Manufacturing Indaba Launches Cape Town Summit to Boost Western Cape Industry
Manufacturing Indaba Launches Cape Town Summit to Boost Western Cape Industry. The Manufacturing Indaba is expanding its national presence with the launch of the inaugural Cape Town Manufacturing Summit, a new event that will focus on the Western Cape’s manufacturing sector while promoting investment, collaboration and industrial development.
The summit will be held on 11 November 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in partnership with the City of Cape Town. It is expected to bring together manufacturers, investors, policymakers, technology providers and industry leaders from across South Africa.
The new event follows the recent national Manufacturing Indaba held in Johannesburg and marks the platform’s expansion into the Western Cape, reflecting the province’s role as a manufacturing and industrial hub.
According to the organisers, the summit will showcase the region’s manufacturing capabilities, including its infrastructure, export-focused industries, advanced technologies and investment environment.
The programme will explore a range of topics affecting the sector, including industrial development, localisation, advanced manufacturing, skills development, export growth and collaboration between government, industry and investors.
Organisers say these discussions are intended to identify opportunities to strengthen South Africa’s manufacturing competitiveness while supporting industrialisation and encouraging investment in the Western Cape.
As an extension of the annual Manufacturing Indaba, traditionally hosted in Johannesburg, the Cape Town event will provide manufacturers and solution providers with another platform to engage directly with decision-makers and industry stakeholders.
The summit is also expected to create opportunities for businesses to establish new partnerships, share knowledge and explore commercial opportunities within one of South Africa’s regional manufacturing economies.
Businesses across the manufacturing value chain have been invited to participate as delegates, exhibitors, sponsors or speakers. The event is intended to provide organisations with an opportunity to showcase products, services and innovations while contributing to discussions on the future of manufacturing in South Africa.
Networking sessions and industry engagements are expected to form part of the programme, creating opportunities for collaboration between manufacturers, investors and technology providers.
The organisers believe the summit will contribute to broader efforts aimed at increasing localisation, expanding exports and improving the competitiveness of South African manufacturers.
By extending the Manufacturing Indaba to Cape Town, the initiative seeks to broaden industry engagement across the country while highlighting the Western Cape’s contribution to manufacturing, innovation and investment. The inaugural summit is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, build partnerships and explore strategies that support the continued growth of South Africa’s manufacturing sector.
