The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) is supporting the South African Auto Week (SAAW) that kicks off this week.
Now in its fourth year, SA Auto Week has firmly established itself as the premier platform for the automotive sector in South Africa and the African continent, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and global stakeholders under one roof.
Taking place from 1-3 October 2025, the SAAW is being hosted in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape at a time when the country is commemorating Transport Month.
“The event is hosted by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA). Significantly, this year’s gathering will be held in the Eastern Cape, the birthplace of NAAMSA and still the heart of South Africa’s automotive industrial capacity,” said the department in a statement on Wednesday.
The 2025 programme will centre on five key themes:
• Inclusive Economic Growth and Job Creation – advancing localisation, diversification, digitisation, and decarbonisation.
• Policy and Regulatory Reforms – accelerating the review of frameworks for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs).
• Infrastructure and Investment Mobilisation – addressing gaps in manufacturing investment.
• Justice and Anti-Corruption – strengthening governance and whistleblower protections.
• Geopolitical Engagement – affirming South Africa’s role in multilateral cooperation and trade diplomacy.
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau, emphasised the importance of the event in advancing the country’s industrial policy objectives.
“The automotive sector is not only a key driver of South Africa’s manufacturing base, but also a sector that has consistently demonstrated resilience and innovation. SA Auto Week offers a vital platform for government and industry to co-create solutions, embrace new technologies, and position South Africa as a hub for next-generation mobility solutions. Our commitment is to work hand-in-hand with stakeholders to unlock growth, deepen localisation, and secure South Africa’s place in the evolving global automotive value chain,” he said.
He further added that this year’s programme, anchored by the theme “Reimagining the Future, Together: Cultivating Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity,” will feature high-level dialogues, thought leadership sessions, and networking opportunities designed to foster bold industrial alliances, recommit to trade diplomacy, and accelerate South Africa’s just energy transition within the automotive ecosystem.
“By connecting industry leaders and policymakers, SA Auto Week will continue to set the benchmark for collaboration and innovation across Africa’s automotive landscape,” said the Minister. -SAnews.gov.za
