Category: Africa

Government will host the sixth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) in Johannesburg on 31 March 2026, as government intensifies efforts to attract R2 trillion in new investment commitments over the next five years.

The upcoming summit builds on the success of the previous five-year investment cycle, which concluded in March 2023, after raising R1.51 trillion, surpassing the initial R1.2 trillion target. 

To date, more than R600 billion of these commitments have flowed into projects, supporting the establishment of new factories, mines and other productive facilities across the country.

Announcing the conference during the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa said government was determined to build on this momentum.

“Over the course of the first five South Africa Investment Conferences, we were able to raise R1.5 trillion in investment commitments. To date, over R600 billion has flowed into projects. New factories, mines and other facilities are being opened each year.

“We have now set ourselves a target of raising R2 trillion in new investments over the next five years. We therefore look forward to hosting the sixth South Africa Investment Conference on the 31st of March 2026,” the President said.

The 2026 conference aims to reinforce a clear narrative to investors: credible reforms drive investor confidence, unlock deployable opportunities and foster sustainable global partnerships.

Since its launch in 2018, the conference has drawn thousands of local and international delegates, positioning South Africa as a competitive and globally relevant investment destination. An estimated 1 250 delegates are expected to attend the 2026 edition in person.

Among its objectives, the conference will seek to showcase South Africa’s economic recovery strategy, highlight strategic sectors and bankable projects, and emphasise government’s continued commitment to clean governance and zero tolerance for corruption. It will also profile the country’s role as a gateway to regional markets and a key trade and investment partner on the African continent.

The sixth SAIC comes at a time when government is prioritising industrialisation, infrastructure development, energy reform and job creation as central pillars of economic transformation and inclusive growth. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Applause and ululations filled the air at the Marine Building overlooking Durban’s busy harbour as 25 women entrepreneurs from across KwaZulu-Natal stepped forward to receive more than just cheques, but a vote of confidence in their dreams.

The beneficiaries were officially handed over R1.25 million from the Women Advancement Fund (WAF) during a ceremony led by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, marking another milestone in the province’s drive to place women at the centre of economic transformation.

Launched by the Premier in August 2024, the Women Advancement Fund is a pioneering provincial initiative designed to confront the structural barriers that continue to limit women in business, from lack of start-up capital and market access to entrenched gender bias and limited mentorship.

Beyond financial support, the fund offers beneficiaries business development services and guidance aimed at helping enterprises move from survivalist ventures to scalable operations.

Held on Monday, the gathering brought together government officials; representatives from Absa Bank, a key sponsor of the fund; Human Insight representative Nokwazi Shezi; Acting Director-General in the Office of the Premier Sibusiso Ngubane; and WAF beneficiaries, among others.

Delivering his keynote address, Ntuli underscored the importance of collaboration between government and business in driving inclusive economic development. He expressed appreciation to Absa Bank for backing the initiative, noting that meaningful public–private partnerships are essential in unlocking economic participation for women.

The Premier’s message extended beyond funding. He highlighted the social realities that continue to undermine women’s economic progress, particularly gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), describing them as obstacles that continue to undermine women’s full participation in development programmes.

He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to intensify efforts to eliminate these social ills.

“Through the Women Advancement Fund, we want to see women contributing constructively to the economy of the province and the country,” Ntuli said, urging beneficiaries to think beyond provincial borders and position their enterprises for national and global markets.

He also encouraged them to innovate, scale up, and pursue sustainable growth opportunities.

One of the beneficiaries Sindisiwe Dlamini from Nquthu welcomed the support and praised the provincial government for creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

For Dlamini, the moment represented years of persistence.

She encouraged fellow applicants not to lose heart, saying “patience and perseverance has ultimately paid off for many beneficiaries now stood proudly as recipients.”

The Women Advancement Fund forms part of a broader provincial initiatives, aimed at supporting women-owned enterprises, promoting financial inclusion, and expanding women’s participation in key economic sectors across KwaZulu-Natal.

As the ceremony concluded, it was clear that the event was not simply a handover of fund, it was an investment in leadership, resilience and the next generation of women shaping the province’s economic future. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The National Planning Commission (NPC) has welcomed the strong focus of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on the objectives of the National Development Plan: Vision 2030 (NDP).

In a statement on Monday, the NPC said it was pleased that, in his SONA, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed the NDP at the centre of South Africa’s long-term planning framework.  

