The South African government will follow through on its commitment to fiscal discipline and reform implementation as the upcoming South African Investment Conference (SAIC) provides a key moment to translate recent economic gains into concrete investment outcomes.
This was according to President Cyril Ramaphosa's weekly newsletter issued ahead of the conference to be held at the Sandton Convention Center on Tuesday.
The gathering is South Africa's premier and high-level platform to mobilize investment, showcase opportunities and translate investment into tangible outcomes such as employment.
This year, more than 1,000 delegates representing approximately 50 different countries will attend SAIC.
“This year's investment conference stands at the intersection of opportunity and ambition.
“The clear message we will send is that we remain committed to fiscal discipline, accelerating the pace of the reform agenda and leveraging investment to build an economy that is inclusive, transformed and benefits all,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President made the case for South Africa as a preferred investment destination in the face of “increasingly volatile global financial conditions”.
“We are Africa’s largest economy with a diverse industrial base. Since we launched our first R1.2 trillion investment mobilization campaign in 2018, we have secured investment pledges in mining, healthcare, automotive, food and beverages and others, reflecting the sophistication of our economy.
“South Africa is also the leading destination for renewable energy investments on the continent, with these investments making up a large share of the total pledges made at previous conferences.
“We have a strong policy and regulatory environment, which provides investors with certainty at a time when we are one of many emerging markets competing for capital around the world,” he said.
a growing economy
President Ramaphosa said the 2026 SAIC, as well as its predecessor, aims to build “even greater confidence in our country as an investment destination” as well as demonstrate the government's commitment to reforms, policy certainty and execution.
He said South Africa's position has been further strengthened by “the green light of economic recovery that we are experiencing”.
“The macroeconomic outlook has improved. We have experienced four consecutive quarters of growth through the end of 2025, the national debt has stabilized and more jobs are being created. Last year, our sovereign rating was upgraded for the first time in 17 years, and we were removed from the Financial Action Task Force gray list.
“The structural reform agenda being driven through Operation Vulindlela has unlocked progress in electricity, freight logistics, water, telecommunications and the visa system.
“We have ended load-shedding and are creating a new, competitive electricity market that will ensure energy security and attract investment,” he highlighted.
The logistics sector is also undergoing modernization and private investment is being enabled in port and rail operations.
“Projects for which we have initiated the private sector participation (PSP) process include the Ngqura Manganese Export Corridor in the Eastern Cape and the Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Last year, we also signed a 25-year concession for the Durban Container Terminal Pier 2, which represents R11 billion in private investment. A system is in place for third-party access to the freight rail network and 41 freight rail slots have been allocated to private companies,” President Ramaphosa said.
Additionally, reforms in the visa regime have also been implemented to attract skills and promote tourism.
“These include rolling out remote work visas, introducing a trusted employer scheme to support major investors and piloting an electronic travel authorization system.
“By demonstrating the progress and sustainability of the reform agenda, we aim to increase the pool of investment coming from businesses and countries that will ultimately be a bridge to new markets, technologies and networks for South Africa,” he said.
From pledges to projects
SAIC's first five-year investment raise exceeded its target of R1.2 trillion in commitments – reaching almost R1.57 trillion.
Nearly 300 projects were initiated and to date, 161 of these have either been finalized or are still under construction.
“The pledges are not just vague commitments and promises, but have materialized in the form of tangible, brick-and-mortar projects that are creating jobs for our people.
“Last year, I opened the Platreef mine at Mokopane in Limpopo, which is set to play a leading role in the production of critical minerals for the energy transition. The facility employs over 2,000 workers from the local community and is partly owned by a community trust, arising from a R2,8 billion investment pledge by Ivanhoe Mines at the South Africa Investment Conference in 2022.
“Last year, I also visited the BMW plant in Rosslyn, Tshwane, where the automotive giant has invested R4,2 billion for the electrification of its only plant on the continent that will produce the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. This was also an investment promised at SAIC,” President Ramaphosa highlighted.
As South Africa makes final preparations ahead of the conference on Tuesday, the administration is placing its emphasis on implementation rather than announcements.
“By showcasing our unique and favorable proposition as an investment destination of choice, we set a target of mobilizing R2 trillion in new investment by 2028.
President Ramaphosa said, “As we strive to achieve growth that creates jobs for our people, this next phase will move from promises to implementation.” – sanews.gov.za