South Africa has secured nearly R900 billion (approximately $53.6 billion) in fresh investment commitments at the 6th South Africa Investment Conference, marking a record-setting outcome as the government ramps up efforts to drive economic growth, industrial expansion, and large-scale job creation.
Closing the conference, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the investments—spanning the green economy, energy, tourism, manufacturing, and digital sectors—are expected to generate more than 200,000 jobs, reinforcing the country’s push toward inclusive economic recovery.
Riding on the momentum, Ramaphosa announced a significant escalation of South Africa’s medium-term investment ambition, raising the five-year target from R2 trillion (about $119.2 billion) to R3 trillion (about $178.8 billion). The move signals a more aggressive strategy to attract capital and reposition the economy amid global competition for investment flows.
“We are now at the first year of this long journey that we started at two trillion, but tonight I’m changing the target. As President, I’m changing the target from two trillion to three trillion, that is the new target now,” Ramaphosa said.
He framed the revised benchmark as a renewed mandate for government and private sector stakeholders to intensify efforts toward capital mobilisation and economic reforms. “I’m glad that my ministers are applauding more, it means that they have a new mandate and the new mandate is that we must now go for three trillion and not two trillion anymore, so the target has changed,” he added.
The President also moved to reassure investors on policy certainty, confirming that regulations under the new Public Procurement Act will be finalised by mid-year. The reforms are expected to strengthen transparency, improve efficiency, and enhance accountability in public contracting—critical levers for sustaining investor confidence.
