Excerpt from the Gauteng Investment Booklet 2025 Foreword, by the Premier of Gauteng, Hon. Panyaza Lesufi
Gauteng is South Africa’s undisputed economic powerhouse and the nerve-centre of the regional economy. We represent 27% of the country’s population, generate 60% of national trade and attract 40% of South Africa’s total foreign direct investment inflows.
Gauteng contributes 34% to the national GDP and just over 7% to the sub-Saharan GDP – the largest contribution of any provincial economy in the SADC region, outpacing many national economies on the continent. We are home to more than half of South Africa’s SMEs, which form the bedrock of innovation, inclusion and job creation in our economy.
While we take pride in these accomplishments, we remain acutely aware of the socio-economic challenges that confront us – especially unemployment, inequality and infrastructure backlogs.
These challenges demand decisive leadership, strategic partnerships and meaningful investment. During the 7th administration, we aim to unlock catalytic capital, accelerate inclusive industrialization, and reposition Gauteng as the continent’s most investor-ready region.
The Gauteng Investment Booklet 2025 presented here showcases over R200-billion worth of infrastructure projects led across all spheres of government and municipalities. These initiatives form the backbone of our effort to build an enabling environment for private investment, streamline the ease of doing business, and lay down the physical and digital infrastructure needed for long-term growth.
These initiatives form the backbone of our effort to build an enabling environment for private investment, streamline the ease of doing business, and lay down the physical and digital infrastructure needed for long-term growth.
High-impact public sector projects featured in the booklet
In building a Gauteng of the future, our public sector has not remained idle. It is actively reshaping Gauteng’s development landscape with bold, high-impact initiatives.
This booklet features several standout projects, including:
1. Gauteng Rapid Rail Integrated Network (GRRIN) Extensions
A transformative 32 km rail link connecting underserved areas like Randburg, Cosmo City and Soweto to key economic nodes such as Sandton and Marlboro. This project enhances regional mobility and spatial integration.
2. Lanseria Smart City Development
An ambitious urban development designed to become South Africa’s first post-apartheid smart city. This project integrates smart infrastructure, green energy, and innovation ecosystems, anchored by strategic transport and utility upgrades.
3. City of Johannesburg Alternative Waste-to-Energy Programme
This initiative will generate up to 88MW of green energy through landfill gas extraction and biodigester technologies, supporting environmental resilience and circular economy models.
4. Aerotropolis Development around OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA)
A logistics-focused megaproject designed to position Gauteng as a globally integrated air cargo and passenger hub. It integrates industrial, commercial and residential developments around one of Africa’s busiest airports, unlocking vast economic potential.
5. Fresh Produce Market Recapitalisation (City of Johannesburg)
A major overhaul of Johannesburg’s key agri-logistics hub aimed at improving market access for farmers, ensuring food security and promoting agri-processing value chains.
These projects are bold. They are ready. And they are backed by coordinated, cross-government support to move swiftly from planning to execution.
The Gauteng Investment Conference is not just a moment – it is a movement. It is our call to action for strategic partnerships that deliver real outcomes. We invite you to be part of this journey – to invest in the future of Gauteng and, by extension, the future of South Africa and the continent.
Let us rise together – Gauteng is open for investment
