By Charmaine Ndlela
The government has placed manufacturing at the centre of its economic recovery strategy, saying rebuilding South Africa’s industrial base is key to creating jobs, attracting investment and strengthening the country’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Manufacturing Indaba, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition John Steenhuisen outlined government’s plans to reverse de-industrialisation and position South Africa as a continental manufacturing hub.
Held under the theme “Made in Africa for Africa: Scaling Growth, Shaping Trade,” the two-day conference brought together government leaders, manufacturers, investors and policymakers to discuss industrial growth, localisation and trade.
Steenhuisen said South Africa could no longer rely on exporting raw materials while importing finished goods, arguing that Africa must capture more value through manufacturing.
“Africa should increasingly trade in value-added products rather than exporting raw materials and importing finished goods. Africa must transition from merely being
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