DTIC Partners with Automotive Industry to Drive Innovation and Growth at SA Auto Week 2025

Gqeberha, Eastern Cape – 1 October 2025

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has reaffirmed its commitment to South Africa’s automotive sector through its support of the South African Auto Week (SAAW) 2025, taking place from 1–3 October in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

Now in its fourth year, SA Auto Week has grown into the continent’s leading platform for automotive collaboration, innovation, and investment. Hosted by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) and The Automotive Business Council—which this year celebrates its 90th anniversary—the event convenes industry leaders, government, investors, and global stakeholders to shape the future of mobility in Africa.

The Eastern Cape, home to some of South Africa’s largest automotive manufacturing plants and the birthplace of NAAMSA, provides a fitting backdrop for the 2025 edition.

A Bold Agenda for Transformation

SA Auto Week 2025 will focus on five strategic themes aimed at aligning the automotive industry with South Africa’s industrialisation and transformation goals:

• Inclusive Economic Growth and Job Creation – driving localisation, diversification, digitisation, and decarbonisation.
• Policy and Regulatory Reforms – accelerating the transition to New Energy Vehicles (NEVs).
• Infrastructure and Investment Mobilisation – addressing critical gaps in manufacturing capacity.
• Justice and Anti-Corruption – reinforcing governance and whistleblower protections.
• Geopolitical Engagement – positioning South Africa in multilateral cooperation and global trade diplomacy.

Government and Industry in Partnership

Speaking ahead of the event, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau, highlighted the importance of SA Auto Week in advancing South Africa’s industrial policy.

“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,” said Minister Tau. “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.”

Tau added that this year’s programme, under the theme “Reimagining the Future, Together: Cultivating Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity”, will feature high-level dialogues, thought leadership sessions, and strategic networking. The aim is to foster bold industrial alliances, recommit to trade diplomacy, and accelerate South Africa’s just energy transition within the automotive ecosystem.

Driving Africa’s Automotive Future

With global automakers increasingly turning to Africa as the next frontier of growth, SA Auto Week 2025 is expected to set new benchmarks for collaboration and innovation.

“By connecting industry leaders and policymakers, SA Auto Week will continue to set the benchmark for collaboration and innovation across Africa’s automotive landscape,” Minister Tau concluded.