Preparations are under way for the Gauteng Investment Conference, which aims to ultimately attract R800-billion in investment pledges into South Africa’s most populous province over the next three years.

Officially launched by Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile at the JSE on Thursday, the Gauteng Investment Conference, to be held on April 3, will catalyse the province's economic momentum and align with its broader regional integration goals.

Gauteng continues to attract major public and private sector funding, solidifying its status as a prime global investment destination.

In an effort to ramp up efforts to continue to promote Gauteng as a leading global investment and tourism destination, the conference has seven objectives, all geared towards the developmental agenda of the province, as well as the region.

The first objective is to secure R300-billion in investment commitments.

“This is a foundational step toward our R800-billion target. It is a call for both domestic and international investors to support the transformative initiative in Gauteng grounded in sustainable development,” he said.

“While this might sound like an insurmountable target, we are confident in the investment potential of the province, as well as the existence and further development of the infrastructure that is necessary to convince the global investor community of our capacity.”

The second objective is to showcase high-growth sectors in Gauteng, highlighting transformative opportunities, from advanced manufacturing to the digital economy, reinforcing Gauteng’s position as a prime destination for impactful investments aligned with regional growth priorities.

The third objective of the investment conference is to enhance project preparation and execution to ensure that projects are well-prepared, with a focus on risk mitigation, feasibility and investor readiness.

“This approach aims to secure impactful investments that contribute to Gauteng’s sustainable development. Linked to this is the fourth objective, which is to foster local and international collaboration,” Maile commented.

“The conference will serve as a collaborative forum for public and private entities, fostering partnerships that drive regional growth. The Gauteng Department of Economic Development aims to create networks that promote strategic investments and align with shared objectives for a prosperous Gauteng.”

Further, the fifth objective is to enhance Gauteng's business environment, by addressing barriers to doing business in the province, as well as make the region more accessible and attractive for investment.

“We are focused on creating a streamlined, investor-friendly environment conducive to both new investments and business expansion. We will showcase policy and regulatory improvements that position Gauteng as a preferred destination for business expansion and new ventures,” he explained.

The sixth objective of the conference is to advance sustainable and inclusive investments.

Maile contended that the Gauteng provincial government aspired to position the province as a leader in climate-smart, socially inclusive growth, inviting investors who value environmentally responsible development that benefits communities without posing threats to the environment.

The sustainability of the province’s economic development is dependent on the creation of jobs, which is a crucial component to improved human development.

“Thus, the seventh objective of the investment conference is to support economic transformation and job creation. The focus is on projects that not only transform Gauteng’s economy but also uplift communities, foster skills development, and enable sustainable jobs.”

These initiatives will emphasise inclusive industrialisation, benefiting small businesses and historically disadvantaged groups.

“We seek to ensure that those who have been on the margins of productive economic activities, such as women, youth and persons with disabilities, are included in the economy.”

There are various developments and initiatives underway that will be of particular interest for investors, some which are being launched this month, including the OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) Precinct 2.

Precinct 1 was completed in 2024, featuring 12 buildings focused on agroprocessing and jewellery and diamond beneficiation. The precinct created over 2 500 operational and more than 2 000 construction jobs.

The province aims to revive the jewellery and diamond industry, which declined from over 5 000 to under 100 cutters and polishers since the early 2000s.

The launch of ORTIA Precinct 2 this month marks a significant milestone in Gauteng’s broader investment strategy, reinforcing the province’s commitment to fostering economic growth, industrial expansion, and job creation.

As a key component of the OR Tambo Special Economic Zone, Precinct 2 will unlock new opportunities for investors and businesses, further strengthening Gauteng’s position as a hub for high-value manufacturing and beneficiation.

“We look forward to welcoming local, regional and global businesses who are keen to develop a lasting and mutually beneficial partnership anchored on values of inclusivity and sustainable development,” Maile concluded.