Conference secures R100.1-Billion in pledges
Building a resilient, inclusive and globally competitive KwaZulu-Natal is no longer an aspiration, it is a R100.1 billion reality. This was the value of investment pledges, committed by 34 private and public sector investors at the KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference (KZNIC) 2025, held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 22-23 October 2025.
The pledged value surpassed the ambitious target of R95 billion set by the provincial government. Appreciating the investors at the pledge ceremony, KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said this marked a defining moment in the collective journey of building a dynamic, inclusive, and globally competitive economy. “What pleased me most is that these kinds of pledges are spread across the province, to rural townships and secondary cities. It inspires hope that KwaZulu-Natal’s economy is growing and reflects a shared belief that sustainable growth requires active and deliverable partnership between the public and private sectors. These partnerships are the essential nexus through which innovation, infrastructure, and inclusive development will converge to unlock the full potential of our economy.”
The investments pledged, are projected to create approximately 60 270 direct and 244 689 indirect jobs within five years, marking a significant step forward in the province’s growth trajectory. Of this total, R75.3 billion is attributed to new greenfield projects, R13.1 billion to brownfield expansions, and R370 million to hybrid investments in the energy and renewables, industrial manufacturing property and urban development, tourism and hospitality, logistics and infrastructure and agro-processing and agriculture sectors. The diversity of the project mix signals both investor confidence and the maturity of KwaZulu-Natal’s industrial ecosystem.
The pledge ceremony, took place on the second day of the KZNIC, which is facilitated by Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal on behalf of the provincial government. The annual gathering is aimed at strengthening public-private sector partnerships, attracting investments and positioning the province as a premier investment destination. The conference serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration and economic growth, bringing together stakeholders from around the globe to discuss trade and investment opportunities in KZN. It is a dynamic space where businesses, investors and policymakers connect to shape the future and drive the province’s growth through strategic partnerships, collaboration, and deal-making.
The two-day programme included panel discussions on tangible efforts to unlock the province’s growth potential and attract sustainable investment. For the first time, this year’s conference also included a deal room, where project owners presented their projects to investors, facilitating direct engagement between promoters and financiers to turn pipeline projects into bankable deals. Over R40 billion worth of projects were presented to investors and financiers, creating a space where deals were not merely discussed but actively shaped.
Strengthening export readiness and competitiveness, especially for SMMEs integrating into global value chains, is also a key focus area. Exporters were empowered through Export Masterclass and Export Essentials Workshop while the exhibition component of the conference accommodated 50 exhibitors from established corporations and emerging enterprises, providing a tangible display of KwaZulu-Natal’s industrial capacity and innovation in the manufacturing, technology, agro-processing and design sectors. Recognising that the province’s long-term growth depends on its ability to compete globally. The workshops were designed to strengthen the technical and strategic capacity of KwaZulu-Natal enterprises to access international markets. The sessions reflected a shift from promoting exports in theory to building the skills and systems needed to trade effectively and sustainably.
Sustainability means attracting and retaining investments. But first it is bringing pledges to fruition. Reflecting on the achievements since the 2024 conference TIKZN CEO Sihle Ngcamu provides context for the enthusiasm surrounding this year’s commitments. Last year, 17 companies pledged R85.2 billion across manufacturing, logistics, mixed-use development, tourism and renewable energy sectors, promising to create 82,271 jobs.
MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Rev Musa Zondi, proudly reported that these were not empty promises. “Just less than a year later, nearly a quarter of these projects are already operational,” he told delegates. “While 18% of last year’s pledged projects are still at a planning stage, almost 60% are under construction.” Zondi called the conference a clarion call to action. “We have demonstrated our capacity to convert pledges into progress, commitments into construction, and investment into impact. We invite each participant to play their part in this collective endeavour. Whether you are an investor seeking opportunities, an entrepreneur building solutions, a policymaker shaping frameworks, or a development partner facilitating growth, your contribution is vital. Together, let us seize the moment to build a KwaZulu-Natal that is resilient in the face of challenges, inclusive in its prosperity and globally competitive in its ambitions. The future we envision was within reach; let is reach for it together” he concluded.
As the conference concluded, the message from government and business leaders was clear: this is just the beginning. The R100.1 billion in pledges represents partnerships forged in trust, sustained by delivery and driven by a shared belief that KwaZulu-Natal’s best days lie ahead.
