Events marketing and public relations house Siyenza Management will celebrate the hosting of the tenth Manufacturing Indaba, with this year’s edition being the largest edition to date.

The event will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Gauteng, from October 24 to 26.

“The event will boast over 200 exhibiting companies, well over 500 participating delegates, more than 100 expert speakers, with roughly 4 000 visitors expected to attend the event to meet exhibitors,” says Siyenza Management MD Liz Hart.

The exhibition will cover more than 5 000 m2 of exhibition space and the conference will also be hosted over 4 000 m2 of floorspace in the convention centre.

“In essence, the entire event will take up two full floors of the Sandton Convention Centre,” she enthuses.

Further, the Manufacturing Indaba will serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, networking and forging strategic partnerships.

The event will feature information-sharing sessions, interactive panels and exhibitions showcasing the latest technologies, trends and best practices in manufacturing.

“Manufacturing companies are keen to find out about the latest industry trends, as well as how they can improve their production efficiencies and access new, sustainable financial solutions to grow their manufacturing concerns,” she notes.

Amid the impact of loadshedding and power outages on many manufacturers, attendees will explore solutions to mitigate the effects of energy insecurity.

The theme for this year’s event, Capitalising on Manufacturing Growth in Africa, aims to explore various manufacturing business opportunities for manufacturing growth and development in Africa.

Hart says a thriving manufacturing sector is a positive indicator for emerging market countries on the African continent.

Industrialisation creates jobs and drives social, political and economic developments, helping to transform and improve the lives of ordinary people.

“With its young workforce and a keen desire for a seat at the global trade table, resource-rich Africa is abundant in opportunities.”

Although the projected trajectory for growth in the manufacturing sector worldwide has been hindered by the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, experts have predicted over R12.6-trillion in earnings by 2030.

“Africa’s unique position, history and biodiversity have encouraged innovation and a distinctly African approach to solving the continent’s most pertinent issues, namely its vulnerability to the inherent threat of climate change,” says Hart, adding that “as a result, leaders are open and keen to adopt advanced manufacturing methodologies and forge partnerships with investors”.

These investor initiatives will protect the continent against exploitation and further environmental damage.

Net-Zero Manufacturing

With significant exposure to the effects of climate change, Africa cannot afford to put itself at risk by following the traditional pathways to promote industrialisation.

“While this is a challenge, it presents unique opportunities,” Hart stresses.

By developing a manufacturing sector that integrates sustainability best practices to meet targets for the reduction of emissions, Africa could take advantage of the international market’s demand for green goods and services while building resilient economies that are not only reliant on volatile commodities.

The aggressive adoption of low-carbon technologies and a transition to renewable- energy sources will help position Africa as a competitive and attractive trade and manufacturing partner.

A demonstrated commitment to decarbonisation and net-zero emissions will draw in the necessary investment that promotes green growth across the continent.

Africa stands to gain an ecosystem that builds strong relationships between responsible energy providers and manufacturers, rapidly accelerating much-needed cross-border development, says Hart.

Attending to the Issues

Hart lauds the many notable speakers who will participate in the various conference panel discussions.

Some of the key speakers include African financial institution African Development Bank director of trade and industry Dr Abdu Muktar and Namibian CFO and presidential candidate Ally Angula.

Other speakers include tertiary education institute Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies manufacturing ambassador Professor Justin Barnes, sustainable energy partner Yellow Door Energy senior executive Rory McCarthy and financial services provider Absa relationship banking manager Sachin Chanderdhev.

“We are extremely grateful to our platinum sponsors of the event, namely Absa, development institution the Industrial Development Corporation and enterprise software company Sage for their tremendous support of our work collaborating to help grow manufacturing in Africa and support the manufacturers participating with their business growth,” Hart concludes.