Durban:KwaZulu-Natal has successfully secured R124.5 billion in investment commitments, surpassing its original target of R95 billion by R29.5 billion. These investments are anticipated to generate over 330,000 jobs.
According to South African Government News Agency, Provincial Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli announced this achievement during his keynote speech at the 2026 KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference, held at the Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban on October 15 and 16.
The conference was attended by national and provincial government leaders, investors, business executives, and other stakeholders, all aiming to explore investment opportunities and strengthen economic partnerships within the province. Premier Ntuli emphasized the importance of converting these investment pledges into tangible projects and sustainable employment.
The new investment commitments build on the province's ongoing investment drive launched in 2024, which saw 17 companies pledge R85.2 billion. Since the inaugural conference, over 80% of those projects have commenced, resulting in more than 68,000 permanent jobs and 119,000 temporary jobs.
To facilitate these developments, the Provincial Government has established an Investment Office within the Office of the Premier to manage red tape, resolve delays, and support investors in progressing from commitments to production.
Premier Ntuli highlighted the need for broadening economic growth beyond Durban, advocating for investments to reach smaller towns and rural areas across KwaZulu-Natal. The Secondary Cities Programme, a 30-year initiative starting in 2026, will focus on cities such as Pietermaritzburg, Newcastle, and Richards Bay, among others.
Additionally, District Investment Conferences will be organized to spotlight regional projects and opportunities directly to potential investors. Despite global challenges like geopolitical tensions and economic slowdowns, KwaZulu-Natal remains committed to facilitating investments and working with the private sector to overcome infrastructure challenges and accelerate project implementation.
The Provincial Government aims to ensure that these investment commitments lead to significant economic growth and job creation for the province's residents.