What will it take to build stronger, more competitive and globally relevant manufacturing businesses in Cape Town, the Western Cape and across Africa?

That question will be at the heart of the Cape Town Manufacturing Summit 2026, taking place on 11 November 2026 at CTICC 2 in Cape Town.

Under the theme “Manufacturing the Cape. Connecting Africa. Competing Globally.”, the Summit will bring together manufacturers, government leaders, investors, technology providers and industry experts for a focused day of discussion around the practical issues determining the future competitiveness and growth of the manufacturing sector.   The programme will examine how Cape Town can strengthen its position as a manufacturing hub and increasingly serve as a gateway for businesses seeking access to opportunities across African markets.

From Small to Scalable

For manufacturing businesses seeking growth, the Summit will address one of the sector's most important questions: how do we turn smaller manufacturers into larger, more competitive and sustainable businesses?

The session, From Small to Scalable: Practical Strategies to Grow Your Manufacturing Business, will explore how successful manufacturers are accessing finance, winning larger contracts, improving productivity, adopting technology and expanding into new markets.  

Access to capital will receive further attention during a dedicated discussion on Financing Manufacturing Growth, examining how manufacturers can unlock finance, incentives and investment to support expansion.  

The Smart Factory Revolution

Technology is rapidly changing how manufacturers compete, and the Summit will place Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing firmly on the agenda.

Sessions will examine both the broader development of smart factories in Africa and, importantly, the practical application of Industry 4.0 technologies by Western Cape manufacturers.  

The focus will be on moving the conversation beyond technology as a concept and towards its role in improving productivity, competitiveness and manufacturing growth.

Creating the Right Environment for Manufacturing

Manufacturers cannot grow in isolation. Competitive industrial economies require an enabling environment that encourages businesses to invest, expand and create employment.

A dedicated panel on Policy, Incentives & City-Led Industrial Enablement will explore the role that policy and government support can play in strengthening the manufacturing ecosystem.  

The Summit will open with an address focused on “Building Africa's Manufacturing Gateway: Why Cape Town is Open for Business”, setting the scene for a broader conversation about Cape Town's manufacturing ambitions.  

Cape Town: A Manufacturing Gateway to Africa

The day's discussions will culminate in a strategic conversation around Cape Town as a Manufacturing Gateway to Africa, examining how city, provincial and private-sector action can be aligned to build a manufacturing economy that is more competitive, resilient and sustainable.  

For manufacturers, suppliers, investors and technology companies, the message is clear: Africa represents a significant opportunity, but accessing that opportunity will require greater competitiveness, investment, technology adoption and collaboration.

The Cape Town Manufacturing Summit aims to bring these elements together.

One Day. Big Conversations. Real Business Opportunities.