Greater focus required in the manufacturing sector — Lionesses of Africa

Impact Partner Content / Absa

As the fourth largest contributor to gross domestic product, manufacturing is a key sector to the country’s recovery plan and achieving our future growth by creating jobs and lessening the country’s reliance on imported products.

Absa is proud to be the Platinum Sponsor of the Manufacturing Indaba, which will take place on 21 and 22 June 2022 at the Sandton Convention Centre.

It cannot be ignored that the marketing sector, which is of vital importance, has been through a tumultuous time over the past two years. The most notable constraint recently, has been the impact of global lockdowns, COVID-19, strikes, riots and the current Russian invasion of Ukraine, on the supply chain disruptions and rising input costs.

However, manufacturers are once again proving their resilience with improvements in confidence and activity levels. Not only this, but we are also seeing manufacturers reinvesting in their own businesses to improve production and reduce costs by purchasing more efficient machinery and equipment.

An ongoing concern for the manufacturing sector, is the unreliable supply of energy, along with the rising electricity tariffs. With 2022 expected to be the worst year of load shedding that we’ve experienced, manufacturers are taking their energy journey into their own hands by installing solar and adding batteries to further future-proof their businesses.

As structural changes remain a key consideration for South Africa to not only recover, but to grow in the future, it is vital for all stakeholders in this sector to engage and share insights. Therefore, Absa is proud to be the Platinum Sponsor of the Manufacturing Indaba, which will take place on 21 and 22 June 2022 at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Absa  remains a committed supporter to the makers of Africa – the manufacturers that contribute to livelihoods, produce our food and beverages, manufacture automotive vehicles, clothe our nation and create the key components that support our infrastructure. It is for this reason that Absa designs tailor-made solutions to meet the unique needs of this sector to help unlock the potential in the manufacturing value chain of South Africa.

The aim of the annual Manufacturing Indaba is to empower members of sub-Saharan Africa’s promising manufacturing community to identify global trends, keep abreast with global competition, embrace digital transformation, cultivate a skilled workforce, enable black industrialist collaboration, and gain insights on available incentives to better empower their businesses in the new era impacted by COVID-19. Bringing together business owners, industry leaders, government officials, capital providers and professional experts, these discussions will pave the way for a more equitable, competitive and successful manufacturing industry and economy.

The event consists of free-to-attend seminars on the exhibition floor with content focused on knowledge sharing and trade opportunities, as well as a paid conference consisting of four plenary sessions and 12 specialised breakaway streams, covering a range of topics. Download the conference agenda: https://www.manufacturingindaba.co.za/programme2022/

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet with us, network with industry leaders and gain insights. Register as a conference delegate: https://manufacturingindaba.co.za/register-conference-jhb/ or register to attend the FREE exhibition: https://manufacturingindaba.co.za/visit-exhibition/.

Absa  does more for the manufacturing sector to thrive. That’s Africanacity.

Absa is an Authorized Financial Services Provider and a Registered Credit Provider NCRCP7