The Commission highlighted that ahead of the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), it called on the President to reaffirm the centrality of the NDP in guiding national priorities and ensuring policy coherence. This message was further reiterated when the NPC addressed the Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation on 18 February 2026.

While the NPC’s presentation to the Portfolio Committee focused on progress made with meeting the NDP targets, the NPC took the opportunity to point out its status as an independent advisory body, not an implementing department. 

The presentation outlined the constraints caused by the state’s inability to translate policy and plans into viable projects with budgets and outcomes. The Commission also pointed out the problem of poor coordination and lack of coherent implementation across government departments.

“The Commission raised concerns about delayed infrastructure, deteriorating services, reduced private sector confidence, and slower job creation, which have a disproportionate effect on women, children, youth, and people with disabilities. 

“By drawing attention to specific challenges emanating from the inability of local governments to access and utilise reliable and comprehensive data, the Commission pointed out the importance of state capacity. Reliance on fragmented data sets undermines the state’s ability to detect and respond to performance gaps and implementation lapses,” the statement read. 

The presentation to Parliament had been preceded by an NPC virtual Post-SONA public engagement designed to deepen public dialogue and analysis of the SONA. This took place on 16 February 2026, with the theme: “Perspectives and Priorities Beyond the President’s Address”. 

The engagement brought together Commissioners, stakeholders, and members of the public to reflect on the alignment between SONA commitments and the country’s long-term developmental objectives.

Alignment with the National Development Plan

Addressing the engagement, NPC Deputy Chairperson, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, described the SONA as a critical moment for national reflection. 

 “The State of the Nation Address is a very important moment in the annual calendar of the country. It allows us to assess whether we are making sufficient progress towards eradicating poverty, unemployment, and inequality, and, increasingly, corruption as outlined in the National Development Plan,” he said. 

While welcoming the strong resonance between the President’s address and the Commission’s work, particularly on water security, energy reform and economic development, Maluleke cautioned against crisis-driven governance based on short-term planning. 

Key sectoral reflections

During the engagement, Commissioners reflected on major priorities across economic, social and governance sectors. They emphasised the need to strengthen coordination in mobilising financial resources for productive investment, infrastructure expansion and job creation, supported by improved governance and accelerated energy and green growth reforms. Small and medium enterprises were identified as central to employment and innovation, yet constrained by regulatory complexity, underscoring the need for streamlined licensing, reduced red tape and enhanced digital systems.

“The importance of building a capable state through, among others, the professionalisation of the public service, the strengthening of municipal capacity and the combating of corruption and organised crime was emphasised,” the Commission said. 

Commissioners also highlighted that persistent rising cost of living, persistent unemployment and inequality continue to undermine quality of life. They emphasised the need for strengthening income support, early childhood development, digital inclusion and broader social protection systems.

Planning Beyond 2030

The NPC welcomed the President’s emphasis on planning beyond 2030, and the National Dialogue process aimed at shaping a new social compact. 

“As the country approaches the 2030 horizon, the Commission will continue to provide independent, evidence-based advice to support implementation, strengthen institutions and advance inclusive development”. 

As an independent advisory body appointed by the President, the NPC is the custodian of South Africa’s NDP: Vision 2030. 

The primary role of the NPC is to advise government and Parliament on matters pertaining to the implementation of the NDP. It also has the responsibility to mobilise the whole of society, including the private sector, around the objectives of the NDP, which remains the only cross-cutting long-term plan for national development in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

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The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Lydia Zigomo, says the SADC region continues to lead globally in HIV response, with sustained reductions in new infections and AIDS-related deaths driven by a combination of prevention and treatment scale-up.

“We are at a decisive moment where gains will either be accelerated, sustained or reversed,” Zigomo said.

Speaking at the SADC Health Ministers Meeting currently underway in Sandton, near Johannesburg, Zi said the SADC region stands at a defining moment in 2026.

“While the SADC region has demonstrated exemplary leadership in positioning reproductive rights as the cornerstone of sustainable development, we find ourselves at a critical threshold where our hard-won progress remains fragile,” Zigomo said.

Zigomo said in 2025, the SADC region is aggressively operationalizing a new global strategy – a roadmap designed to accelerate its collective journey toward 2030.

