Diary dates
AEF returns to Cape Town this year
National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), Department of Mineral & Petroleum Resources, and the Central Energy Fund (CEF). As governments, utilities and investors focus increasingly on industrial growth, energy security and infrastructure delivery, South Africa’s presence at aef 2026 reflects the country’s central role in Africa’s energy and industrial landscape. More widely, Africa’s transmission sector, now seen to be entering a new phase, will be in focus. Projects once viewed as too complex or too dependent on public funding are moving into execution – with private capital increasingly entering the grid. As governments accelerate industrialisation strategies, transmission is increasingly becoming the critical infrastructure challenge. In South Africa, NTCSA’s Transmission Development Plan aims to deliver 14 500 km of new transmission infrastructure over the next decade as the country looks to unlock renewable capacity, strengthen grid resilience and support long-term industrial growth. At aef 2026, senior leaders from across the public and private sectors, including local and international financial development institutions, will debate what comes next for transmission investment, open access and regional power.
At a time when governments and investors are focused on industrial growth, grid expansion, energy security and regional competitiveness, South Africa remains one of the continent’s most closely watched energy markets – from electricity reform and generation capacity to infrastructure delivery, battery storage, nuclear energy and industrial innovation. The Africa Energy Forum (aef) 2026, to be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 16 to 19 June, welcomes a strong South African public sector delegation, bringing together ministers, regulators, utilities and state agencies. Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa will lead the South African delegation and will host key conversations, steering the continent-wide industrialisation and production hub discussions. Deputy Minister, Samantha Graham-Maré, will also be participating and she will join Dan Marokane, GCE of Eskom, and others, in the opening session to explore investment, partnerships, and opportunities in South Africa. Further public sector institutions to be represented include the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), the IPP Oice, the Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa (NECSA), the South African
For more information visit: https://info.energynet.co.uk
Made in Africa, for Africa
and investors to tackle challenges and unlock opportunities relating to manufacturing. The conference programme is geared to generate dynamic discussions and networking opportunities to shape Africa’s manufacturing future, opening routes to expand markets, adopt advanced technologies, and shape industrial policy. The programme is structured to cover a spectrum of key current issues including: Localisation & industrial strategy AI, automation & Industry 5.0 Sustainability & Green manufacturing Market access & Trade expansion – leveraging AfCFTA and regional trade agreements Investment & incentives - understanding the financial support pro- grammes available, and building public-private partnerships Workforce & skills development.
Manufacturing Indaba is set to take place on 14 and 15 July at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Africa is home to 15% of the world’s population and abundant resources, yet it contributes only around 3% to global manufacturing. Manufacturing is fundamental to economic growth, driving job creation, trade, and industrial development across the continent. It oers a pathway to self-suiciency and creating new markets. Yet, Africa’s manufacturing sector struggles with import dependency, underinvestment, trade barriers, and a skills shortage. Strengthening local production, innovation, and industrial collaboration is key to building a resilient, competitive sector. Manufacturing Indaba is an established annual event dedicated to driving Africa’s reindustrialisation, supporting local manufacturing, connecting leaders, and empowering businesses to grow. The event brings together industry leaders, policymakers, Industrial innovations at Electra Mining Africa 2026 Emerging innovations are transforming the South African mining, manufacturing, industrial and automation sectors and driving the deployment of advanced technologies and solutions across operations. Innovations in mechanisation, automation and digitisation are improving safety and productivity in mines, production facilities, industrial plants and warehouses. To deliver real value, these technologies must be cost- eective and designed to address practical, people-centred industry challenges. The current growth in automation is impacting local industries positively – facilitating investment in innovation, data analytics and skills development, and helping to develop local competitiveness and export potential as local African solutions are adapted to be exported regionally and globally. South African engineers are leaders in innovation and technology development. Many of these innovations and newly
For more information visit: https://manufacturingindaba.co.za/
automated systems will be on display at Electra Mining Africa 2026, the largest trade-show of its kind in Southern Africa, set to take place at Nasrec in Johannesburg in September. For example, automation so£ware for CNC specific user interfaces that simulate part machining using real-time data will be on show, as will new developments in intelligent, digitally-enabled power solutions for modern, mission-critical facilities. Specialised industrial sensing and monitoring technologies that ensure the reliability of data feeding into industrial systems will also be on display – demonstrating digital speed, position and condition monitoring solutions designed for use in demanding industrial environments. These and many other new technologies from more than 1 000 exhibitors will be on display across dierent zones at Electra Mining Africa, which this year will run from 7 to 11 September.
For more information visit: www.electramining.co.za
JUNE 2026 Electricity + Control
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