Arthur Goldstuck.
Professor Thuli Madonsela.
Automation is rapidly becoming a defining factor in industrial competitiveness across Africa. From manufacturing and mining to energy and infrastructure, organisations are increasingly investing in digital technologies, advanced control systems and smart manufacturing solutions to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and remain globally competitive. Against this backdrop, Africa Automation Indaba (AAI) 2026, taking place from
Jessie Ndaba.
Pieter Geldenhuys.
Recognised as one of Africa’s leading automation leadership conferences, the Indaba provides a forum for strategic dialogue, technical insight and collaboration across the automation and control ecosystem. The programme focuses on the practical realities of adopting advanced technologies in African industries, from manufacturing and energy to mining, infrastructure and utilities.
Over two days, delegates will engage with a programme of keynote presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions exploring automation adoption, digital transformation, workforce skills development and industrial policy. The line-up of speakers reflects the multidisciplinary nature of the automation landscape, bringing together expertise from technology, economics, leadership and strategic foresight.
Confirmed contributors include:
• Professor Thuli Madonsela, ethicist and Stellenbosch University academic, addressing ethical leadership in technological transformation.
• Arthur Goldstuck, leading technology analyst, sharing insights into automation and artificial intelligence readiness in Africa.
• Jessie Ndaba, chief executive officer and co-founder of AET Africa, exploring opportunities for automation-driven industrial growth.
• Pieter Geldenhuys, futurist and innovation strategist, presenting on digitalisation and smart manufacturing strategies.
• Jean-Pierre Murray-Kline, Industry 4.0 specialist, examining the socio-economic implications of automation.
• Mitch Ilbury, scenario strategist, discussing scenario planning for technological change.
• Dr Devon Hagedorn-Hansen, managing director of AMT3D, addressing advanced manufacturing technologies and the skills required to support them.
• Professor Horman Chitonge, economist and industrial policy expert, analysing high-growth opportunities for automation adoption across Africa.
Jean-Pierre Murray-Kline.
Professor Horman Chitonge.
The Indaba will also welcome alderman James Vos, mayoral committee member for economic growth at the City of Cape Town. His participation highlights the important role of public sector leadership in enabling industrial investment, supporting innovation ecosystems, and strengthening the policy frameworks required for technology adoption.
A defining strength of Africa Automation Indaba 2026 is the support of its industry partners and technology exhibitors who contribute directly to the technical depth of the event. The Indaba is supported by leading organisations across the automation ecosystem, including Interlynx-SA, Allpronix, LAPP and RJ Connect, alongside industry association partner, the South African Institute of Measurement and Control (SAIMC). These organisations represent critical expertise across instrumentation, connectivity, industrial networking and automation technologies. They play an important role in advancing industry standards, professional development and technology adoption across the continent.
Dr Devon Hagedorn-Hansen.
Mitch Ilbury.
Complementing the conference programme, participating technology companies and solution providers will showcase automation and control systems, industrial connectivity platforms, advanced instrumentation and digital manufacturing technologies that are transforming modern production environments. Their participation provides delegates with the opportunity to engage directly with companies developing the technologies enabling smarter, more efficient industrial operations.
A further highlight of AAI 2026 is its Premium Media Partnership with Technews (SA Instrumentation & Control), one of South Africa’s most respected technical publications. With more than four decades of industry reporting, Technews will provide editorial coverage of the Indaba, extending the reach of the discussions and innovations presented in Cape Town to a broad audience of engineers, plant managers, system integrators and industrial decision makers.
Through this partnership, the insights and technologies presented at the Indaba will reach a wider technical community, strengthening the dialogue around automation, industrial efficiency and technology adoption across Africa.
For organisations navigating industrial transformation, the conversations taking place at Africa Automation Indaba are increasingly important. The event provides a rare opportunity to engage directly with industry experts, evaluate emerging technologies and build the partnerships required to support automation adoption across African industries.
Seats are limited – secure your place at Africa Automation Indaba 2026
Africa Automation Indaba brings together senior industry leaders, policymakers, investors and technology innovators shaping the future of automation across the continent. With a highly curated programme and limited capacity, delegate seats are strictly limited.
At R6500 excl. VAT, your registration gives you access to two days of executive-level insights, strategic networking and future-focused industry dialogue in a premium environment. Demand is already strong and seats are allocated on a first-come basis. Once capacity is reached, registrations will close.
Don’t delay, secure your place now and be part of the conversation shaping Africa’s industrial future.
Click here to register.
For more information contact Hanli Goncalves, RX Africa,
| Tel: | +27 10 496 3502 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.africaautomationtechnologyfair.com |
| Articles: | More information and articles about RX Africa |
© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved
printer friendly version