The 2026 South African Auto Week (SAAW) is set to take place at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) from October 13 to 16. This annual gathering, now in its fifth year, convenes the automotive industry, government, and investors to discuss the future of the sector. The event is organized by Naamsa, the automotive business council, and has previously been held in Gqeberha, Cape Town, and twice in Midrand.
This year's theme, "Transforming Tomorrow Today," will see industry stakeholders and international partners discuss the choices that will determine South Africa's position as a globally competitive automotive manufacturing country. According to Naamsa, the South African automotive industry is a national industrial asset, and the fifth edition of SA Auto Week comes at a decisive moment for the future of domestic automotive manufacturing.
The industry has demonstrated resilience and global relevance, with the 2025 export value of South African vehicles and automotive components increasing to a record R291bn, representing growth of 8.3%. Automotive exports accounted for 15.6% of total South African exports, while vehicle exports rose by 5.9% to a record 414,271 units. The broader automotive industry contributed 5.2% to GDP, highlighting its significance to the country's economy.
However, the industry's future cannot be taken for granted, according to Naamsa. Intensifying global competition for automotive investment, changing export-market regulations, the shift to new energy vehicles, and domestic cost and logistics pressures require coordinated action. Preserving the industrial base is not only an automotive priority but also central to South Africa's manufacturing capacity, trade performance, employment, and economic resilience.
The hosting of SA Auto Week 2026 aligns strongly with KwaZulu-Natal's economic development priorities and the national imperative to preserve and grow South Africa's manufacturing base. According to KZN premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, the Port of Durban, Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone, and N3 logistics corridor connect the province to Gauteng's industrial base and international markets, making it an ideal location for the event.
A key development for this year's program is the integration of the KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference (KZNIC) into SA Auto Week on October 15 at the Durban ICC. This integration aims to connect investors to an established industrial platform and create a clearer pathway from investment and policy commitments to localisation, infrastructure, and production.
The 2026 program is designed to move beyond discussion and support practical alignment, beginning with showcasing South Africa's progress in new energy vehicle technologies and raising public awareness around the transition towards cleaner mobility. Registration for the event is open on Quicket, with a range of ticket options available to delegates and visitors. Key stakeholders, including Shinny Gobiyeza, COO of Naamsa, and Thamsanqa Ntuli, are set to attend and share insights on the future of the industry.
Key points
- The 2026 South African Auto Week will focus on transforming the industry for a competitive future.
- The event will bring together industry stakeholders, government, and investors to discuss the future of automotive manufacturing in South Africa.
- The KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference will be integrated into SA Auto Week to connect investors with industrial platforms.
