Manufacturing Indaba 2026: Focus on Partial Processing in Africa
The Manufacturing Indaba will take place on July 14, focusing on Africa's potential for partial mineral processing. With Africa holding significant resources yet underperforming in value capture, discussions will center on actionable steps for immediate revenue generation and regional industrialization.
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The Manufacturing Indaba is set for July 14 at the Sandton Convention Centre, emphasizing 'Made in Africa: Scaling Growth, Shaping Trade.' Africa possesses vast mineral resources, yet only a small percentage is processed locally, with South Africa processing just 2% of its manganese ore.
The Indaba aims to shift the conversation towards partial processing, which can create immediate economic benefits and skill development. Countries like Morocco are leading by example, having established battery materials manufacturing plants to attract investment.
Botswana's reliance on diamond exports highlights the risks of not diversifying beyond extraction. To transform the industrial landscape, actionable strategies regarding intermediate processing, regional market creation via AfCFTA, and reinvestment mechanisms are critical. The global demand for lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements is projected to surge in the coming years, creating a pressing need for Africa to harness its resources effectively.
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