Wesley Rosslyn-Smith
Director South Africa Centre for Industry & Technology
Prof Wesley Rosslyn-Smith is an Associate Professor at the University of Pretoria and Director of the South Africa Centre for Industry and Technology (SACIT), a World Economic Forum Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR). In this role, he leads research and engagement on industrial transformation, technological change, and the future of work, connecting academic research with policy and industry practice. His academic focus includes corporate strategy, turnaround management, and business analytics. He also lectures at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), where he teaches strategy and turnaround-related modules. He holds a master’s degree in business rescue and a PhD in turnaround management from the University of Pretoria. Alongside his academic responsibilities, Prof Rosslyn-Smith contributes to national and international research initiatives and advises organisations on turnaround and transformation challenges, applying research-led insights to practical contexts.
2026 Agenda Sessions
Unlocking Industrialisation through advanced manufacturing and critical minerals for Africa's futur
This session will explore the strategic role of advanced manufacturing technologies and critical minerals in driving industrialisation across Africa. It will delve into how Africa can tap into its rich mineral resources to develop competitive manufacturing sectors, creating amore integrated and sustainable industrial base. Featuring insights from the WEF's recent thought leadership publications, the session will provide actionable strategies for African policymakers, industry leaders, and investors to transform these opportunities into tangible outcomes.
Monday 09 February 14:30 - 15:15 Ngorongoro Crater Stage (CTICC1 - Level 2)
Downstream buyers
Infrastructure and industrialisation
This session will explore the strategic role of advanced manufacturing technologies and critical minerals in driving industrialisation across Africa. It will delve into how Africa can tap into its rich mineral resources to develop competitive manufacturing sectors, creating amore integrated and sustainable industrial base. Featuring insights from the WEF's recent thought leadership publications, the session will provide actionable strategies for African policymakers, industry leaders, and investors to transform these opportunities into tangible outcomes.
Ngorongoro Crater Stage (CTICC1 - Level 2) Africa/Johannesburg








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