Edited by Bev Mortimer, 13 April: At the the sixth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) R890 billion in investment pledges was secured .
This was revealed by South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, who said this investment reflects renewed confidence in the country’s economy and he praised South African companies who are leading the investment charge.
He revealed that as a result of the successful conference the SA government now has a new target to mobilise R3-trillion in investment over the next five years. Achieving this goal will require increased domestic investment and collaboration across all sectors of society.
“Some people have said that our target of R3 trillion in new investment over the next five years is unrealistic,” Ramaphosa said. “Yet, building on the momentum that has been created, drawing on the efforts of all South Africans, there is no reason why we cannot achieve it.”
Ramaphosa also revealed that through its infrastructure build programme R1-trillion is earmarked for large-scale projects over the next three years.
He said the investment drive is not only about conference, s but with continuing outward investment missions in search of new markets to consolidate existing trade ties. “As we have done in the past, we continue to prioritise targeted, one-on-one engagements with investors during international trips,” the President said
According to the President, the investment of R890-billion comes after a difficult period marked by slow growth, state capture and prolonged load shedding and he said it had been a difficult journey to rebuild the economy. “A key feature of the 2026 SAIC was the strong participation of local companies, which are increasingly choosing to invest in South Africa,” Ramaphosa said. “The decision by domestic firms to accelerate or reaffirm investment in their own country is a measure of confidence,” the President said.
He said these investors are sending a strong signal to the global market, to international capital that the SA economy is stable,” on an upward trajectory and ripe for investment.”
He also highlighted that investment commitments include those from established industries like mining and beneficiation, agro-processing and tourism. “We have also seen substantial investments in renewable energy, the green economy and the digital economy,” the President said, adding that the diversity supports efforts to accelerate economic growth and job creation.
The President said government is continuing with structural reforms to create a more conducive environment for investment. “Investments cannot be realised under conditions of policy uncertainty. Reform and transformation processes will continue apace to resolve longstanding challenges not only in areas such as electricity, water and logistics,” he said.
The continuation of transformation and reforms in various areas will improve the lives of people and continue to create a conducive environment for investment m the president further said. “We will continue to take decisive steps to root out corruption, to prevent extortion at construction sites and to break the back of the illicit economy. We will continue to support existing and new industries,” he said.
In conclusion Ranmphosa noted signs of of improvement in the economy, with growing confidence and increased job creation, plus he expressed confidence SA can meet its ambitious investment targets.
– SAnews.gov.za
St Francis Chronicle 