This year’s Africa Kaizen Annual Conference (AKAC), hosted by South Africa under the theme “African Industrialisation through Fostering Competitive Firms and Value Chains on the Continent,” brought together policymakers, academics, and QPI practitioners to share knowledge and best practices for strengthening Africa’s industrial competitiveness.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Employment and Labour, Ms Nomakhosazana Meth, emphasised that Africa does not seek aid but equitable industrial partnerships that build productive capacity, technology ecosystems, and create jobs on African soil.
As one of the entities driving the Kaizen Project in South Africa, the AIDC is translating this vision into action. Its Efficiency Programme supports around 25 companies annually, achieving an average productivity improvement of over 45% year on year, and has trained over 250 industry workers in the last financial year.
In response to an advancing and evolving market, AIDC is also establishing a Centre of Excellence to further equip industry with the skills and expertise required to compete in a changing industrial landscape. Speaking on the organisation’s role during a panel discussion, CEO Andile Africa highlighted that Kaizen goes beyond efficiency gains it builds resilient and competitive value chains, preparing South African firms to thrive both continentally and globally.
The AKAC 2025 conference is taking place over two days at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, showcasing the competitiveness of South African manufacturing and providing a platform for local companies to engage with participants from across Africa.
Through initiatives like the Efficiency Programme and the Centre of Excellence, the AIDC continues to drive industrial excellence, innovation, and sustainable job creation, ensuring that South Africa remains a key player in Africa’s evolving industrial landscape.
