Johannesburg: The sixth annual South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) comes at a time when the South African government is poised to accelerate economic growth, turn pledges into shovel-ready projects, and improve the lives of all South Africans. This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who set the tone for SAIC 2026 in his opening address on Tuesday.
According to South African Government News Agency, SAIC is South Africa’s premier and high-level platform to mobilize investment, showcase opportunities within the borders of the country, and translate investments into tangible outcomes, such as employment. President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of turning pledges into projects on the ground, highlighting the role of Operation Vulindlela, a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury, in driving economic reforms.
The President told delegates that South Africa is an investment destination of choice, citing the resilience of the economy as a key factor. He noted that South Africa is the largest and most industrialized economy on the African continent, with a dynamic and enterprising economic landscape that has weathered numerous challenges.
Furthermore, the President highlighted that South Africa’s economy has maintained core financial and institutional stability despite strong headwinds. He pointed out that investment conferences such as SAIC provide an opportunity to showcase the attractiveness of investment opportunities in the country to both domestic and international investors, facilitating foreign direct investment and fostering strong partnerships.
President Ramaphosa also acknowledged the uncertainty in the global economy, with geopolitical fragmentation and trade tensions impacting global capital flows. Despite these challenges, he stated that South Africa presents a favorable proposition as a resilient, credible, and reform-oriented investment destination with strong fundamentals.
During the first iteration of SAIC’s investment cycle, companies pledged approximately R1.5 trillion in investments, exceeding the initial target. The commitments spanned various sectors, including energy, telecommunications, infrastructure, and mining. The government is now targeting pledges of R2 trillion over the next five years, focusing on sectors that drive growth and create jobs.
President Ramaphosa noted that the opening position of the second drive includes R415 billion in confirmed fixed investment and R474.8 billion in foreign direct investment, totaling R889.8 billion. This investment is expected to support 81 projects across nine provinces and create over 230,000 permanent jobs.
Rounding up his remarks, the President dubbed the second investment cycle as the start of an era of new growth and dynamism for South Africa’s economy. He emphasized the importance of policy certainty and structural reform in creating conditions for investment-led growth that is broad-based, inclusive, and durable.