SA AUTO WEEK 2026 DRIVES INDUSTRIAL GROWTH AND ENERGY TRANSITION IN DURBAN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12 OCTOBER 2026
SA AUTO WEEK 2026 DRIVES INDUSTRIAL GROWTH AND ENERGY TRANSITION IN DURBAN
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government and eThekwini Municipality, in partnership with naamsa | The Automotive Business Council, will host South African Auto Week (SAAW) 2026 from 13 to 16 October 2026 at the Durban International Convention Centre.
Themed "Resetting Policy. Advancing the Energy Transition. Driving Investment & Inclusive Growth," this landmark event incorporates the KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference for the first time.
The joint flagship event is expected to attract over 5 000 delegates, including government leaders, global automotive manufacturers, and trade partners, with a target to secure R95 billion in new investment pledges for the region.
Key programme highlights include:
Tuesday, 13 October: Ministerial Automotive Industry Transformation Day – Focused on empowering workforce skills, building the electric vehicle value chain, and local economic inclusion. Features plenary sessions by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and naamsa, concluding with a media cocktail dinner.
Wednesday, 14 October: African Automotive Indaba (Day 1) – Unveiling the South African Automotive Policy Roadmap, hosting the State of the Auto Industry press conference, and mapping infrastructure readiness with the Minister of Electricity and Energy.
Thursday, 15 October: KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference & Presidential Day (Day 2) – Centred on policy execution, logistics expansion, and economic deal-making.
Features opening remarks by eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba, a provincial address by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, and a keynote address by President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of the 2026 Investment Pledge Ceremony.
Friday, 16 October: Industrial Plant Tours & Strategic Networking – Site visits to top regional manufacturing hubs, including Toyota, MAN, Mahindra, and Transnet National Ports Authority corridors.
Media representatives, broadcasters, and photographers requiring on-site credentials or access to evening functions are requested to complete compulsory pre-registration by submitting full professional details and press card verification to Nomfundo.Zondi@durban.gov.za.
