MIL Africa Engine

The South African government is implementing “far-ranging changes” to support improved economic performance through implementing reforms in key sectors, including electricity, the visa regime, water and at Transnet.

This was the assertion made by President Cyril Ramaphosa as he opened the sixth annual South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) currently underway in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Some 1 000 delegates are in attendance from at least 50 different countries.

“A key priority for Operation Vulindlela from the outset was the crucial building block of visa reform to attract skills and grow the tourism sector. We know that investors aren’t just deploying capital, you need to establish a physical presence without undue bureaucratic delays. This is particularly critical for multinational firms that require seamless movement across borders.

“We have [also] restructured the national power utility Eskom; established a National Transmission Company as an independent grid operator, and created the transparent, rules–based framework for grid access that private investors require.

“Through the Energy Action Plan…we have brought an end to load shedding and ensured a reliable supply of electricity. This is essential to allow businesses to operate and make decisions to invest,” he said.

Reforms in the electricity sector have also unlocked a growing pipeline of projects with some 220 GW of renewable energy projects in “development and 36 GW already in the grid connection process”.

Further investments are expected in solar, wind and battery storage capacity over the next five years.

“At the same time, we are moving to enable private investment in expanding our transmission network through Independent Transmission Projects for the first time.

“Decarbonisation will create new industries, new jobs, and new opportunities in green hydrogen, battery storage, electric vehicle manufacturing and in the manufacture of components and infrastructure that a decarbonising world urgently needs.

“The R29 billion in confirmed renewable energy investment today is a vote of confidence in our rapidly transforming energy sector,” the President stated.

Rail and water

Key to South Africa’s reform programme is the National Rail Policy of 2022, together with the National Freight Logistics Roadmap of 2023.

These policies are aimed at paving the way for private investment in the port and rail operations.

“Last year we…signed a 25-year concession for the Durban Container Terminal Pier 2, representing R11 billion in private investment in one of South Africa’s most critical logistics nodes.

“A transparent and effective regime for third-party access to the freight rail network is now in place. Forty-one freight rail slots have been allocated to private train operating companies, and we expect the first private operator to commence operations in April 2027.

“By ending inefficient monopolies and introducing competition, we will reduce the cost of electricity and transport over time, enabling our manufacturing, mining, agriculture and other industries to thrive and compete,” the President said.

The water sector continues to receive “strategic focus under the structural reform agenda”.

“First, we are establishing professionally run water utilities in all eight metros, with water revenues ring-fenced and invested back into maintaining and expanding water infrastructure.

“Second, we are establishing a robust regulatory framework to ensure that water service providers perform their functions effectively, and face consequences where they do not.

“We have embarked on a massive water infrastructure build programme including dam construction, distribution infrastructure upgrades, bulk water expansion and desalination. One such project is Phase 2 of Lesotho Highlands Water Project that is targeted for completion between 2028 and 2030,” President Ramaphosa explained.

Those projects will be overseen by the newly formed National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency.

“The water sector is ripe for investment, and we have set up a dedicated Water Partnerships Office to facilitate private sector participation in areas such as reducing non-revenue water, investing in wastewater treatment, water desalination and reuse, with more than R50 billion in projects already in development.

“Our structural reform agenda has laid the foundations – now we are harnessing its momentum,” the President said.

Infrastructure investment

Although government has called for private sector investment in infrastructure, the state has committed to investing some R1 trillion over the medium term for public infrastructure.

Of this allocation:

• R577.4 billion will be spent by state-owned companies and other public entities; 
• R217.8 billion by provinces; and 
• R205.7 billion by municipalities. 

Transport and logistics will make up the lion’s share of expenditure.

“We are embarking on the largest and most ambitious cycle of infrastructure investment in our country’s history.

“Infrastructure is the flywheel that propels growth. It boosts productivity and trade and reduces the cost of doing business. It creates immediate and meaningful employment – at scale. With this unprecedented investment, we are kickstarting the cycle,” the President added.

Furthermore, the state will be using “innovative funding models” such as the Infrastructure Fund aimed at reducing risk and to “attract investors to fast-track infrastructure projects”.

“Last year, the Fund approved blended finance projects with a combined value of approximately R38 billion in water and sanitation, student accommodation, health, energy and transport.

“Last year, we also issued regulations for public private partnerships [PPP’s] in support of attracting more private sector participation and investment in the national infrastructure build.

“Lastly, we are also deploying innovative instruments such as the Credit Guarantee Vehicle to de-risk private investment in infrastructure,” he said.

No one left behind

The President assured that as the country’s economy begins to grow, no one will be left behind.

“As South Africa, we remain committed to staying the course on fiscal discipline and to accelerating the momentum of the reform agenda – but also to leveraging investment to build an economy that is inclusive, transformed and that benefits all.

“The transformation of our economy is necessary to drive sustained growth, reduce inequality and correct the injustices of the past. We are undertaking a review to refine, realign and strengthen our B-BBEE framework to ensure that it supports transformation while at the same time enabling investment and growth,” he said.

