Advancing innovation and enhancing local competitiveness in South Africa’s aerospace and defence sector is the theme of a roundtable discussion on Friday 5 December, hosted by the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED).
The high-level engagement, to be held at the Gauteng Gambling Board in Johannesburg, will convene key stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and research institutions to address persistent structural challenges in Gauteng’s aerospace industry and shape its future as a catalyst for innovation, competitiveness, and inclusive growth, organisers said.
The roundtable aims to assess the current state of the aerospace sector, including its economic footprint, workforce dynamics, technological capabilities, and global competitiveness.
It will also explore strategic opportunities aligned with the Gauteng Aerospace Sector Plan and the Growing Gauteng Together 2030 (GGT2030) vision, and shape actionable policy recommendations to position Gauteng as a leading hub for aerospace innovation, manufacturing, and exports across the African continent.
The event promises to foster collaboration between public and private stakeholders to unlock investment, drive innovation, and expand both civil and defence applications, and identify priority areas for investment and skills development, laying the foundation for the formal establishment of the Aerospace and Defence Action Lab.
Among provisional speakers and panellists due to speak at the event are Sandile Ndlovu (Executive Chairperson of the Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association of South Africa), Themba September (Chairperson of the Commercial Aerospace Manufacturing Association of South Africa), Latty Thlaka (CEO of Aihborne Aviation), Thendo Biko Managa (Impact Area Manager: Aeronautics Systems at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) and Queen Ndlovu (CEO & Founder of QP Drone Tech and MD of South Africa Flying Labs).
Some of the panel discussion themes include ‘Driving Inclusive Innovation for a Sustainable Aerospace & Defence Future’ and ‘Enhancing Local Competitiveness in South Africa’s Aerospace and Defence Sector.’
Attendees can RSVP using the following link.
