Record investment pledges a turning point for South Africa’s economy

South Africa has entered a new phase of growth, with the country securing the highest-ever investment commitments at the 2026 South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC).

The SAIC is an event where the government invites local and international businesses to pledge money toward specific projects that will grow the economy and create new jobs.

Closing the conference in Sandton recently, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the scale of pledges both in value and number of projects, marks a significant milestone since the launch of the investment drive in 2018.

"The cumulative value of the pledges made at this conference is the highest we have achieved since the first South Africa Investment Conference. It is also the highest number of projects.

"Much of this is domestic capital, demonstrating the strong and growing confidence of South African investors in our own economy," the President said.

The large share of the commitments from domestic investors was complemented by a sharp rise in foreign direct investment and participation from development finance institutions.

President Ramaphosa said the breadth of investments across all nine provinces demonstrates that growth is no longer concentrated but increasingly distributed across the country’s economic landscape.

Major announcements included a R10.4 billion investment by Toyota in KwaZulu-Natal to support the automotive sector’s energy transition, while Sasol committed R60 billion to modernising operations in Mpumalanga and the Free State.

Mulilo, a South Africa-based global company specialising in green energy  production, also announced a bold commitment of nearly R15 billion, signalling a decisive vote of confidence in South Africa’s economic trajectory and energy future.

Other investments span mining, renewable energy, infrastructure and global business services including projects expected to create thousands of jobs, such as Teleperformance’s R145 million investment set to generate 2,600 employment opportunities.

"These investments span all nine provinces, affirming their potential as engine rooms of growth," President Ramaphosa said.

Beyond the figures, the President highlighted South Africa’s structural advantages, including a sophisticated financial sector, advanced infrastructure, abundant renewable energy resources and a youthful population.

He also underscored the importance of the country’s constitutional democracy, noting that the rule of law remains a cornerstone for investor confidence.

"South Africa’s investment case is not in doubt, and the reform agenda has proven to be consistent and measurable," he said.

However, the President cautioned that while sentiment has improved, the country must now translate commitments into tangible economic activity.

"As we leave this conference, let us carry forward the momentum. This is just the start – we still have much farther to go. Let us turn commitments into projects on the ground and translate plans into progress," he said.