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In a major push for continental economic integration, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, John Steenhuisen, is set to deliver the opening address at the Manufacturing Indaba today, Tuesday, 14 July 2026, at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Scheduled to begin at 09:00, the annual event gathers key stakeholders, including business leaders, policymakers, and investors, to drive Africa’s reindustrialization. The platform serves as a vital springboard for businesses of all sizes—from emerging entrepreneurs to industry giants—to showcase their latest products, technologies, and innovations.
At the heart of this year’s gathering is a focus on localized production and market integration. Under the theme “Made in Africa for Africa: Get South African and African Production onto shelves and into global value chains,” Steenhuisen’s address is expected to highlight the strategic steps needed to elevate local manufacturing.
By prioritizing sustainable, “made-in-Africa” production, the initiative aims to foster robust economic development, accelerate job creation, and establish a more self-reliant continental economy. As global supply chains continue to restructure, the Indaba offers a crucial foundation for South African and continental producers to secure their footing in both regional and global markets.
