The building of the Manufacturing sector is a vital necessity for South Africa and the Indaba encompasses every important aspect of the Industry in one central point for two days only.

The value of the manufacturing sector is leveraged by its essential position in the economy, which sees it assisting with building infrastructural and technical capacity, encouraging innovation, earning export revenue, and most critical in South Africa, providing decent employment.

Indeed, the contribution manufacturing makes (and could potentially make) is significant. This is because manufacturing possesses important economic growth and employment capabilities, which means that manufacturing is generally considered to be the best engine in the economy for achieving sustained economic development, employment, and social upliftment.
The Manufacturing Indaba, less than two weeks away, to be held at Emperors Palace, Ekurhuleni on the 27th and 28th June 2017, attracts key industry leaders, policy makers, academia and potential leaders and brings them together, providing a platform to explore strategies that are tantamount to building South Africas manufacturing future for 2017
Despite the pressures facing the manufacturing sector in South Africa, growing manufacturing remains our best opportunity for generating job-rich economic growth through a competitive manufacturing environment, which will assist in attaining a supportive international trade position, advancing the reputation of South African manufactured products. Thus, avoiding the process of de-industrialisation.
A key focus area at the 4th annual Manufacturing Indaba will be exploring business growth, where planned keynote addresses and panel discussions will focus on the future of manufacturing in South Africa, mainly centered around manufacturing growth including understanding how successful manufacturers are continuing their growth path despite the tough economic circumstances and how other companies can learn from their successes.

The Manufacturing Indaba, has also identified small business as a key focus area for the 2017 event. In its second year, the Small Business Indaba will take place on 26th June 2017. The one-day conference is specifically focused on the growth opportunities for entrepreneurs within manufacturing who run small business operations.


The building of the Manufacturing sector is a vital necessity for South Africa and the Indaba encompasses every important aspect of the Industry in one central point for two days only. The insights gained are invaluable and the purpose being to truly uplift the sector and the South African economy as a whole.

About the Manufacturing Indaba
The 4th annual Manufacturing Indaba will be hosted at Emperors Palace in the City of Ekurhuleni from the 27 - 28 June 2017. The event will comprise a two-day conference and exhibition. The event is hosted in partnership with the Department of Trade & Industry, the Department of Science & Technology, the Department of Public Enterprises, the Manufacturing Circle, the City of Ekurhuleni as the Host City and the NCPC-SA.
The aim of the Manufacturing Indaba is to focus on and boost the growth potential of key industry sectors within manufacturing, namely: automotive, construction, metals, forestry, paper & packaging, chemicals, aerospace & defence, industry products and services, and to provide a platform for informative and interactive sessions with the prime movers of the nations manufacturing sectors.
For more info on this event, or to register for the Small Business Indaba, visit www.manufacturingindaba.co.za