In a significant boost for the province’s economy, Gauteng’s MEC for Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, has announced that R73 billion has been unlocked from 17 investment projects currently in progress across the province.
This announcement came during the launch of the 2026 Gauteng Investment Conference (GIC) at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange on Tuesday, where Maile outlined plans aimed at transforming Gauteng into a leading investment destination in Africa.
According to the MEC, it is expected that recent pledges will collectively support over 114,000 jobs and create significant economic opportunities for Gauteng residents.
“As of this month, 28% of the pledges secured in 2025 have already been converted into active implementation, translating to R73 billion that has been unlocked for the real economy,” he stated.
Maile indicated that Gauteng continues to strengthen investor confidence, accelerate project implementation, and drive sustainable economic transformation, following the mobilisation of R312.5 billion in pledges across 60 projects in 2025.
“This year, the GIC 2026 will now focus on pledge-to-project conversion, aftercare, and tangible on-the-ground delivery, ensuring investment translates into jobs, infrastructure, and inclusive growth. Gauteng is not just attracting investment; it is turning commitments into measurable impact,” said Maile.
Maile stressed the importance of engaging in a coordinated programme of action with strategic and bankable projects from all three spheres of government.
These, he said, include the Gauteng Rapid Rail Integrated Network extensions, which connect underserved communities to major economic nodes; the Aerotropolis around OR Tambo International Airport, positioning Gauteng as a continental logistics and manufacturing hub, as well as the expansion of the West Rand SEZ (Special Economic Zones) and the proposed Vaaland SEZ, focused on steel revitalisation, green hydrogen, and advanced manufacturing.
“These are catalytic projects aligned to corridor-based development and industrial clusters. Feasibility studies, regulatory alignment, and institutional backing support these initiatives. As we now prepare for the Gauteng Investment Conference 2026, we are elevating the model. Our goal is to fortify Gauteng’s standing as the top sub-national investment destination in Africa — a status characterised by its credibility, project preparedness, and execution discipline,” he added.
Ahead of the State of the Province Address (SOPA) and the investment conference, Maile said the objective of the annual conference is now geared towards securing R200 billion in new investment commitments.
“To strengthen collaboration with both local and international partners, the Gauteng Investment Conference 2026 will bring together African governments, sub-national leaders, global investors, development finance institutions, and private sector stakeholders in curated deal rooms and structured policy dialogues. This target is not aspirational. It is pipeline-backed and supported by structured engagement with investors and sector leaders,” he added.
Siyabonga Sithole
iol.co.za
