The sixth South Africa Investment Conference has seen private sector leaders commit to major capital investments across key sectors of the economy.
The conference unveiled a group of 16 “landmark investments” each valued at R10 billion or more, spanning multiple sectors including energy, tourism, digital infrastructure and manufacturing.
Leading the category was Sasol, which announced a R60 billion investment across its chemicals and packaging operations. The investment is set to be rolled out across all provinces.
In the tourism and property sector, Cornubia 957 committed R25 billion, with a strong focus on developments in KwaZulu-Natal. Telecommunications giant MTN Group pledged R21.8 billion towards expanding ICT infrastructure and advancing the digital economy, aligning with national priorities around digitalisation.
Members of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry South Africa collectively committed R20.4 billion across multiple industries and provinces, reflecting continued international investor interest.
Further investments included R20 billion from Diem Co and Salt Rock City in tourism and property development, particularly in established tourism hubs. In the green economy space, Seriti Green announced a R10 billion investment in Mpumalanga, supporting the country’s transition towards decarbonisation.
The conference highlighted a wider pipeline of investments grouped into sector-specific clusters.
The first cluster, focused on the green economy, energy and resources, comprises 19 projects with a combined value of R55.6 billion. These investments span renewable energy, mineral beneficiation, chemicals, packaging and industrial inputs.
The projects are spread across seven provinces and draw capital from multiple international markets, including Italy, China, Australia, Canada and India.
In total, 65 investment projects were announced across six sector clusters, amounting to R113.5 billion.
South African government infrastructure announcements included infrastructure spend of R1 trillion; key transport reforms and projects of R870 million; energy sector reforms and projects of R2.3 trillion; Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) investment in infrastructure and energy of R11.7 billion; and an infrastructure fund of R37.2 billion, amounting to R3.35 trillion over three years.
Delivering a vote of thanks, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau said the conference reaffirmed that investment is not an isolated transaction, but a partnership built on trust, policy certainty and mutual accountability.
READ | Tau positions South Africa as resilient, investor-ready
He said the deliberations of the day - from infrastructure critical minerals and industrial development - underscored both the scale of opportunity and the importance of coordinated action.
“As we conclude, we are reminded that the true value of this conference will be measured not by the strength of our discussions alone, but the effectiveness of our implementation.
“The responsibility we share is clear and that is to translate commitment into projects, to ensure timely execution and to deliver tangible outcomes that advance growth, create employment and improve livelihood.
“Your contributions have not only enriched our discussions, but have also advanced practical pathways for collaboration, innovation and growth to our investors, both domestic and international.
“We thank you for your continued confidence in South Africa. Your engagement here and the commitments you have made reflect a shared understanding that South Africa remains a strategic partner for long term sustainable investment,” Tau said.
He also recognised the vital contribution of development finance institutions, industry leaders and strategic partners.
“Your role in mobilising capital, mitigating risk and enabling transformative projects is indispensable to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.
“This conference has reaffirmed that investment is not an isolated transaction, but it is a partnership built on trust, policy certainty and mutual accountability the deliberations of today, from infrastructure,” Tau said. – SAnews.gov.za
