Africa must industrialize: 10 key points that African leaders committed to at the just concluded summit on industrialization and economic diversification
With increasingly growing concern over the slow progress in the implementation of the Industrial Development Decades for Africa (IDDA) I, II and III; the Strategy for the Implementation of the Action Plan for Accelerated Industrial development of Africa (AIDA); and other continental strategies and programmes relevant to industrialization, structural transformation and development towards the achievement of the African Union Agenda 2063, African leaders have committed to far-reaching and firm decisions to accelerate industrialization, economic diversification and trade on the continent, with full ownership by the citizens.
Africa’s Manufacturing Future Starts Here
A thriving young workforce, a resource-rich landscape, and an open-for-business attitude make Africa primed for a manufacturing boom. Much of the continent is focused on utilising sustainable energy sources and holds a unified commitment to policies that are not only favourable for trade and commerce but also vested in the social and economic upliftment of local communities.
The New Age of Manufacturing is on Africa’s Horizon
Africa has potential to become an exemplary world leader by challenging conventions and embracing responsible, tech-based industrial initiatives.
Africa’s budding 5G infrastructure provides an unparalleled opportunity for growth in local manufacturing
The rapid deployment of 5G networking has the potential to unleash the power of the Smart Factory to enable globally competitive manufacturing capabilities in Africa.
_The Future of Manufacturing in Africa
Growing the manufacturing sector is often considered a cardinal element to realising inclusive and sustained development. Among the multiple benefits of manufacturing, is the industry’s aptitude to create employment for a vast number of low-skilled workers, which is essential for reducing poverty.
Smart Manufacturing provides new opportunities for South Africa in a post-pandemic Economy
Smart Manufacturing technology has the potential to radically alter the global manufacturing sector, creating gaps for new players in new markets to emerge and dominate in the post-pandemic economy.
Manufacturing Indaba Reemerges as an In-person Physical Event
The longstanding manufacturing conference and exhibition will be returning to the physical event realm after adopting an exclusively virtual approach over the past 2 years given the impact of the pandemic.
The AfCFTA – A Catalyst for Industrial Opportunities
The African Continental Free Trade Area agreement will ultimately boost trade and industrialization across Africa, while addressing the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Charting a Way Forward for Manufacturers in a Post-pandemic Era
Industrialists are restructuring their businesses to swiftly adapt and remain competitive following COVID-19’s carnage. Manufacturers have always prioritized health and safety measures. However, COVID-19 has highlighted the necessity for superior levels of worker safety. As manufacturers resume production, social distancing in the workplace, hygiene and hand sanitisation will remain mandatory. Further, they will need to optimize movements as well as build limited contact into production processes. Manufacturers need to look at the entire manufacturing process and monitor all possible interactions.
The Role of SEZs and Industrial Parks in the Manufacturing Industry
African governments are required to implement innovative approaches to industrial policy such as Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and industrial park, representing instruments of industrial development.
