South Africa has launched a renewed push to revive its economy, as President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a bold plan to attract about $116 billion (roughly R2 trillion) in new investment over the next five years.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the country’s Sixth Investment Conference, held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
The event has drawn more than 1,000 business leaders, investors, and policymakers from across Africa and around the world, according to Business Insider Africa.
This new investment target builds on an earlier initiative launched in 2018, which initially aimed to secure R1.2 trillion.
That goal was surpassed, reaching R1.5 trillion in commitments across five previous conferences, with over R600 billion already channeled into projects in manufacturing, mining, energy, and logistics.
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In his opening remarks, Ramaphosa emphasized that the priority has now shifted toward real outcomes.
He told attendees that government reforms in key sectors such as energy reliability, digital infrastructure, and industrial growth are showing “clear signs of progress,” adding that the country is moving “from promise to performance.”
The conference, co-hosted with the International Finance Corporation, introduces a stronger focus on results by tying investment pledges directly to clearly defined projects with measurable impact.
The theme of this year’s gathering, “Invest. Partner. Prosper.”, highlights South Africa’s effort to position itself as a more competitive and reform-driven economy.
Officials also pointed to the country’s strengths, including its diverse industrial base, improving regulatory environment, and strategic role as a digital and trade gateway to the broader African market.
Key sectors identified for growth and investment opportunities include renewable energy, green hydrogen, fintech, and broadband expansion.
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Image Credit: Business Insider Africa