This framework, he explained, provides a “foundation for inclusive growth by expanding participation in the economy and enabling us to harness the skills and contribution of all South Africans”.

“What makes South Africa’s empowerment laws distinct is that they are practical and innovative. In addition to pure equity participation measure we also have an Equity Equivalent Investment Programme [EEIP].

“It was created to accommodate multinationals whose global practices or policies prevent them from complying with the B-BBEE ownership element to invest in socio-economic, skills and enterprise development in South Africa without selling equity in their local subsidiaries.

“Since its inception, the EEIP has onboarded some of the world’s leading multinational firms who have leveraged the programme to direct investment into local development, to incubate black, youth and women-owned businesses, and to fund skills development. Our overriding objective is to support firms with compliance, and to embrace empowerment as a meaningful investment in South African’s long-term economic stability,” President Ramaphosa assured. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa is positioned to rise to the challenges posed by the complex task of attracting investments that are set to further propel the country’s development trajectory, says Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau.

At the opening of the sixth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) on Tuesday in Gauteng, Tau reiterated the country’s ability to turn investor confidence into tangible returns, framing it as an “investment destination of choice”. 

“We have learned that complexity is not a reason for paralysis but rather, it is a prompt call for action. South Africa has turned the corner,” Tau said.

With improving economic indicators, including four consecutive quarters of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, a stabilising national debt and three years of primary budget surpluses, President Cyril Ramaphosa has recently reiterated the qualities that signal the country’s value as an investment drawcard for global players.

READ | New investment signals confidence as SA economy turns a corner

At the highly-anticipated 2026 edition of SAIC at the Sandton Convention Centre, Minister Tau said the progress made to turn South Africa’s fortunes around is largely attributable to steady and accelerating efforts, including expanding its footprint in external markets.

“South Africa is the continent’s leading exporter of manufactured goods and its largest outward investor.”

Tau acknowledged the impact of major economies “turning inward” in the face of global volatility – something that affects economies such as South Africa, which are characterised by “openness” and reliance on trading with others. 

“When the status quo was upended in April 2025, many predicted a reckoning. The prognosis was steep. Tens of thousands of jobs in citrus, wine and vehicle manufacturing in South Africa were said to be at risk. 

“Economists estimated the tariff shock could shave off measurable points of growth. It was, in the parlance of the moment, a crisis. South Africa did not reach Armageddon and instead, we demonstrated resilience,” Tau said.

Maximising existing trade relations

Tau said South Africa activated the Export Support Desk to redirect affected exporters into alternative markets. 

“We accelerated negotiations with China and Thailand on agricultural protocols. What is evident is that South Africa has indeed turned the corner.

“South Africa has turned the corner. Consider the evolution of our trade partnerships over the past three years. With Europe, we did not simply manage an existing relationship; we remade it.

“South Africa is the first CTIP [Clean Trade and Investment Partnership] partner of the EU [European Union] because of who we are and what we represent — the largest investment partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, with bilateral trade flows of R860 billion rands in 2024, offering a stable, predictable and profitable market, and representing the most industrialised gateway to the African continent and a lot more.”

Tau said the EU has mobilised a combined investment package of nearly R230 billion for South Africa under its Global Gateway initiative, covering the Just Energy Transition, critical raw materials, digital connectivity, and pharmaceutical value chains.

“Across the Middle East, new partnerships with the UAE [United Arab Emirates], Qatar and Saudi Arabia are advancing, supported by a coordinated effort between the Presidency, DIRCO [Department of International Relations and Cooperation], and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) to make inroads into high-growth markets that a decade ago barely featured in our trade portfolio,” the Minister said.

Ready to build

The ability to “turn the corner”, Tau said, is just the first chapter of illustrating South Africa’s trade abilities. 

“…We have (also) demonstrated our capacity to turn investment commitments into operational projects and real economic activity. 

“When President Ramaphosa launched this Investment Conference platform in 2018, we set an ambition that many regarded as both aspirational and inspirational. Eight years on, the first five-year investment mobilisation drive exceeded its target.

“Over 300 projects were initiated; 161 are either completed or in active construction. More than R600 billion of those commitments have already flowed into the real economy,” Tau said.

With the case for South Africa’s capabilities and potential clearly demonstrated, SAIC 2026 marks a shift from high-level planning to a more focused phase of implementation, as government accelerates delivery on existing investment commitments.

Government is targeting an additional R2 trillion in investment commitments over the next five years. This builds on the first five conferences, which secured a combined R1.5 trillion in pledges, with more than R600 billion already invested in the economy.

These investments have supported the establishment of new factories, mines and industrial facilities, contributing to job creation, poverty reduction and efforts to address inequality. – SAnews.gov.za

By William Baloyi 

The beauty of South Africa lies in our identity as a champion of peace, with the spirit of ubuntu serving as our defining signature to the world.

The world is once again arriving on our shores for the 6th South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC), scheduled to take place on 31 March 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has indicated that participation from over 50 countries positions South Africa as a gateway to Africa and an attractive investment destination.

