KwaZulu-Natal Targets R95 Billion Investment

The KwaZulu-Natal government has set its sights on attracting R95 billion in investments to the province during this month’s 2025 KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference (KZNIC 2025).

The Investment Conference will be held from 22–24 October 2025 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.

Organised by Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN), the flagship investment platform aims to position the province as Africa’s premier trade and investment destination. With an ambitious target of R95 billion in new commitments, this year’s conference will focus strongly on empowering small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), advancing inclusive participation, and aligning with South Africa’s Group of twenty (G20) Presidency.

MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Reverend, Musa Zondi, said the conference carries a transformative vision. 

“This year’s conference is not just about pledges, it is about building a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive KwaZulu-Natal. The R95 billion investment target represents jobs, opportunities, and transformation for our people,” he said.

Zondi stressed that inclusivity lies at the heart of the programme.

“We are deliberate in ensuring that the opportunities unlocked at KZNIC 2025 benefit not only established investors but also SMMEs, Black Industrialists, women and youth entrepreneurs. These are the drivers of our economy, and we are determined to create space for them to thrive alongside global partners,” he explained.

The MEC linked the provincial gathering to South Africa’s global leadership moment. “Our country’s Presidency of the G20 under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’ guides this year’s conference. KwaZulu-Natal is embracing these principles by strengthening solidarity with our partners, promoting equality through inclusive participation, and driving sustainability by prioritising green and future-fit investments,” he added.

Zondi said the conference is proof of the province’s ability to turn commitments into tangible impact. “KwaZulu-Natal delivers on its promises, and through this conference, we are opening our doors even wider to investors who want to be part of a province on the rise,” he remarked.

The MEC noted that last year’s gathering secured R85.2 billion in pledges, with more than 80 percent of projects already under implementation, creating tens of thousands of jobs. Building on this momentum, the 2025 edition is expected to deepen investor confidence while ensuring that SMMEs and emerging entrepreneurs capture a fair share of opportunities.