The South African Auto Week (SAAW) 2026 is underway at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC), bringing together government leaders, automotive industry executives, and investors to explore opportunities for industrialisation, investment, and inclusive economic growth.
Hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government and eThekwini Municipality, in partnership with naamsa | The Automotive Business Council, the four-day event runs from 13 to 16 October 2026.
Held under the theme “Transforming South Africa’s Automotive Value Chain: Empowering People, Growing Suppliers, Building the EV Economy”, day one featured the Ministerial Automotive Industry Transformation Day, focusing on workforce skills development, strengthening the electric vehicle (EV) value chain, and promoting local economic inclusion.
The programme included plenary sessions led by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and naamsa, providing a platform for discussions on the future direction of South Africa’s automotive industry.
The event is expected to attract more than 5 000 delegates, including government representatives, global automotive manufacturers, and international trade partners. It also aims to secure R95-billion in new investment pledges for the region, reflecting KwaZulu-Natal’s ambition to strengthen its position as a leading automotive and investment destination.
EThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba said: “Transformation is not charity, and it is not compliance for its own sake. It is an economic and moral imperative. An industry that excludes the majority of our people cannot claim to be future proof.”
He added: “South African Auto Week provides a platform for collaboration between government and industry to address policy priorities, support the transition towards new energy vehicles, strengthen local manufacturing, and create opportunities for businesses across the automotive value chain.”
For eThekwini, hosting this flagship event reinforces Durban’s role as a strategic hub for trade, logistics, manufacturing, and investment. It also provides an opportunity to showcase the City’s industrial capabilities and strengthen partnerships that can contribute to economic development and employment creation.
As the programme continues until 16 October, discussions will focus on unlocking investment opportunities, advancing industrial transformation, and building a more competitive and inclusive automotive sector.