“Our mission remains uncompromising. We are scaling our interventions to achieve the three Transformative results of Zero preventable maternal deaths, Zero unmet need for family planning and Zero gender based violence and harmful practices,” she said.

Zigomo said in the East and Southern Africa, the SADC region recognises that HIV prevention is not just a health goal, but it is a necessity.

“We cannot afford a reversal of gains, especially for our adolescent girls and young women who continue to carry the heaviest burden.

“In 2018, this region took a bold stand. Under the leadership of the Governments of South Africa, Eswatini, and Namibia, the SADC SRHR Strategy was adopted as a promise to every woman and girl in Southern Africa,” she said.

“Seven years later, the mid-term review confirms that this was not merely rhetoric. The region has moved from policy to decisive action,” Zigomo said.

According to Zigomo, over 163 laws, policies and strategies have been developed or strengthened across maternal health, HIV, family planning, adolescent SRHR, CSE and gender equality with the SADC region scorecard highlighting measurable progress.

“Maternal mortality has declined significantly in countries such as Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe in some cases by up to 50%.

“The region continues to lead globally in HIV response, with sustained reductions in new infections and AIDS-related deaths driven by a combination of prevention and treatment scale-up,” Zigomo said. 

South African Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, is chairing the meeting and is expected to give the closing remarks later today.

South Africa is hosting a joint meeting of the Ministers of Health and other Ministers responsible for HIV and AIDS within the SADC region to discuss a number of priority health issues, review progress made on regional health commitments and strengthen collaboration in addressing shared public health challenges.

The region continues to face a burden of disease characterised by the triple threat of high HIV/AIDS prevalence, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria. This is aggravated by rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and climate-related health risks of waterborne diseases such as cholera. 

The SADC region accounts for at least one-third of all people living with HIV and AIDS globally, while eight member states are among the countries with the highest rates of TB.

On the other hand, about 75% of the population in the region remains at risk of contracting malaria, a deadly but preventable and treatable disease. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has agreed to delay the proclamation of any sections of the National Health Insurance Act (NHI) following litigation brought against the President and the Minister of Health.

In a statement on Tuesday, The Presidency said the decision was taken after consultations between President Ramaphosa and Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, in light of legal challenges currently before the Constitutional Court of South Africa.

“The litigation that has been initiated by various parties against the President and the Minister of Health has necessitated that President Cyril Ramaphosa, following consultations with Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, agree to delay the proclamation of any sections of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act until the Constitutional Court has handed down its judgments in challenges due to be heard on 5 – 7 May 2026,” the statement read. 

The matters, which are scheduled to be heard from 5 – 7 May 2026, relate to the public participation process that preceded Parliament’s adoption of the NHI Bill.

According to the statement, the undertaking to delay proclamation will remain in place until the Constitutional Court has handed down its judgments. The agreement is expected to be made an order of court on 24 February 2026.

The Presidency emphasised that the delay will not affect the broader timetable for implementing the NHI. The Department of Health has indicated that preparatory work, including efforts to strengthen and improve health services, is ongoing before any sections of the Act are brought into operation.

Government reaffirmed its commitment to the National Health Insurance policy, stating that it will continue to act within the requirements of the law and respect the judicial process to ensure that implementation proceeds without undue delay.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health will continue fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to strengthen the health system and improve the quality of care for all South Africans. – SAnews.gov.za

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By Andrea Naicker

One of the most enduring symbols of South Africa’s democracy is the ballot box — a reminder of our collective struggle for freedom and the power each citizen holds in shaping our nation’s future. As we approach the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections, this democratic right depends increasingly on the availability of accurate, credible information that enables citizens to make informed decisions. Yet this critical foundation is threatened by the growing challenge of disinformation.

Disinformation — false or misleading information created with the intent to deceive — is not new. Historically used during wars and political transitions, it is now amplified by modern technologies, including sophisticated AI‑driven tools capable of generating deepfakes, fabricated narratives, and computational propaganda. These tactics distort public perception, undermine confidence in democratic institutions, and have far‑reaching social and economic consequences. Locally, disinformation sows mistrust in municipal, provincial, and national governance and can escalate tensions within communities.

