It is thanks to sponsors like GSW who have got behind the Change 1 Woman (C1W) initiative from the start with such enthusiasm, especially at the Cape Town and Johannesburg networking events. Sign Africa interviewed Michaela Franco, marketing manager at GSW, and she shares her thoughts on the industry, trends, the key to success and what we can do attract young talent to the industry.
1. What do you love most about working in the printing/signage industry?
What I love most is being part of an Industry that enables creativity to come to life. The industry is constantly adapting, launching new innovations and, in turn, ground-breakingly assisting our clients grow their business irrespective of what industry they’re in. I love how this print industry creatively plays a role in so many types of businesses be it manufacturing, product packaging, advertising, events, signage, pos, textile industries, fashion apparel, home decor and the list goes on. As a supplier of print technology, it’s riveting to see the unlimited capabilities which are forever evolving, from large-scale printers to inks and media. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how businesses across Africa use these tools to build, create, and print anything.
2. What are the top three printing/signage industry trends for 2026?
I’d say the biggest trends are continued innovation in print technology, especially with faster and more efficient machines; a strong shift toward sustainable inks and media; and increased demand for high-quality, customised print solutions across different industries especially through the use of infiltrating AI into their printing outcomes or website and operational backends.
3. What is the key to success in this industry?
Understanding both the technology and the customer’s needs. Success comes from being able to guide clients toward the right solutions, staying ahead of innovations, and building long-term relationships based on trust and support. Being able to be our clients long-term print-technology partner, by offering a one-stop-shop with all the solutions they need.
4. What can be done to attract young female talent into the industry?
Awareness is key, many young women don’t realise how diverse this industry is, especially on the technology and business side. Showcasing different career paths, providing mentorship, and creating spaces where women feel confident and supported can really help shift that.
5. As a sponsor of CIW, we really appreciate your support of the initiative. How do you think women in the industry can be better supported?
Support needs to be both visible and practical: mentorship, skills development, and real opportunities for growth. As suppliers and partners in the industry, we also have a role to play in uplifting our clients and creating more inclusive networks. Initiatives like CIW are so valuable because they bring women together to have a voice and feel they are heard, but ongoing support within businesses is what will create lasting impact too which C1W is certainly able to support through its platform for change. I look forward to seeing all the incredible work C1W will continue doing.
C1W Initiative
Change 1 Woman aims to empower women in the branding, print and signage industries. As part of this initiative, Sign Africa would like to spotlight women-focused content like this piece. If you have any trend/business articles related to the signage, branding and printing industries, please email content to: meggan@practicalmedia.co.za. Follow C1W on Facebook and LinkedIn for more updates.
