Private sector commits to 'massive capital investments' in SA at Investment Conference

The sixth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) kicked off in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Tuesday.

The overarching objective is to position the Conference as Africa’s premier investment platform, with the 2026 event the cornerstone for an ambitious drive to attract R2 trillion in new investment commitments over the next five years.

In his opening remarks, President Cyril Ramaphosa said SAIC 2026 takes place against a (domestic) backdrop of growth and recovery, despite a time of uncertainty for the global economy.

"Geopolitical fragmentation, supply chain disruptions from conflicts and wars and trade tensions are radically impacting global capital flows. In such conditions, South Africa presents a favourable proposition as a resilient, credible and reform-oriented investment destination with strong fundamentals."

He told delegates their presence at the Conference signalled that, as investors, they see what South Africa sees - "real and enduring potential, long-term value and untapped opportunity".

Ramaphosa also highlighted how reforms are helping unlock real investment at SAIC 2026.

In conversation with Stephen Grootes, Brand SA chairperson Ipeleng Selele echoes the President's statement that "there can be no better time to invest in this dynamic, growing economy than now".

Also citing the structural reforms underway, Selele says South Africa is turning a corner as progress in this area builds momentum for the country.

"The discussions on Tuesday focused on how we further build on that momentum, and most importantly, how we sustain it."

"And before we even talk about the figures, we have to then look at what these key fundamentals are. And yes, positioning South Africa as an attractive invesment destination is very, very possile -  from an infrastrucute perspective it's possible, with water you must remember the President's Sona speech... also from an energy transition point of view it's possible, with critical minerals and digital technology..."

Government has now released a statement to reveal that SAIC 2026 has resulted in private sector leaders committing to major capital investments across key sectors of the economy.

It said the Conference unveiled a group of 16 “landmark investments” each valued at R10 billion or more, spanning multiple sectors including energy, tourism, digital infrastructure and manufacturing.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation with the Brand SA chair