By Akani Nkuna
Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development Lebogang Maile says the provincial government is targeting major new investment commitments at the second Gauteng Investment Conference (GIC).
“We aim to secure R200 billion in new investment commitments. This target is not aspirational, it is a pipeline act and supported by structured investment with investors, DFIs and sector leaders,” he said.
ALSO READ: Sol Plaatje municipality gives permanent posts to 125 workers after years on contract
“We seek to showcase high growth sectors that align with global and continental trends, including advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, electric vehicles value chains, digital infrastructure logistics, agro-processing, green hydrogen and financial services to strengthen collaboration with both local and international partners.”
Maile was speaking at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) on Tuesday during the launch of the conference, which was attended by investors, government officials, and international business and financial institution leaders, where he outlined Gauteng’s financial ambitions ahead of the event.
The first Gauteng Investment Conference, held in April 2025, secured R312.5 billion in investment pledges, exceeding the province’s R300 billion target, according to an official provincial government statement issued at the time.
ALSO READ: KZN police take up ‘invitation’ to investigate Durban security tycoon
Those pledges were linked to an investment pipeline of 60 projects across sectors such as manufacturing, energy, transport and logistics, and agro-processing, with a published pledge list providing project-by-project detail.
Maile said the breadth of commitments in 2025 reflected Gauteng’s ability to attract investment and build trust with business leaders.
“We expect these pledges to collectively support over 114 000 jobs and create significant economic opportunities for the people. A standout example is the continued growth of the OR Tambo International Airport precinct, which is becoming a hub for manufacturing, logistics and inclusive growth in our region.”
ALSO READ: Vetting of Ekurhuleni officers starts
He said that some of the pledges had translated into tangible delivery.
Currently, 28% of the pledges secured at the 2025 conference have been converted into active implementation, said Maile, adding that 17 out of 60 projects are in the rollout phase, “and this translates to R73 billion that has been unlocked in the real economy”.
Maile said the conversion rate was central to the province’s credibility as an investment hub.
INSIDE METROS
.){kind=link}