The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, officially opened the 2025 KwaZulu-Natal Trade and Investment Conference at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 22 October 2025, launching a two-day Provincial Trade and Investment Drive aimed at accelerating economic growth, driving industrial expansion, and creating sustainable employment across the province.

The high-level conference brought together international and domestic investors, government leaders, diplomatic representatives, and industry captains, reaffirming KwaZulu-Natal’s position as a strategic gateway to the African continent and a globally competitive trade and investment hub.

Building a Resilient, Inclusive, and Competitive KwaZulu-Natal

In his keynote address themed “Building a Resilient, Inclusive, and Globally Competitive KwaZulu-Natal”, Premier Ntuli underscored the provincial government’s commitment to structural economic reform, enterprise development, and regional integration.

“KwaZulu-Natal is open for business. We are a province that welcomes investment, innovation, and enterprise. Sustainable growth requires strong partnerships between the public and private sectors – working together to unlock value, create jobs, and build inclusive prosperity,” Premier Ntuli said.

He highlighted that the seventh administration is dedicated to fostering policy certainty, ethical governance, and infrastructure readiness, which together form the foundation for investor confidence and long-term economic stability.

Unlocking High-Impact Sectors for Growth

Premier Ntuli outlined the province’s priority investment sectors, which are pivotal to transforming KwaZulu-Natal’s economy into one that is resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.

Key sectors identified include:
• High-value manufacturing and industrial development;
• Agro-processing and agri-tech;
• Renewable and green energy technologies;
• Logistics, transport, and digital infrastructure; and
• Tourism and real estate development.

He reaffirmed that KwaZulu-Natal already contributes over 21% of South Africa’s total manufacturing output, and the provincial government aims to expand this through increased investment in automotive components, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and green industries.

“Our aim is to ensure KwaZulu-Natal is a place where goods are made, value is created, technology is transferred, and competitiveness is strengthened,” Premier Ntuli said.

Catalysts for Industrial Growth and Global Connectivity

The Premier pointed to the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone, Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone, and the Durban Aerotropolis as flagship projects driving industrialisation, export growth, and innovation. These projects are central to the provincial Industrial Strategy, offering world-class logistics, seamless connectivity, and direct access to global markets.

The Premier also emphasised the province’s commitment to the Just Energy Transition, positioning KwaZulu-Natal as a hub for green manufacturing — from solar and wind energy to battery assembly and hydrogen production — ensuring that communities benefit from this transformation.

Infrastructure, Investment, and Regional Integration

Highlighting the KwaZulu-Natal Infrastructure Master Plan, Premier Ntuli referenced catalytic projects such as the Durban–Free State–Gauteng logistics corridor upgrade, Richards Bay Port expansion, and Dube TradePort Phase II.

He reaffirmed that these investments represent more than physical assets:

“They are investments in confidence, competitiveness, and connectivity — signalling to the world that KwaZulu-Natal is ready to lead.”

KwaZulu-Natal’s two major ports, Durban and Richards Bay, serve as Africa’s busiest maritime gateways, and are being modernised to enhance efficiency and support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) — enabling KwaZulu-Natal to lead the next phase of intra-African trade and industrial cooperation.

Inclusive Economic Development and Secondary Cities Growth

Premier Ntuli announced the creation of the KwaZulu-Natal Secondary Cities Network, a pioneering initiative aimed at decentralising growth and revitalising towns such as Richards Bay, Newcastle, uMhlathuze, Ladysmith, Kokstad, and Pietermaritzburg.

This approach will ease urban overconcentration in Durban and unlock the untapped potential of smaller cities through targeted infrastructure investments in roads, housing, broadband, and logistics networks.

The Premier also spotlighted the province’s booming property sector, now valued at R435 billion, particularly along the North Coast corridor, which is fast becoming a magnet for residential and commercial investment.

Investment Office and Public-Private Collaboration

Premier Ntuli announced that the Office of the Premier has established an Investment Office to coordinate investor relations, fast-track approvals, and resolve barriers to business. He cited recent engagements with the uThukela District Municipality and Dunlop SA, where collaboration between government and business restored trust and protected jobs.

“This is the KwaZulu-Natal way — we listen, we engage, and we act. We believe in partnership over confrontation, in solutions over bureaucracy, and in shared prosperity over short-term gain,” said Premier Ntuli.

Call to Action: Invest in KwaZulu-Natal

The Premier concluded with a powerful appeal to both local and international investors:

“Invest in KwaZulu-Natal, invest in the future of Africa. This is our moment to re-industrialise with purpose, to trade smarter, and to build partnerships that will define the next decade of Africa’s growth story.”

The 2025 KwaZulu-Natal Trade and Investment Conference reaffirmed the province’s status as a strategic investment destination, where government, business, and communities unite to build a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive economy — inspiring new hope for a prosperous future.