South Africa's manufacturing sector has the potential to be a major driver of economic growth, but structural challenges – from unreliable infrastructure to inefficient ports and logistics – continue to undermine its competitiveness, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said at the opening of the 13th Manufacturing Indaba Source: IOL.
Government and industry leaders from all over Africa gathered on Tuesday for the two-day 2026 Manufacturing Indaba under the theme "Made in Africa: Scaling Growth, Shaping Trade" Source: IOL.
The focus of this year's indaba is on strengthening industrial growth, improving competitiveness and unlocking investment across the continent Source: IOL.
State of manufacturing in SA
The 13th edition of the conference comes at a time when the industry is struggling: factories are closing, retrenchments are taking place, and manufacturers are battling a host of operational challenges Source: IOL.
However, Mashatile and the deputy minister of trade, industry and competition, John Steenhuisen, reiterated that Africa cannot be left behind, noting that the continent exports raw materials to other continents, only for those continents to import the finished products at a higher value Source: IOL.
"Africa should increasingly trade in value-added products rather than just exporting raw materials and importing finished goods," said Steenhuisen. "Africa must transition from merely being the source of raw materials to becoming the manufacturing powerhouse" Source: IOL.
Future of manufacturing
Mashatile added it is time for Africa to make bold choices about its economic future Source: IOL.
"Africa possesses the talent, natural resources, and entrepreneurial energy required to become a global manufacturing force," he said. "What has too often been missing is sufficient investment in value addition, technology, infrastructure and deep regional integration" Source: IOL.
"For too long, [Africa] exported raw materials while importing finished products at a premium. That model cannot sustain the aspirations of the continent seeking inclusive growth and economic sovereignty" Source: IOL.
The Manufacturing Indaba 2026 represents a key opportunity to connect, learn and drive Africa's manufacturing future through innovation, trade and industrial transformation Source: Manufacturing Indaba.
