Task Force Overview
In a world of mounting global disruption and fast-evolving technologies, industries should not only keep pace but rather lead the change. The B20 South Africa Industrial Transformation & Innovation Task Force focuses on accelerating inclusive, sustainable industrial growth by scaling innovation, strengthening value chains, and enabling future-ready industries.
This Task Force recognises the vital role of manufacturing and industrial ecosystems in driving productivity, creating jobs, and boosting resilience. Yet, too many economies remain locked into low-value segments, hindered by fragmented supply chains, outdated infrastructure, and limited access to new technologies.
The Task Force is focused on three core priorities:
- Enabling & Renewing Industrial Growth Through Strategy and Innovation: Driving productivity and resilience by prioritising strategic sectors, coordinating public-private action, and embedding renewal into delivery systems.
- Broadening and Deepening Value Chain Capabilities: Scaling inclusive industrial ecosystems through supplier development, workforce upskilling, and targeted co-investment across full value chains.
- Embracing Future-Focused Sustainable Technologies & Digitalisation: Using green and digital tools to power competitiveness, through aligned tech investment, shared platforms, and accessible innovation infrastructure.
Leadership Overview
Nigel Ward
Executive Vice President
Manufacturing and Support, Toyota SA
Deputy Chair
Nigel Ward
Executive Vice President
– Manufacturing and Support,
Toyota SA
Deputy Chair
Co-Chairs
André Armaganijan
Dany Qian
Delphine Traoré
Kris Gopalakrishnan
Nádia Júnia Almeida de Souza
Shinta W idjaja Kamdani
Stephen Saad
Yemi Ahouanmenou
Catherine Robinson
Chair Introduction Video
Hear from Task Force Chair Andrew Kirby:
As CEO of Toyota South Africa and Chair of the B20 South Africa Industrial Transformation & Innovation Task Force, Andrew Kirby highlights how green technology, skilled labour, and stronger value chains can drive industrial growth and economic resilience across the continent.
As Chair of the Employment & Education Task Force, Paul Hanratty shares the Task Force’s mission to drive systemic change across education, skills development, employment pathways, and entrepreneurship
Upcoming Task Force Events
The Industrial Transformation & Innovation Task Force will be present at the following events:
Final Task Force Recommendations
With slowing growth, shifting supply chains, and rising debt pressures, the Task Force recommendations focus on re-energising manufacturing as a driver of resilience. The Final Paper emphasises industrial strategies co-created with business, expanded SME competitiveness, and deeper regional trade integration. It also highlights the adoption of green and digital technologies, supported by finance, infrastructure, and institutional coordination.
Knowledge Partner
Network Partners
