1. AATF 2025 is just around the corner. What makes this year’s event particularly significant for Africa’s industrial and technology sectors?
This year’s AATF comes at a pivotal moment where Africa’s industrial sector is embracing automation, AI, and digital transformation at an unprecedented pace. As industries across the continent push for greater efficiency, resilience, and global competitiveness, AATF 2025 provides a critical platform to showcase innovations, foster collaboration, and drive the conversations needed to propel Africa’s industrial evolution forward.
2. Automation, AI, and digital transformation are major themes at AATF. How do you see these technologies shaping Africa’s industrial future over the next five years?
Over the next five years, automation and AI will not just enhance productivity –they will redefine it. We're going to see smarter factories, predictive maintenance, AI-driven decision-making, and a surge in local innovation. These technologies will create new opportunities for job creation in tech-driven sectors while helping African manufacturers compete globally through improved quality, efficiency, and scalability.
3. This year, AATF has expanded to include three major conferences –AATF Connect, Future Manufacturing Africa, and AVISA. Why was it important to broaden the conference offering, and what synergies do they create for attendees?
Broadening the conference offering was essential to reflect the interconnected realities of modern industry. Manufacturing, automation, cybersecurity, and AV solutions increasingly overlap, and innovation often happens at those intersections. By expanding, we’re giving attendees a 360-degree view of the technologies, strategies, and partnerships shaping the future – and more opportunities to find solutions that work across multiple domains.
4. Accessibility has been a priority this year with the decision to make conference registration free. Why was this an important move for AATF, and what impact do you hope it will have?
Making the conference free was a deliberate move to democratise access to knowledge and opportunity. By removing financial barriers, we’re ensuring that a broader, more diverse range of professionals – especially SMEs, startups, and young talent – can attend, learn, and contribute. Our goal is to empower the next generation of industrial leaders and foster truly inclusive growth across Africa.
5. We are seeing a strong focus on sustainability, smart manufacturing, and digital security across the programme. What trends or challenges are you hearing most about from African industry leaders?
Leaders are increasingly concerned with energy efficiency, cybersecurity threats, and the need for agile, sustainable operations. There’s a clear push towards smart manufacturing – leveraging data, automation, and connected systems to build resilience against everything from supply chain disruptions to cyberattacks. At the same time, companies are grappling with how to balance innovation with affordability and skills development.
6. One of the major goals of AATF is to foster meaningful connections. What opportunities will visitors and exhibitors have to network, collaborate, and build partnerships at the event?
AATF is designed around connection. From the structured matchmaking programme and hosted industry decision-makers meetings to informal networking lounges, tech showcases, and our exhibitor social events, there are endless opportunities to meet potential partners, collaborators, and customers. We encourage all attendees to download the app, scan badges, and schedule meetings – it’s about building real relationships that extend beyond the show floor.
7. Justice Malala is headlining a keynote breakfast at AATF. Why was it important to incorporate high-level political and economic commentary into an event focused on industrial innovation?
Industrial success doesn’t happen in a vacuum – it’s directly tied to the economic and political environment. Having Justice Malala provide a big-picture perspective helps attendees understand the broader forces shaping investment, policy, and business confidence. His insights will empower our community to better navigate risks, identify opportunities, and strategically position themselves for success.
8. Skills development, workforce transformation, and inclusivity feature prominently in this year’s conference themes. How is AATF helping to bridge the skills gap in the automation and technology sectors?
AATF is not just a technology showcase – it’s a skills-building platform. Our conference sessions, workshops, and masterclasses are focused on upskilling the current workforce and preparing young talent for Industry 4.0 careers. By partnering with education providers, showcasing youth innovation, and making the conference free, we’re actively investing in creating a more inclusive and future-ready workforce.
9. If you had to highlight one 'not-to-miss' feature of AATF 2025 for first-time attendees, what would it be and why?
The AATF Connect Theatre is an absolute must. It’s where key thought leaders share future-focused insights on automation, AI, cybersecurity, and industrial innovation. First-timers will get not just a snapshot of where Africa is today but a clear vision of where it's heading. Plus, it’s an amazing place to meet other engaged, forward-thinking attendees.
10. Finally, looking beyond 2025, how do you envision AATF’s role evolving as Africa’s industrial landscape continues to transform?
Looking ahead, AATF will increasingly serve as the platform where Africa’s industrial future is shaped. As new sectors emerge and digital transformation deepens, we aim to grow the show into a year-round ecosystem – connecting innovators, investors, and industrial leaders beyond the event dates. AATF’s role will be to drive Africa’s leadership in smart manufacturing, sustainable technology, and digital-first industry solutions on the global stage.
Media are encouraged to attend and can request interviews with conference speakers or exhibitors by contacting the team below.
Register today at: https://aatf2025.showhub.live/
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg
Dates: 6 – 8 May 2025
For more information contact Dionne Domyan-Mudie,
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