Since 2018, President Cyril Ramaphosa's investment mobilisation drive has secured over R2.4 trillion in pledges across six Investment Conferences - making South Africa Africa's most active investment destination.
6th South Africa Investment Conference
The 2026 conference secured the highest-ever value of investment commitments since SAIC was established in 2018. Domestic firms led the charge - with two-thirds of company-led pledges from South African companies, signalling strong confidence in the local economy. The conference formally launched South Africa's second investment mobilisation drive, targeting R3 trillion in new investment by 2030 under the "3Ds" framework: Decarbonisation, Digitisation and Diversification.
Six conferences. One sustained drive.
From R290bn at SAIC 1 in 2018 to a record R890bn at SAIC 6 in 2026.
1st South Africa Investment Conference
Inaugural conference. 1 050 delegates attended. R290 billion announced across mining, manufacturing, telecoms, energy and agro-processing. First five-year target set: R1.2 trillion by 2023.
2nd South Africa Investment Conference
Combined cumulative total after two conferences reached approximately R664 billion. Strong domestic and international investor participation across infrastructure, manufacturing and retail.
3rd South Africa Investment Conference
Held in hybrid format during the pandemic. 50 companies made commitments. Cumulative total reached R773.6 billion across mining, manufacturing, agriculture and the digital economy.
4th South Africa Investment Conference
First in-person conference post-Covid. 80 pledges. Cumulative total reached R1.14 trillion — 95% of the initial five-year target. Held 24 March 2022, Sandton Convention Centre.
5th South Africa Investment Conference
Cumulative total of R1.56 trillion — exceeding the original R1.2 trillion target by 26%. President Ramaphosa announced a new R2 trillion target for 2023–2028. 317 total pledges; 161 projects finalised or under construction.
6th South Africa Investment Conference
Held 31 March 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre. 81 confirmed investment pledges — the highest number and highest value since the drive began in 2018. Approximately two-thirds of company-led pledges came from domestic firms including Sasol (R60bn), V&A Waterfront (R24bn) and MTN (R21.8bn). International commitments were received from DP World (UAE), Visa, Uber (US), Green Minerals & Metals (China), and companies from Britain, India and France.
The conference formally launched South Africa's second investment mobilisation drive, targeting R2 trillion in new investment by 2030, structured around Decarbonisation, Digitisation and Diversification. Over R634 billion from the first drive has already flowed into the economy — 137 projects valued at R400bn completed and 84 projects worth R417bn currently under construction.
Progress Towards R3tn Target
398 pledges since inception
These investors represent a cross-section of South African industry as well as international capital from across the globe. 317 projects from the first drive; 81 new commitments at SAIC 6.
Pledges becoming reality
R4.5bn investment signals shift in minerals beneficiation
Nyanza Light Metals and East China Engineering Science and Technology's investment represents South Africa's opportunity to break the resource curse - moving from raw material exporter to value-added manufacturer of titanium and mineral products.
Read storyKerry opens Africa's largest taste manufacturing facility
Kerry, the global leader in Taste and Nutrition, opens a R650 million greenfield project in South Africa - driving economic growth and bringing sustainable nutrition solutions to over two billion people by 2030.
Read storyPresident Ramaphosa opens Corobrik's Kwastina factory
The R800 million Kwastina factory - delivering 100 million bricks per year - marks the completion of Corobrik's pledge made at the 2019 SAIC to invest over R1 billion in South Africa by 2022.
Read storyGame-changing hydrogen fuel cell manufacturing gets underway
After a decade of research and investment, South Africa begins manufacturing hydrogen fuel cells for use as an alternative energy source - positioning the country at the forefront of Africa's green hydrogen transition.
Read storyThe 2022 Investment Conference in pictures
24 March 2022, Sandton Convention Centre - the first in-person conference post-Covid, with 80 investment pledges totalling R367 billion.
SAIC 6 in pictures
31 March 2026, Sandton Convention Centre - a record R889.8 billion in investment pledges, captured through the lens.