On the 13th of February 2025, the Gauteng MEC of Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, officially launched the Gauteng Investment Conference at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in Sandton.
The Gauteng Investment Conference, scheduled to take place on the 3rd of April 2025, will catalyse the province’s economic momentum and align with its broader regional integration goals in an effort to ramp up efforts to promote Gauteng as a leading global investment and tourism destination. The MEC recently led the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) delegation to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he reaffirmed the place of Gauteng as a global player in the global economic and geo-political arena.
This place has been affirmed by the province’s hosting of the G20 Summit scheduled for November 2025, marking the first time in history that the meeting of the intergovernmental forum will be taking place on the African continent. Gauteng continues to attract major public and private sector funding, solidifying its status as a prime global investment destination.
The Gauteng Investment Conference has various linked objectives that are all geared towards the developmental agenda not only of the province but of the region. The province aims to attract R800-billion in investment pledges over three years.
According to the MEC: “While this might sound like an insurmountable target, we are confident in the investment potential of the province, as well as the existence and further development of the infrastructure that is necessary to convince the global investor community of our capacity. Thus, the first objective of the conference is to secure R300-billion in investment commitments. This is a foundational step toward our R800-billion target. It is a call for both domestic and international investors to support the transformative initiative in Gauteng grounded in sustainable development”.
The second objective of the investment conference is to showcase high-growth sectors in Gauteng. Due to its strong quaternary sector and investment in re-industrialisation, the province offers numerous high-potential investment sectors. The conference will highlight transformative opportunities, from advanced manufacturing to the digital economy, reinforcing Gauteng’s position as a prime destination for impactful investments aligned with regional growth priorities.
The Gauteng Investment Conference has various linked objectives that are all geared towards the developmental agenda not only of the province but of the region. The province aims to attract R800-billion in investment pledges over three years.
The third objective of the investment conference is to enhance project preparation and execution. This will ensure that projects are well-prepared with a focus on risk mitigation, feasibility, and investor readiness. This approach aims to secure impactful investments that contribute to Gauteng’s sustainable development. Linked to this is the fourth objective, which is to foster local and international collaboration.
The conference will serve as a collaborative forum for public and private entities, fostering partnerships that drive regional growth. The Gauteng Department of Economic Development aims to create networks that promote strategic investments and align with shared objectives for a prosperous Gauteng.
The fifth objective of the investment conference is to enhance Gauteng’s business environment. By addressing barriers to doing business in Gauteng, the department aims to make the region more accessible and attractive for investment. MEC Maile posited that: “We are focused on creating a streamlined, investor-friendly environment conducive to both new investments and business expansion. We will showcase policy and regulatory improvements that position Gauteng as a preferred destination for business expansion and new ventures.”
The sixth objective of the conference is to advance sustainable and inclusive investments.
Gauteng is committed to investments that promote sustainability and inclusivity. MEC Maile reiterated that the 7th administration in the province has defined sustainable and inclusive development as its key priority, stating that this is rooted in an appreciation of the geo-histories that have shaped both the province and South Africa as a whole. He contended that the GPG aspires to position the province as a leader in climate-smart, socially inclusive growth, inviting investors who value environmentally responsible development that benefits communities without posing threats to the environment.
There are various developments and initiatives underway that will be of particular interest for investors, some which are being launched this month.
The sustainability of the province’s economic development is dependent on the creation of jobs, which is a crucial component to improved human development. Thus, the seventh objective of the investment conference is to support economic transformation and job creation. The focus is on projects that not only transform Gauteng’s economy but also uplift communities, foster skills development, and enable sustainable jobs.
These initiatives will emphasise inclusive industrialisation, benefiting small businesses and historically disadvantaged groups. Maile asserted that: “We seek to ensure that those who have been on the margins of productive economic activities, such as women, youth and persons with disabilities, are included in the economy.”
There are various developments and initiatives underway that will be of particular interest for investors, some which are being launched this month. One of these is the OR Tambo International Airport Precinct 2. Precinct 1 was completed in 2024, featuring 12 buildings focused on agro-processing and jewellery and diamond beneficiation. The Jewellery Manufacturing Park was established to boost beneficiary. It houses the second-largest food processing factory in the country and contributed significantly to the creation of jobs. The precinct created over 2 500 operational and more than 2 000 construction jobs.
Mineral beneficiation is an important component of the GPG’s inclusive and sustainable economic development agenda. This is because it supports South Africa’s mineral beneficiation strategy to convert raw minerals into high-value products, which drives inclusive and sustainable economic growth, creating more jobs and higher value-add. In addition to this, the re-industrialisation priority is anchored on investment in manufacturing.
The province aims to revive the jewellery and diamond industry, which declined from over 5000 to under 100 cutters and polishers since the early 2000s. The MEC noted that significantly, beneficiation prevents exporting jobs and economic opportunities, ensuring value is retained within South Africa.
The launch of ORTIA Precinct 2 this month marks a significant milestone in Gauteng’s broader investment strategy, reinforcing the province’s commitment to fostering economic growth, industrial expansion, and job creation. As a key component of the OR Tambo Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Precinct 2 will unlock new opportunities for investors and businesses, further strengthening Gauteng’s position as a hub for high value manufacturing and beneficiation.
Stating the official launch of the Gauteng Investment Conference, the MEC stated: “It is important to not only expand Gauteng’s global investment reach, but to also ensure that the envisaged growth and development is to the benefit of the broader region and continent. We look forward to welcoming local, regional and global businesses who are keen to develop a lasting and mutually beneficial partnership anchored on values of inclusivity and sustainable development.”
Further details on the logistics of the Gauteng Investment Conference, as well as registration processes, will be communicated across GPG platforms in due course.
