍 11 November 2026 | CTICC, Cape Town

Manufacturing the Cape. Connecting Africa. Competing Globally.

Secure your delegate pass to connect with the opportunities driving manufacturing forward: https://manufacturingindaba.co.za/register-manufacturing-summit/

Automation is reshaping the manufacturing workforce, but the conversation should go beyond the fear of machines replacing people.

The real opportunity lies in equipping people with the skills to work alongside advanced technologies and creating a workforce ready for the factories of the future.

AI, robotics and automation can drive greater productivity, precision, quality and competitiveness, while opening new opportunities for technical, digital and specialised skills.

The future of manufacturing is not simply about automation. It is about people, technology and skills working together to build a more productive, competitive and future-ready industry.

Be part of the conversations driving people and industry forward into Industry 4.0.

Register for the 2027 Manufacturing Indaba and join the conversation shaping the future of African manufacturing: https://manufacturingindaba.co.za/register-conference-jhb/

Connect. Engage. Grow.

The Cape Town Manufacturing Summit 2026 brings together industry leaders, manufacturers, policymakers, investors and innovators to build stronger connections, unlock new opportunities and drive the growth of manufacturing across the Western Cape and beyond.

Join us as we explore the opportunities shaping the future of African manufacturing and connect the people, ideas and partnerships needed to move the sector forward.

📅 11 November 2026
📍 Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)

Connect. Engage. Grow.

For more info: https://manufacturingindaba.co.za/manufacturing-summit/

This Heritage Month, we celebrate more than where we come from we celebrate what we have built.

South Africa has a long history of industrial capability, innovation and manufacturing expertise.

The challenge for the next generation is to build on that foundation, create new industries, strengthen local value chains and position South African manufacturing for a bigger role in Africa and the world.

The Cape Town Manufacturing Summit 2026 is proud to partner with Plastics|SA as an Endorsing Partner.

Plastics|SA represents all sectors of the South African Plastics Industry including polymer producers and importers, converters, machine suppliers, fabricators and recyclers. Plastics|SA prides itself on providing industry training and driving the industry’s environmental initiatives.

Join us on 11 November 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre as we bring together the people, businesses and ideas shaping the future of manufacturing in the Western Cape.

Summit Registration: https://manufacturingindaba.co.za/register-manufacturing-summit/

From Made in Africa to Made for the World.

Africa’s manufacturing story is no longer about whether we can manufacture. It’s about whether we can manufacture competitively, consistently and at scale for global markets.

Can African manufacturers deliver the quality, efficiency, innovation and cost competitiveness required to compete beyond the continent?

The opportunity is clear: turn Africa’s manufacturing capacity into global market power.

Technology. Skills. Innovation. Investment.

These are the building blocks that can take Made in Africa to the world.

The question is no longer “Can Africa manufacture?”

It’s “Can Africa compete?”

Join us at the 2027 Manufacturing Indaba as industry leaders, policymakers and innovators come together to shape the future of African manufacturing, unlock new opportunities and drive industrial growth.

Let’s move from manufacturing potential to global competitiveness.

Conference Registration: https://manufacturingindaba.co.za/register-conference-jhb/

The Cape Town Manufacturing Summit 2026 is proud to partner with South African Furniture Initiative (SAFI) as an Endorsing Partner.

SAFI is an industry organisation dedicated to supporting the growth, competitiveness and long-term sustainability of South Africa’s furniture manufacturing sector. Representing manufacturers and industry stakeholders, SAFI works to strengthen local production, develop skills, expand market access and create new opportunities for South African businesses. Its activities include industry advocacy, skills development, export promotion, trade participation and initiatives that help manufacturers respond to changing technologies and market requirements. By connecting industry, government and other key stakeholders, SAFI provides a collaborative platform for addressing challenges, unlocking opportunities and building a stronger, more resilient furniture manufacturing industry.


Join us on 11 November 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre as we bring together the people, businesses and ideas shaping the future of manufacturing in the Western Cape.

Summit Registration: https://manufacturingindaba.co.za/register-manufacturing-summit/

South Africa Can Do More Than Manufacture. It Can Build Africa’s Value Chains.

South Africa has the industrial capability to be more than a manufacturing destination, it can be a manufacturing partner to the continent.

From automotive and chemicals to agro-processing, metals, machinery and green industries, South Africa already has established capabilities across sectors identified as priorities for industrial development.

And the opportunity is significant: the AfCFTA brings together 55 countries, more than 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of approximately US$3.4 trillion.

South Africa has already exported approximately R820 million in goods under AfCFTA preferences between January 2024 and March 2025, including mining equipment, appliances, food, plastics and electrical machinery.

The question now is: How do we go further?
How do we build stronger regional value chains?
How do we produce more of what Africa consumes?
How do we turn industrial capacity into shared continental growth?

Join us at Manufacturing Indaba 2027 as industry leaders, manufacturers, policymakers and investors come together to explore how South Africa can create greater value through the AfCFTA and help shape a more connected, competitive African manufacturing economy.

Conference registration: https://manufacturingindaba.co.za/register-conference-jhb/

Cape Town Manufacturing Summit to connect manufacturers, investors, government and industry leaders around the next phase of industrial growth

Read More: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/accessing-manufacturing-opportunity-south-africa-glczf

ACCESSING THE MANUFACTURING OPPORTUNITY IN SOUTH AFRICA Cape Town Manufacturing Summit to connect manufacturers, investors, government and industry leaders around the next phase of industrial growth Cape Town, South Africa: 15 September 2026 – South Africa remains one of Africa’s most established and diversified manufacturing economies, offering sign...

What makes manufacturing competitive?
It’s not just about building more factories. It’s about building the conditions that make industry thrive.

- Reliable energy.
- Smart infrastructure.
- Future-ready skills.
- Technology and innovation.
- Investment that drives growth.
- Access to regional and global markets.

As Africa moves to produce more of what it consumes, deepen regional value chains and unlock the opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area, competitiveness will depend on how we connect these building blocks.

The opportunity is bigger than manufacturing more. It’s about manufacturing smarter, scaling faster and competing globally.

The 2027 Manufacturing Indaba will bring forward the conversations and explore what it takes to build a more competitive, connected and future-ready African manufacturing sector.

📍 13–14 July 2027 | Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
Conference Registration: https://manufacturingindaba.co.za/register-conference-jhb/

The question is no longer whether Africa can manufacture.
It’s how far we can take it.