Often people struggle to distinguish credible news from false content, especially on social media platforms such as X, TikTok, Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube. As the local government elections draw near, communities may encounter hyper‑localised disinformation exploiting existing pressures—such as service‑delivery issues or political uncertainty. These falsehoods can take the form of manipulated “technical glitches”, misleading voter‑registration messages, fabricated voice notes, or rumours of sabotage. The speed at which false narratives can spread via community WhatsApp groups and neighbourhood networks makes them especially difficult to counter.

Recognising these risks, a coalition of partners convened at the “Countering Disinformation, Safeguarding Local Democracy” dialogue held in Cape Town on 18 February 2026. Hosted by the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa, alongside the Embassies of Lithuania and Poland and the Delegation of Flanders in collaboration with the Institute of Security Studies, the dialogue brought together international experts, government representatives, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), civil society, media professionals, and policy makers. 

The gathering underscored the need for coordinated multi‑stakeholder approaches to strengthen information integrity ahead of the local elections.

Cognisant of this, the IEC has intensified efforts to safeguard the electoral environment. It has introduced Rapid‑Response Pathways linking community radio stations and youth networks to fact‑checking partners, ensuring swift correction of misleading claims at local level. The Commission has also prioritised transparency, ensuring that voter management devices and results systems undergo independent, end‑to‑end testing so the public can trust that all technologies function as a “glass box.”

Its “News Sausage” approach encourages media houses to openly demonstrate how results are verified and audited, helping curb suspicion and prevent the spread of conspiracy theories. Additionally, the IEC is enhancing its outreach through an improved WhatsApp service and a dedicated podcast platform aimed at engaging younger voters as active truth‑seekers.

Government continues to strengthen its commitment to supporting citizens with reliable information by proactively debunking false narratives, investing in media literacy initiatives, and encouraging the public to rely on credible sources, such as government websites (for example: https://www.sanews.gov.za/ ) and reputable media outlets in South Africa. 

Furthermore, there have been policy developments – including the White Paper on Communications and Digital Technologies and proposals to address online harms, including platform accountability and faster detection and removal of disinformation. Partnerships with organisations such as Moxii (formerly Media Monitoring Africa) and Real411, among other entities further expand rapid‑response and monitoring capabilities.

Safeguarding democracy requires the involvement of all stakeholders: government, electoral bodies, technology companies, civil society, community media, youth networks, and citizens themselves. Through public engagement, transparent communication, coordinated action, and accessible digital tools – such as zero‑rated portals allowing voters to verify information – South Africa is building a resilient “Democracy Shield” that protects the integrity of the vote.

South Africa’s democracy is further strengthened by legislation that upholds information integrity and enforces accountability. Key instruments such as the Cybercrimes Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct provide clear legal measures to ensure that individuals who intentionally disseminate harmful digital disinformation face the appropriate consequences.

As we prepare for the local elections, the message is clear: we are not just defending a ballot – we are defending the truth. Ensuring information integrity is essential to protecting the democracy that so many fought to build.

*Naicker is an Assistant Director: Content Development, Communication Resource Centre at the Government Communication and Information System. 

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By Nosihle Shelembe 

South Africa’s strategic partnership with the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) has unlocked a US$8 billion commitment to drive industrial growth, create jobs, and strengthen the economy by adding more value to South Africa’s natural resources.

The commitment paves the way for expanding local manufacturing and mineral processing, investing in critical infrastructure such as energy, developing industrial parks and special economic zones, and improving access to regional and continental markets under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

South Africa’s strategic partnership with the multilateral financial institution was advanced during the signing ceremony of the Instrument of Accession in Johannesburg earlier this month, when South Africa became a full sovereign member (Class A shareholder) of the bank.  

This elevated status grants the country a stronger voice in the institution’s governance, including greater influence over its strategic direction, institutional structure, and leadership appointments.

In addition, sovereign membership provides access to the bank’s intervention facilities, often used to assist African Member States and their private institutions whenever there is market failure, global financial, economic, and geopolitical crises. 

Headquartered in Cairo, Egypt, the multilateral financial institution was established in 1993 to facilitate, promote, and expand both intra-African and extra-African trade.

According to the bank, its programs, instruments and services are available to large corporates, governments, financial institutions and other clients which are any other entity which may not necessarily be classified as a government, large corporate or financial institution that may be “supported if the underlying transaction or project fits with the Bank’s mandate and meets the lending requirements and policies of the Bank.”

The accession process followed legal and constitutional steps, including Cabinet endorsement and parliamentary approval, as outlined in Section 231(2) of the Constitution, which pertains to international agreements.

