The Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industry Association (AMD) is marking 35 years as the unified voice of South Africa’s defence industry, representing companies across the aerospace, maritime and defence value chains.
Over three decades, AMD has played a central role in coordinating industry priorities, strengthening competitiveness and engaging government on critical policy and regulatory matters.
“Through sustained engagement with successive Ministers of Defence, Ministers of Trade and Industry, and Chairpersons of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC), AMD has consistently advocated for regulatory certainty and efficient export control processes,” says Sandile Ndlovu, Executive Director and CEO of AMD.
The association has contributed to key national structures and policy processes, including the National Defence Industry Council, the Public-Private Growth Initiative, the Defence Review and the Aerospace and Defence Masterplan, helping align industrial capability with national priorities.
These engagements have secured clearer pathways for collaboration, improved policy coherence, and more structured support for industrial development.
Beyond defence-specific platforms, AMD continues to represent industry interests in broader economic forums such as BUSA and the Centurion Aerospace Village (CAV), driving programmes that promote supplier development, innovation, transformation, and the strengthening of advanced manufacturing capabilities.
A key milestone for the sector has been the establishment of SAAMDEC, created in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.
This platform provides a formal, government-recognised mechanism to accelerate export growth, expand global market access, and boost the international competitiveness of South African defence companies.
“As AMD celebrates its 35-year anniversary, we remain committed to advocating for stable, predictable regulations; efficient and supportive export control processes; and the industrial conditions necessary for companies to invest, grow, innovate, and compete globally. AMD remains focused on building a resilient, high-tech, high-value defence industry that contributes meaningfully to job creation, technological capability and sustainable economic growth,” Ndlovu concludes.