Accelerating technology adoption to transform South African industry

Driving Africa’s industrial transformation through people-centred innovation and global collaboration.

Our mission is to accelerate the adoption of technology that improves lives.

SACIT, as part of the World Economic Forum's  Fourth Industrial Revolution Network Centres accelerate the responsible adoption of technology and transformation of industry at the national, subnational and global levels via policy-making, pilots and partnerships. 


Through multistakeholder collaboration, capacity building and transformative thought leadership, we are working to drive sustainable and inclusive transformation across industries.

Drive applied research and thought leadership

We create insights and share knowledge on how emerging technologies can transform industries and society, while supporting development outcomes in South Africa and beyond.

Cultivate multistakeholder collaboration

We bring together academia, government, business and civil society to co-design scalable solutions that address pressing societal challenges.

Develop a future-ready workforce

We equip people with the digital, technical and adaptive capabilities they need to succeed in an ever-changing world of work.

Our work

Everything we do is shaped by impact. Our work flows through focused programmes, each guided by a clear impact statement. Within these programmes, we drive events, projects, and research designed to bring that impact to life.

Our Programmes

01

Smart Manufacturing for Industry 4.0 

Building the capacity of South African manufacturers in priority sub-sectors (e.g., automotive, mining and metals machinery, petrochemicals) with practical action frameworks and digital tools to strengthen operational excellence and competitiveness. It enables responsible Industry 4.0 adoption using IoT, AI and automation to unlock real-time insights, improve efficiency, reduce downtime and strengthen quality.

02
Transforming Industrial and Mineral Ecosystems
03
Advanced Energy Solutions

Our Projects

01

Manufacturing 4.0 Readiness Initiative

Helping South African manufacturers turn digital ambition into practical operational improvement. Using the Lighthouse OS framework from the World Economic Forum, we provide diagnostics and practical support to build evidence-based roadmaps for scalable growth.

02

Clusters as Catalysts for Industrial Transformation in South Africa

Thematic Focus Areas

Energy and Materials
Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains
Skills Development

Join us in shaping Africa’s industrial future.

Get involved with us today!

SACIT

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