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Manufacturing Indaba reveals exciting ‘Making our Future’ agenda

Home Events Manufacturing Indaba reveals exciting ‘Making our Future’ agenda

THE manufacturing industry is at the core of the world’s economy, driving innovation, job creation, and technological advancement. As we approach the 2023 Manufacturing Indaba, to be held October 24 – 26 at the Sandton Convention Centre, industry leaders, policymakers, innovators as well as both local and global manufacturers and businesses will assemble to explore growth opportunities, uncover the latest manufacturing incentives and trends as well as network and collaborate with relevant contacts vested in the sector.

The event has announced its agenda which includes a dynamic offering of thought-provoking and engaging sessions discussing a range of pertinent topics. This year’s theme, “Making our Future”, sets the tone for debates around the importance of sustainable manufacturing practices, digitalisation, and globalisation. The programme will cover a vast range of subject matter, including navigating disruption, data intelligence, the future of African manufacturing, and much more.

One of the key panels at the Indaba will be on navigating disruption, where experts will discuss how global economic, environmental, and political developments will impact the region’s mineral industrialisation. With an ever-changing global landscape, it is vital for manufacturers to be prepared to face disruption head-on and to adapt quickly to remain competitive.

Another prevalent topic to be covered is digitalisation, with a specific focus on the 5G wave and how it is accelerating smarter manufacturing. This is a critical area for manufacturers looking to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve productivity. Further, the conference will host forums on the role of Industry 4.0 in modernising manufacturing and its implication on manufacturing units within the sector. Well-versed industry leaders will impart their knowledge on developing opportunities and how to manage threats while proactively exploring strategies to fortify their competitive edge and boost profits through the digitalisation of manufacturing operations. Panel discussions focused on this theme have been devised to educate both small and large manufacturers on the relevance that Industry 4.0 has to every company, thereby empowering manufacturing facilities to improve their innovation tactics and consequently their bottom line.

In addition, the Indaba will delve into the future of African manufacturing, exploring the game-changers facing the industry and the steps required to achieve a single market. As Africa continues to grow and develop, the manufacturing industry has a significant role to play in driving sustainable economic growth. Other sessions will focus on hydrogen energy and its potential to revolutionise the energy sector, as well as the importance of securing energy supply for stable power delivery.

Further, the upcoming symposium will host several panels discussing key trends and issues in the automotive market, including the impact of global trends on African OEMs. The discussion will focus on the challenges and opportunities facing African automakers and how they can remain competitive in the rapidly evolving global market. Additionally, there will be a panel discussing how to unleash the potential of industrial workforces and accelerate operational excellence in the face of technological change. The importance of skills and changing requirements will be highlighted in this discussion. Another topic to be discussed is the shift from outputs to outcomes in the experiential era, emphasising the need to focus on customer experience and satisfaction. Over and above this, there will be a panel exploring whether SEZs and IDZs in Africa are embracing technological advancements and incorporating them into their strategies for growth and development.

Dialogues have been intricately designed to educate players of the manufacturing domain about how China is transforming itself into an advanced manufacturing powerhouse as well as what key technologies and enablers are contributing to this digital revolution and how this transformation will impact global value chains. Finally, the CEO panel will discuss the role of manufacturing as a powerhouse of emerging countries and economies, and how to transform vision into action to drive success.

The conference programme offers a stage for robust discussion and debate on the ever-changing nature of the manufacturing landscape which deems acquiring constant access to incipient markets essential. Managing these changes requires a thorough understanding of economic trends that will have a significant impact on manufacturers.

The Manufacturing Indaba 2023 is where industry players will converge to discuss prevailing and future concerns whilst acquiring access to relevant networks, content and ideas that empower individuals and manufacturing units to prosper in this highly competitive sector. The event represents the ultimate marketplace for practical educational opportunities that empower industry professionals to grow their establishments and create a competitive edge that will see them at the forefront of the industry, thereby striving to contribute to South Africa’s manufacturing economy in its entirety.

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