By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Government will host the sixth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) as part of its efforts to attract R2 trillion in new investment commitments over the next five years.
Addressing the media in Tshwane on the state of readiness for the conference, ministry of Trade and Industry Parks Tau said more than 31 countries representing international delegates are making their way to South Africa.
The sixth edition of the SAIC is scheduled to take place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on March 31.
Since the first investment conference in 2018, South Africa has registered investment pledges of R1.56-trillion across all nine provinces and multiple sectors, from mining and manufacturing to agro-processing and data centres.
The 2026 conference aims to reinforce a clear narrative to investors: credible reforms drive investor confidence, unlock deployable opportunities, and foster sustainable global partnerships.
The upcoming summit builds on the success of the previous five-year investment cycle, which concluded in March 2023, after raising R1.51 trillion, surpassing the initial R1.2 trillion target.
To date, more than R600 billion of these commitments have flowed into projects, supporting the establishment of new factories, mines, and other productive facilities across the country.
Announcing the conference during the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa said government was determined to build on this momentum.
Tau explained that SAIC was established with the mandate to mobilise both domestic and foreign investment at scale and to translate that investment into jobs, growth, and opportunity for the nation’s people.
“The first five-year investment drive, which ran from 2018 to 2023, was an unqualified success by any measure. South Africa secured R1.56 trillion in investment pledges, surpassing the Presidency’s original target by 26%.
“That achievement was not by accident, it was the product of deliberate partnerships, disciplined engagement, and a government that chose to be open for business,” Tau said.
He added that 2024 was a reset moment and that 2025 was the year of implementing the diversification strategy known as the Butterly strategy.
“This strategy enabled us to explore various markets, sell South Africa to the world, and ensure that South Africa is open for business.
Tau said the first cycle built the framework of trust and partnership, and that the new cycle is about translating pledges into implementation, which demonstrates economic growth and jobs.
“We live in a world of competing demands for capital. Every nation is making the case for why it deserves investor attention. We are making ours not with promises alone, but with proof,” he said.
Tau acknowledged that some invitees had indicated that it might be difficult for them to travel, owing to the war launched by Israel and US against Iran.
However, the global character of the event would be sustained partly through the fact that the 2026 event would be livestreamed.
“History does not wait for perfect conditions, “Tau said, in response to questions about escalating geopolitical tensions and South Africa’s ongoing strains with the US.
Since its launch, the conference has drawn thousands of local and international delegates, positioning South Africa as a competitive and globally relevant investment destination. An estimated 1 250 delegates are expected to attend the 2026 edition in person.