Johannesburg, South Africa – The Manufacturing Indaba 2026 will feature Automation Day on 29 October 2026, a one-day conference designed to bring together industry leaders, technology innovators, and policy-makers to explore how automation is transforming Africa’s manufacturing sector. The event will focus on robotics, artificial intelligence, industrial Internet of Things, and smart digital systems as tools to boost productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability for manufacturers across the continent.
Recent figures show the African industrial process automation market, valued at USD 687.2 million in 2024, is projected to reach USD 1.57 billion by 2030 at a 14.8 percent annual growth rate. In South Africa, warehouse automation reached USD 134.6 million in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 657 million by 2033. Surveys indicate 61 percent of South African manufacturers expect AI to drive growth by 2029, up from 41 percent in 2024. Despite this growth, roughly half of large firms and nearly half of medium and small manufacturers still operate mainly manually.
Automation Day will cover practical integration of robotics and smart technologies, the use of AI and industrial IoT for predictive maintenance and efficiency, success stories from African manufacturers, workforce upskilling for Industry 4.0, and sustainability in manufacturing. The conference is aimed at CEOs, plant managers, engineering and operations directors, technology providers, government officials, investors, and others focused on modernising African manufacturing.
Automation Day is part of the broader Manufacturing Indaba 2026 Conference and Exhibition, scheduled for 14–15 July 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The Indaba is Africa’s leading manufacturing event, designed to drive the continent’s reindustrialisation, foster local manufacturing, and connect industry leaders. Previous editions attracted 1,890 registered participants, 564 conference speakers, 93 exhibitors, and 2,850 expo visitors from 18 countries.
The event will promote localisation and value-added production, explore how AI and other technologies can drive innovation, and discuss strategies to counter deindustrialisation. Participants can showcase products and solutions at the expo, attend expert-led sessions, and engage in B2B networking through the B2B Connect Programme designed for exhibitors, delegates, speakers, and sponsors.
Manufacturing Indaba offers a platform for manufacturers across Africa’s supply chain—from producers and suppliers to technology providers and service partners—to network, build partnerships, and access business growth opportunities.
For registration and participation details, visit www.manufacturingindaba.co.za or contact info@manufacturingindaba.co.za.
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