Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reaffirmed South Africa’s position as a leading investment destination.
Speaking at the Business Gala Dinner of the 6th South Africa Investment Conference in Johannesburg on Tuesday evening, Deputy President Mashatile emphasised that strong partnerships between government and the private sector are central to the country’s economic recovery and growth.
He said the conference had once again affirmed that South Africa’s growth and recovery depend on robust partnerships between government, business, labour, and society.
“What made this day truly exceptional was the unity we witnessed among our partners, and the way our nation spoke in one voice. A voice of reform, a voice of resilience, and a voice ready to explore new frontiers of investment,” the Deputy President said.
He noted that the investment conference, first launched in 2018 under President Cyril Ramaphosa, was designed as a results-driven platform to mobilise investment and drive implementation, rather than a “talk shop”.
He said the focus had now shifted decisively from commitments to execution.
As President Cyril Ramaphosa noted, the South Africa Investment Conference stands at the crossroad of turning pledges into projects on the ground.
“This is why our focus has shifted decisively from commitments to implementation, from policy intent to measurable outcomes,” the Deputy President said.
Reforms and resilience boost investor confidence
The Deputy President highlighted that South Africa continues to offer a compelling investment case, underpinned by economic resilience, institutional reform and policy certainty.
Investors are increasingly seeking destinations that are resilient, credible and reform-oriented, qualities, he said, South Africa embodies.
He added that the country’s progress in structural reforms has strengthened its investment appeal. Through initiatives such as Operation Vulindlela, government has unlocked grid access, streamlined water licensing, opened freight logistics to private participation, and reformed visas to boost tourism.
“Our financial governance has been strengthened, earning us our first sovereign credit rating upgrade in nearly two decades and removal from the FATF grey list.
“These reforms are not abstract policy. They are the lived reality of investors, workers and communities,” he said.
South Africa has also strengthened financial governance, achieving a sovereign credit rating upgrade and exiting the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, further boosting investor confidence.
R1.5 trillion in commitments
Deputy President Mashatile said the country had already secured R1.5 trillion in investment commitments between 2018 and 2023, exceeding initial targets.
Of this, more than R600 billion has translated into projects across sectors including mining, manufacturing, technology and services.
“Jobs have been created, communities uplifted, and industries modernised,” he said.
He added that the current investment pipeline, valued at R284.8 billion across 66 projects, demonstrates that capital is already flowing into the economy.
“This is not a promise; it is a plan in motion,” he said.
Africa central to South Africa’s growth strategy
The Deputy President emphasised that South Africa’s economic future is closely linked to the broader African continent, with regional integration seen as key to unlocking growth.
He highlighted the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area in creating a single market of 1.4 billion people and deepening industrialisation.
He also reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening regional blocs such as the Southern African Customs Union and the Southern African Development Community, which together offer significant potential for cross-border investment and industrial expansion.
“Africa’s unity presents a strategic opportunity in a changing global economy,” he said.
The Deputy President pointed to major opportunities in energy, critical minerals and digital infrastructure, describing them as key drivers of competitiveness.
He said South Africa is advancing an accelerated energy transition, including renewable energy, green hydrogen and battery storage, while also expanding digital infrastructure through broadband, fintech and artificial intelligence.
These sectors, along with agritech, tourism and manufacturing, were highlighted throughout the conference as priority areas for investment.
Call for continued partnership
Deputy President Mashatile concluded by urging investors to move beyond commitments and work with government to deliver tangible outcomes.
“Let us commit not only to investment, but to building industries, creating jobs, and shaping futures. Together, we can turn commitments into factories, agreements into technologies, and announcements into livelihoods.” – SAnews.gov.za
