The Pan-African Manufacturers Association has identified persistent insecurity as a major threat to the growth of Africa’s manufacturing sector.
In its February newsletter, PAMA’s report, “The Shadow of Insecurity: A Threat to Africa’s Manufacturing Sector,” highlights violent insurgencies, political instability, and armed conflicts as key challenges hindering industrial progress and investor confidence.
PAMA warned that ongoing conflicts across Africa are crippling industrial output and deterring investors.
PAMA urged urgent action to strengthen security institutions, rebuild infrastructure, and support struggling manufacturers financially.
“Rising insecurity in Africa continues to cripple manufacturing. Violent insurgencies, armed conflicts, and political instability slashing industrial output and investor confidence,” the report stated.
PAMA noted major conflicts hampering industrial growth in Africa, including the clash between the DRC Army and the Rwanda-backed M23, as well as the insurgency in Sudan and South Sudan.
It noted that the conflict in the DRC has severely disrupted mineral processing, a sector vital to global technology supply chains, threatening Africa’s role as a key supplier of raw materials.
PAMA further noted that Sudan’s soaring inflation rate—reaching 145.14% as of January 2025—is deepening economic decline and stalling industrial growth.
The association urged African governments and regional blocs to prioritize security, strengthen economic resilience, and stabilize key industrial hubs through targeted policies.
“This edition sheds light on the alarming impact of insecurity on manufacturing and calls for urgent and coordinated responses including strengthening security institutions, rebuilding infrastructure, and deploying financial safety nets for manufacturers to stabilize Africa’s industrial hubs,” the report noted.
