CAPE TOWN – President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to lead a three-day South Africa Investment Conference which aims to raise at least $100 billion (R1.4 trillion) in investment over the next five years.
The conference will be held from Thursday at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
According to Khusela Diko, spokesperson to the president, the conference will take place under the theme “Accelerating Growth by Building Partnerships”, following a commitment to this effect made by the president during his State-of-the-Nation Address in February.
“The conference is a key milestone in the country’s bold ambition to raise at least R100bn in new domestic and international investment over the next five years,” the statement read.
Through the conference, South Africa will market the compelling investment opportunities available in the country as part of the government’s interventions geared at boosting economic growth and creating much-needed jobs.
At least 1 000 delegates, comprising of invited business leaders and civil society, are expected to attend the conference.
On Friday, President Ramaphosa will officially open and lead the conference which will have, among others, focused sector specific discussions around agriculture, agro-processing, mining and manufacturing, transport, ICT, tourism, BPO, film, energy, water and venture capital.
The official opening will be followed by a walk along Vilakazi Street in Soweto with delegates to showcase the vibrancy of the township economy.
The South Africa Investment Conference builds on the recent Presidential Job Summit, where labour, business, government and the community constituency adopted a groundbreaking Framework Agreement to prevent further job losses, create jobs and support companies in distress.