Johannesburg: The Gauteng Provincial Government is poised to host the second annual Gauteng Investment Conference (GIC) at Melrose Arch on Thursday. Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to deliver the keynote address at the event, which follows the successful sixth South Africa Investment Conference.
According to South African Government News Agency, the provincial government, led by then Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile, outlined plans to secure R800 billion in investments by the end of the seventh administration. Maile emphasized the importance of transforming pledges into actionable projects, moving from mobilisation to institutionalisation. He highlighted that the success of the conference would be measured by implementation rather than attendance or headlines.
Last year, the GIC secured R312.5 billion in pledges across sectors such as agro-processing, transport, infrastructure, property development, and aviation, which are expected to create approximately 114,000 job opportunities. As of February this year, 28% of these pledges have transitioned into active projects, unlocking R73 billion for the real economy. Maile stated that this conversion rate is crucial for maintaining the credibility of Gauteng’s investment efforts.
The GIC serves as a platform for integrating project preparation, investor engagement, intergovernmental coordination, and capital mobilisation. Maile noted that the conference accelerates delivery by translating strategy into bankable projects and aligning provincial ambitions with investor expectations. This approach supports the objectives of the Gauteng Economic Development Plan, which focuses on inclusive growth, industrial expansion, infrastructure acceleration, job creation, and long-term competitiveness.
As the GIC 2026 approaches, the provincial government aims to reinforce Gauteng’s status as a leading investment destination in Africa. The conference seeks to secure R200 billion in new investment commitments and showcase sectors aligned with global trends, such as advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, electric vehicles, digital infrastructure, agro-processing, green hydrogen, and financial services.
Key projects to be highlighted at GIC 2026 include the Gauteng Rapid Rail Integrated Network extensions, the Lanseria Smart City, the aerotropolis around OR Tambo International Airport, the expansion of the West Rand SEZ, and the proposed Vaal SEZ focused on steel revitalisation and green hydrogen.
This year’s conference aims to strengthen the entire investment lifecycle, building on the momentum of 2025 and aligning with initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area and African Union Agenda 2063. Maile emphasized the importance of converting diplomatic relations into structured pipelines and placing municipalities at the core of the investment model, ultimately leading to economic growth through capital mobilisation and project implementation.