The Presidency affirmed that sovereign membership helps South African companies, banks, and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) secure better trade finance.

It provides more funding for trade under the AfCFTA. It also encourages more cross-border projects and investments, stronger partnerships with other African financial institutions, and access to different risk management tools.

“Afreximbank plays a pivotal role in promoting and financing cross-border trade within Africa, with [the] AfCFTA as a key driver of its mission. By attaining Class A status, South Africa will be better positioned to leverage Afreximbank’s network, resources, and financing instruments to support local businesses in accessing broader African markets,” the Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa said.

The corporation is a state-owned national export credit agency under the ambit of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic).

South Africa became the 54th state to accede to the Bank’s Establishment Agreement, marking a historic milestone as the two partners seek to unlock trade opportunities within a global financial architecture that is rapidly fragmenting due to protectionist policies and shifting trade blocs.

The agreement enables South Africa to leverage the bank’s stronger investment grade rating and Preferred Creditor Status. This offers more protection than standard commercial debt. It offers more competitive financing and risk coverage for South African exporters, state-owned enterprises, and private companies.

Providing support
Afreximbank President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr George Elombi said the bank is keen on supporting South Africa.

“We have put together what we consider an important package of US$8 billion for South Africa. We will do whatever it takes to support the government and the private sector in building a local economy that serves all South Africans, and that looks out to the wider African continent as a natural source and destination of wealth,” Elombi said.

With a continental market of about 1.4 billion people, African countries can leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area to boost intra-African trade in manufactured goods while sourcing raw materials from within the continent.

“We do not have to reinvent the wheel. Let us look within the continent for sources of development,” Elombi said.

Development and supporting small businesses
The bank plans to invest in the development of critical infrastructure, including energy generation and transmission, which are vital for industrial production.

In the energy sector, the bank could co-finance projects that support the just energy transition, particularly through climate finance mechanisms.

According to the Presidential Climate Commission, a just transition to a low-carbon economy will benefit all South Africans by driving economic growth, creating jobs, and increasing our energy security, while addressing the serious threat of climate change.

The bank’s programmes are also designed to support SMME development across all strategic sectors, like automotive components, pharmaceuticals, and agro-processing.

SMMEs could receive access to Afreximbank-backed trade finance and training programs. Afreximbank funding could be leveraged to integrate SMMEs into regional supply chains, fostering job creation and industrial growth.

“The bank also has initiatives to promote e-commerce readiness for SMMEs to tap into digital trade across the continent. In the area of mineral beneficiation, funding support could target developing local smelters, refineries, and processing plants for gold, platinum, and battery minerals, including lithium,” a document by the dtic read.

In a drive towards a private sector-led transformation of the South African and the continent’s economies, Afreximbank will work with institutions such as the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA), the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), and commercial banks such as Rand Merchant and Standard Bank.

Deepening trade
President Cyril Ramaphosa said the decision to accede to the bank affirms the government’s commitment to African industrial development and to deepening trade, investment, and development across the continent.

“Accession brings us a step closer towards the incubation of a South African Export–Import Bank. Working closely with Afreximbank and building on the experience of our Export Credit Insurance Corporation, we are laying the foundations for a national institution that will support exporters, crowd in investment, and provide financing aligned to our industrial priorities.

“This is a strategic investment in our ability to compete and to support South African firms across the export lifecycle. It will help to ensure that our participation in African and global trade is sustained, resilient, and developmental,” the President said.

South Africa’s strategic partnership with the bank is expected to enhance the Export Credit Insurance Corporation’s capacity to deliver on its mandate of facilitating South African exports, particularly in high-value sectors, while contributing to the broader continental agenda of economic integration and development.

The Export Credit Insurance Corporation provides insurance that enables South African exporters to offer their services and products on the international market, with a particular focus on emerging markets in Africa that are considered too risky for conventional insurers.      
   
The government has mandated the entity to make South African exporters attractive to international buyers to attract foreign income, stimulate domestic economic growth, and create local jobs.

“As the continent’s largest regional contributor to intra-African trade – accounting for 19.1% of total African trade in 2024 – South Africa is well positioned to leverage Afreximbank’s trade infrastructure, technical expertise, and pan-African footprint to expand its export relationships across the continent,” Afreximbank said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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