Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau.
Image: Supplied
South Africa is preparing for the sixth Investment Conference, on the back of good economic data that it hopes will attract even more investments.
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, said the SA economy is "slowly but surely turning a corner on its long-standing economic challenges, showcasing the initial fruits of the government's pro-growth reformist agenda.
"The momentum is evidenced by four consecutive quarters of growth into early 2026, a development that officials credit to targeted interventions and a concerted investment mobilisation drive.
Tau has heralded this economic turnaround as a significant achievement, noting that consistent energy supply, a marked improvement in transport and logistics, and a reduction in inflation—now at an encouraging 3.5%—have all contributed positively across various sectors.
“Mining and agriculture have both shown strong growth, which bodes well for sustained economic advancement,” Tau said and emphasised the importance of these sectors in underpinning the nation's recovery.
In a bid to sustain this growth trajectory, South Africa is preparing to host the 6th Investment Conference (SAIC) at the Sandton Convention Centre on 31 March 2026.
"This conference will align with President Cyril Ramaphosa's vision articulated during the 2026 State of the Nation Address, signalling ambitious investment targets aimed at reinforcing the country’s economic foundation in the medium term."
Tau said R600 billion has flowed into the South African economy so far, facilitating the establishment of new factories, mines, and various industrial facilities. Tau opined that these investments are pivotal in advancing South Africa’s national goals of socio-economic development, particularly in creating sustainable jobs, alleviating poverty, and addressing persistent inequality.
"Since its inception in 2018, the SAIC has emerged as the foremost platform for attracting both global and domestic delegates to explore emerging economic opportunities. As the 2026 conference approaches, there is a noticeable lift in investor sentiment that has developed over the past 18 to 24 months, prompted by substantial improvements in the country’s energy reliability," Tau said.
According to Tau, this forthcoming conference will be meticulously anchored on a comprehensive, future-focused economic and industrial policy, including key targets set within the Medium Term Development Plan, the Economic Growth and Inclusion (GAIN) programme, and South Africa’s evolving New Industrial Policy, which is currently being finalised.
“The 6th SAIC will continue to build on our previous achievements since the beginning of the 7th administration,” Tau said.
“Over the past year and a half, we have implemented industrial reforms in targeted sectors while also incentivising industries to create jobs. Furthermore, we have initiated market and export diversification through our Butterfly Strategy and are working on a redesign of Transformation via the Transformation Fund and a comprehensive review of the B-BBEE policy.”