Manufacturing
Manufacturing is the sector encompassing the production of goods through the transformation of raw materials, components or substances into finished products using labour, machinery, tools and chemical or biological processing. The sector spans a vast range of activities, from food and beverage production to the fabrication of machinery, electronics, vehicles, textiles, chemicals and construction materials. Manufacturing plays a central role in economic development, contributing to gross domestic product, employment, export earnings and technological advancement. It is typically divided into light manufacturing, which produces consumer goods and smaller items, and heavy manufacturing, which involves capital-intensive production of industrial equipment, metals and large-scale infrastructure components. The sector's competitiveness depends on factors including labour costs, skills availability, energy prices, logistics infrastructure, access to raw materials and the regulatory environment. In many African economies, manufacturing remains underdeveloped relative to services and primary industries, though industrialisation strategies increasingly prioritise value addition and local content. Global trends such as automation, digitalisation and the energy transition are reshaping manufacturing, with growing emphasis on renewable energy integration, circular economy principles and skills development to support advanced production technologies. Manufacturing's significance extends beyond direct output, as it drives demand for upstream suppliers, fosters innovation and anchors supply chains that support broader economic resilience.
Manufacturing Updates
A sharp fall in gas supplies in 2028 threatens South Africa’s economy: how to manage the fallout
22nd July 2026 South Africans are getting used to the term “gas cliff” as pressure ramps up for action to be taken ahead of expected gas shortages. Natural gas... →
Trade conditions remained tight in June – Sacci 
By: Schalk Burger 21st July 2026 The crude oil price returning to about $72/bl at the end of June had positive effects on business and particularly on general trade conditions for... →
World Investment Report 2026
21st July 2026 Global investment is rising again. But it's becoming more concentrated, more selective and less accessible to many developing countries. The... →
Trusted Employer Scheme round 2 accelerates international hiring and boosts business confidence in South Africa
20th July 2026 Government has officially opened the long-awaited second window for corporate employers seeking to become part of the Trusted Employer Scheme... →
Measured ambition
By: Terence Creamer 10th July 2026 South Africa’s planned R1-trillion infrastructure programme is undoubtedly a chance to revive the struggling construction sector and to stimulate... →
South African rand firms ahead of key manufacturing data
By: Reuters 9th July 2026 The South African rand firmed in early trade on Thursday ahead of local manufacturing production data due later in the session, even as oil prices... →
Africa attracted investment in 2025; the challenge is turning it into broader industrial development – Unctad
By: Schalk Burger 7th July 2026 Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to Africa reached about $70-billion in 2025, which was below the exceptional $94-billion recorded in 2024,... →
Absa PMI declines to 47.3 points in June, but price pressures may have peaked
By: Schalk Burger 1st July 2026 Financial services firm Absa’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) declined from 50.8 in May to 47.3 index points in June. The sharp decline in the... →
South Africa's economic recovery entering uncertain phase amid growing pressure
By: Schalk Burger 30th June 2026 South Africa’s economy remains on a recovery path, but rising global pressures and cost dynamics are slowing momentum and reshaping the outlook for... →
dtic’s partnership with Afreximbank to provide access to trade, industrial finance
By: Schalk Burger 24th June 2026 Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has signed an agreement with multilateral financial institution the African Export-Import Bank... →
