- Government highlights advanced battery manufacturing as a strategic growth sector for South Africa’s industrial development.
- Balancell‘s lithium ion battery systems are serving electric mobility, mining and industrial applications in local and export markets.
- Increased focus on scaling production, expanding exports and strengthening South Africa’s position in the global clean technology value chain.
South Africa’s ambitions to become a competitive player in the global clean technology and advanced manufacturing sectors received a boost this week as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Alexandra Abrahams visited Cape Town based battery technology company Balancell.
The visit underscores government’s growing commitment to supporting local innovators developing technologies that can strengthen industrial competitiveness, expand exports and contribute to the country’s energy transition.
Balancell designs and manufactures advanced lithium ion battery systems for electric mobility, mining and industrial applications, with its products already deployed across South Africa and in international markets. The company has emerged as a notable example of locally developed technology successfully competing in sectors traditionally dominated by global manufacturers.
During a tour of the company’s manufacturing facilities, discussions centred on opportunities to increase production capacity, deepen local value addition and accelerate access to new export markets. The engagement also examined ways to create a more supportive policy and regulatory environment for high growth technology manufacturers operating in increasingly competitive global industries.
The company is well positioned to benefit from rising global demand for battery energy storage technologies, which are becoming essential for renewable energy integration, industrial electrification and the decarbonisation of transport systems.
Alexandra Abrahams – Deputy Minister for Trade, Industry & Competition, RSA Abrahams, today conducted a site visit to Balancell in Cape Town. Image credit: Department of Trade, Industry and Competition South Africa
Abrahams described Balancell as a strong example of the innovation and industrial capability needed to support South Africa’s long term economic growth objectives.
“It is encouraging to see a locally developed company producing world class battery technologies and creating solutions that are finding application both locally and internationally,” she said.
The Deputy Minister noted that direct engagement with manufacturers provides valuable insights into both the opportunities and constraints facing South African businesses as they seek to scale operations and compete globally.
Discussions included access to testing and certification processes, the commercialisation of new technologies and measures to improve the competitiveness of innovative South African companies in domestic and export markets.
Abrahams said the company’s achievements demonstrate the depth of technical expertise and innovation capacity within South Africa’s manufacturing sector.
“What we have seen today demonstrates that South African companies have the talent, expertise and determination to develop advanced technologies that can compete globally. Balancell’s achievements are a testament to the innovative potential that exists within our economy,” she said.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition confirmed that it will continue engaging with businesses across the country to identify barriers to investment, support enterprise growth and create conditions that enable local manufacturers to expand into international markets.
As demand for battery energy storage and clean technology solutions accelerates worldwide, companies such as Balancell are expected to play an increasingly important role in strengthening South Africa’s position within the global energy transition economy while supporting local job creation, industrial development and export growth.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
