The Manufacturing Indaba, which will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on July 14–15, 2026, will include special talks examining how AI is changing the future of manufacturing in Africa in recognition of the growing significance of AI and digital transformation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging as one of the most significant forces shaping the future of manufacturing globally, and Africa's manufacturing sector is increasingly recognising its potential to drive productivity, competitiveness, innovation, and economic growth.
As manufacturers across the continent grapple with rising production costs, supply chain disruptions, energy constraints, skills shortages, and increasing global competition, AI is providing powerful new tools to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, optimise production processes, and unlock new business opportunities.
According to a recent African Development Bank report, the adoption of AI across Africa has the potential to contribute an additional US$1 trillion to the continent's GDP by 2035 through enhanced productivity, innovation, and business transformation.
For Africa's manufacturing sector, the opportunity is particularly significant.