Since its inception by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2018, this results‑driven platform has successfully mobilised approximately R1.51 trillion in investment commitments. Over R600 billion in investments has been mobilised, resulting in new factories, mines, and industrial projects that are driving job creation and economic development.

Importantly, South Africa continues to affirm its global standing through events of this scale, delivering exceptional hospitality, as demonstrated by the successful hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which earned a worldwide acclamation. SAIC will further elevate the country’s global tourism profile and provide a significant boost to the hospitality sector.

SAIC also presents an opportunity for all South Africans, from all walks of life, to showcase the country’s unique offerings. Central to this is the tourism sector, which continues to serve as a strategic driver of economic growth. South Africa’s tourism strengths remain unmatched from iconic wildlife experiences and breathtaking landscapes to vibrant cultural heritage.

This was clearly demonstrated in 2025, when South Africa recorded a historic milestone of 10.5 million international tourist arrivals, surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time since global travel disruptions. These figures signal a sustained recovery and the growing resilience of the tourism sector.

As tourism numbers rise, it becomes increasingly important to understand who is travelling and why, particularly as we position South Africa as a destination of choice for both travel and investment. In this context, tourism remains a cornerstone of government’s agenda to drive inclusive growth, attract investment, and create jobs.

This momentum is further supported by an increase in regional tourist arrivals, as South Africa assumes the role of interim Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), strengthening its position as a regional hub for tourism and economic cooperation.

Government has introduced measures to simplify entry for international tourists. The online eVisa system offers a convenient and secure platform for travellers to apply through the Department of Home Affairs. This service enables direct engagement with the responsible authority, ensuring that visa applications are processed efficiently and in full compliance with legal requirements for entry into South Africa.

Government’s goal is to position South Africa as a distinctive global destination. To support this, strategic interventions have been implemented, including increasing flights to key destinations. These efforts enable tourism to contribute meaningfully to inclusive economic growth. The growth in the sector reflects a positive trajectory, placing it in a strong position to achieve the 15 million arrivals target set out in the National Development Plan.

SAIC takes place during a period when South Africans will be travelling to various destinations for the Easter holidays. Government encourages citizens to visit local cultural and heritage sites, support traditional festivals and local crafts, and explore natural landscapes and rural tourism offerings.

South Africa stands as a diverse and unique tourism destination, offering rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and world-class experiences. Tourism is not merely about travel; it is a strategic economic sector that creates jobs, boosts GDP, supports local economies, and enhances the country’s global image, positioning South Africa as a competitive and attractive destination on the world stage.

*Baloyi is the Deputy Government Spokesperson at the Government Communication and Information System.

It is a hive of activity at the Sandton Convention Centre, as delegates arrive for the long-awaited edition of the 2026 South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC).

Inside the venue, companies are exhibiting their products and services, while Cabinet Ministers, business leaders and company representatives gather ahead of the official formalities. More than 1 200 delegates are anticipated to attend the two-day gathering.

South Africa is hosting its sixth Investment Conference, the country’s flagship platform to position itself as a credible, competitive and forward-looking investment destination in a rapidly changing global economy.

Held under the theme: ‘Invest. Partner. Prosper’, the conference brings together government, global investors, development finance institutions and strategic partners to advance investment-led growth and strengthen South Africa’s role as a gateway for investment into the African continent.

The conference aligns with commitments made by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the 2026 State of the Nation Address, with government aiming to set a more ambitious investment target over the medium-term.

Structured as a comprehensive investment platform, SAIC is designed to move from reform credibility to investor confidence, and from deployable opportunities to long-term global partnerships. The approach seeks to align South Africa’s domestic development priorities with international investment interests.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said efforts to mobilise investment into the country are ongoing.

“We have international delegations coming to South Africa, with the recognition that South Africa is an investment destination, and that it is a place where they can do business,” Magwenya said on Tuesday.

He emphasised that investment mobilisation is a continuous process.

The 2026 conference marks a shift from high-level planning to a more focused phase of implementation, as government accelerates delivery on existing investment commitments.

Government is targeting an additional R2 trillion in investment commitments over the next five years. This builds on the first five conferences, which secured a combined R1.5 trillion in pledges, with more than R600 billion already invested in the economy.

These investments have supported the establishment of new factories, mines and industrial facilities, contributing to job creation, poverty reduction and efforts to address inequality.

Held under the framework of the “3Ds” – Digitisation, Decarbonisation and Diversification –  the conference highlights opportunities in technology, clean energy and expanded trade partnerships across the African continent.

The event also serves as the launch platform for South Africa’s Second Investment Drive and aligns with the priorities of the 7th Administration, which include inclusive economic growth, employment creation, infrastructure development and economic reform.

The conference takes place amid improved investor confidence, supported by progress in key structural reforms, such as enhanced energy reliability, infrastructure development and broader economic recovery initiatives.

Launched in 2018 by President Ramaphosa, SAIC has become a central platform for attracting both global and domestic investors to explore emerging opportunities in South Africa.

The 2026 conference occurs during a period of significantly improved investor perception. Over the last 18 to 24 months, several critical economic challenges have been addressed, most notably the improvement in the country’s energy reliability. – SAnews.gov.za