SA to pitch reform momentum, renewed investment appeal at Davos amid global tension

Team South Africa will use the global spotlight of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos to project a renewed image of economic stability, reform momentum and investment readiness, as a high-level government delegation prepares to attend the gathering.

The delegation will be led by Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana and includes Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, and Minister of Small Business Development Stella Tembisa Ndabeni.

Their participation comes as the WEF convenes under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue”, reflecting growing global concern over geopolitical fragmentation, economic volatility and weakening multilateral cooperation.

The government on Friday said South Africa’s engagement in Davos is aimed at positioning the country as a credible and attractive investment destination, underpinned by improving macroeconomic fundamentals and progress on long-standing structural reforms.

Recent developments to be highlighted include the stabilisation of electricity supply following years of load shedding, South Africa’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist, and an upgrade of the country’s sovereign credit rating by ratings agency S&P Global.

The delegation will emphasise progress across several key reform areas, including energy, logistics, water infrastructure, digital communications and support for small businesses.

These reforms form part of South Africa’s medium-term growth strategy, anchored in four interdependent policy pillars: maintaining macroeconomic stability, accelerating structural reforms, building state capability, and investing in growth-enhancing infrastructure.

The government will also have to navigate the growing tension between South Africa and the United States, the third largest export destination for South African goods. Agoa is critical legislation that allows for eligible sub-Saharan African countries to enjoy duty-free access to the US market.

In spite the approval of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) Extension Bill by the US House of Representatives last week, the the Trump administration has imposed a 30% tariff on South African goods. However, engagement regarding matters of mutual concern between the two governments continue.

Meanwhile, Brand South Africa, which coordinates the country’s participation at Davos, said the platform remains strategically important despite its cost and the increasingly complex global environment.

Thoko Modise, the general manager of communication at Brand South Africa, said the WEF provides an opportunity to position the country as a credible, objective investment destination while reinforcing its regional leadership and global diplomatic role.

“We are able to position the country as a credible investment destination, and regional leadership is one of our priorities, as well as global diplomatic influence,” Modise said.

“Our strategic framework is focused on macroeconomic stability, structural reforms, regional leadership, and driving partnerships and investment.”

Modise noted that South Africa’s presence at Davos is made possible through a partnership model involving government, business and other stakeholders. While acknowledging that participation is a “massive and very expensive exercise”, Modise said the platform was critical for advancing South Africa’s interests at a time of heightened global instability.

“We are very grateful that we were able to secure the funding,” she said. “This is a great and important platform for South Africa to continue to position itself in a challenging global environment.”

This year’s delegation will also see increased participation from partners, including South African Tourism, which is joining the Davos programme for the first time.

Brand South Africa has also secured a strategic partner at premier level, though Modise said the organisation was not at liberty to publicly name the entity due to government protocols.

“Our role is to be the bridge between opportunity, partnership and delivery for Team South Africa,” Modise said. “We are positioned to help government, the public sector and civil society make the right connections, ensuring a strong and integrated global engagement.”

The South African programme in Davos will include ministerial engagements, investment promotion activities and targeted dialogues with global business leaders, development partners and multilateral institutions. Priority access and visibility will be given to partners supporting the country’s presence at the forum, alongside official government representatives.

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