MegaBanner-Right

MegaBanner-Left

LeaderBoad-Right

LeaderBoard-Left

Home » Industry News » Manufacturing News » Manufacturers urged to act now amid energy crisis – Inaction is the real risk

Manufacturers urged to act now amid energy crisis – Inaction is the real risk

As South Africa’s energy crisis continues to disrupt industries, manufacturers are being urged to take decisive action to secure their energy future. Insights from the recent Africa Energy Indaba have made it clear: waiting for policy certainty is no longer an option. For manufacturers, inaction comes at a high price — from rising energy costs to supply chain disruptions and exposure to global carbon taxes.

In his recent address at the Africa Energy Indaba, South African Electricity and Energy Minister Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa emphasized that public finance alone will never be sufficient to meet the colossal investment requirements of the climate transition. This message carries critical implications for manufacturers, who are at the heart of Africa’s industrial growth and global trade ambitions.

Energy resilience: A competitive advantage for manufacturers

Forward-thinking manufacturers are already taking bold steps to mitigate energy risks and enhance operational resilience. Strategies such as onsite energy generation, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and sustainability-linked financing are emerging as essential tools to navigate the current energy landscape. These decentralized energy solutions not only help ensure consistent power supply but also offer a pathway to reducing carbon footprints — a key factor as international markets tighten regulations around emissions.

“The manufacturing sector cannot afford to wait,” says Liz Hart, Managing Director at the Manufacturing Indaba. “Energy security is no longer just a sustainability goal — it’s a business imperative. Companies that invest in their energy resilience today will gain a decisive competitive edge in tomorrow’s market.”

From energy challenge to industrial opportunity

The ongoing energy crisis presents an unexpected catalyst for innovation in Africa’s manufacturing sector. By embracing clean energy solutions, manufacturers have the opportunity to reduce costs, increase productivity, and align with global climate commitments. Moreover, adopting sustainable practices can unlock access to green financing, improve export competitiveness, and future-proof operations against rising carbon taxes.

The 2025 Manufacturing Indaba will dive deep into these critical issues, providing a platform for manufacturers to explore actionable solutions, from integrating renewable energy into production processes to leveraging smart technologies for energy efficiency.

A call to action for African manufacturers

As the continent pushes toward industrialisation, the choices manufacturers make today will shape Africa’s economic trajectory for decades to come. The Manufacturing Indaba will convene policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to drive the conversations and partnerships needed to build a more resilient manufacturing sector — one powered by sustainable energy solutions.

To enquire about Cape Business News' digital marketing options please contact sales@cbn.co.za

Related articles

Red Rocket enlists Bioseco in tech-powered initiative to protect birdlife on its wind farms

RED Rocket is proud to announce the implementation of a revolutionary system that ensures the protection of bird species on its wind farms, marking...

Discovery Green and Sasol launch a wheeling renewable energy product for SMEs

By Larry Claasen DISCOVERY Green, a Discovery company, and global energy firm Sasol, launched a wheeling renewable energy product for small and medium size businesses. Ampli...

MUST READ

Strategic co-location of IFAT Africa and analytica Lab Africa to boost...

IFAT Africa and analytica Lab Africa will be co-located at the Gallagher Convention Centre this year to optimise the synergies across the laboratories, science...

RECOMMENDED

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.