23 October 2025 | ICC Durban, Today marks a defining moment in our collective journey towards building a dynamic, inclusive, and globally competitive provincial economy. As we conclude this 2025 KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference, I wish to express my deepest appreciation to all business leaders and investors who have stepped forward to pledge their commitment to the growth and transformation of our province.

Your investment commitments are not merely financial transactions - they are declarations of confidence in KwaZulu-Natal’s future. They reflect a shared belief that sustainable growth requires an active and deliberate partnership between the public and private sectors. This partnership is the essential nexus through which innovation, infrastructure, and inclusive development will converge to unlock the full potential of our economy.

As government, we are clear that economic renewal cannot be achieved in isolation. The growth of KwaZulu-Natal is intrinsically linked to the strength of collaboration between the state, the business community, and our social partners. It is through this collective effort that we will address structural challenges, expand industrial capacity, and ensure that the benefits of growth reach every corner of our province.

We therefore regard today’s pledges not only as investments in projects, but as investments in people, in ideas, and in a shared vision of prosperity. Together, we are laying the foundation for an economy that is resilient, competitive, and anchored in ethical governance and innovation.
On behalf of the government and the people of KwaZulu-Natal, I extend our sincere gratitude to all investors who have demonstrated their trust in this province. Your confidence affirms that KwaZulu-Natal remains a destination of choice for investment - a place where commitment meets opportunity, and where partnership yields progress.
Friends ​

This year, KwaZulu-Natal stands at a remarkable point in its growth trajectory. We have recorded 34 major investment projects, with a combined value of R 100,1 billion (one hundred billion, one hundred million), carrying the promise of over 60,000 direct jobs and more than 240,000 indirect employment opportunities across our province.
These are not mere statistics - they are indicators of renewed confidence, and more importantly, symbols of hope. Behind every investment figure lies the prospect of real transformation: opportunities for families to thrive, for small businesses to expand, and for communities to experience meaningful change.

What makes this year’s investment pledges particularly significant is their geographic and sectoral spread. From the vibrant economic corridors of eThekwini and Msunduzi to the fast-developing centres of iLembe, uMgungundlovu, King Cetshwayo, uMkhanyakude, uThukela, Amajuba, and Ugu, the impact of these projects will be felt in every district.
This balanced distribution is not coincidental — it reflects our deliberate strategy to drive inclusive regional growth and to harness the unique comparative advantages of each area, whether in logistics, agriculture, tourism, or manufacturing.
The diversity of projects underscores KwaZulu-Natal’s evolving economic character. We are seeing significant expansion in renewable energy, industrial and commercial property, agro-processing, advanced manufacturing, retail, tourism, and skills development. Collectively, these sectors position our province as a space of both industrial renewal and future-oriented innovation — a province that is not merely recovering from past disruptions, but actively shaping a new developmental path for South Africa.

It is especially encouraging that many of these are greenfield investments, new ventures that inject fresh capital, ideas, and energy into our economy. The brownfield expansions are equally vital, fortifying the foundations of industries that have long anchored KwaZulu-Natal’s economic resilience. From renewable energy initiatives such as Colenso Power and Mulilo Energy Holdings, to large-scale mixed-use and tourism developments including Zimbali Lakes, Salt Rock City, and Seaton Estate — each project represents a tangible expression of confidence in KwaZulu-Natal’s potential.

As a provincial government, we do not take this confidence for granted. Every investor who chooses KwaZulu-Natal affirms their belief in our governance, our institutions, and most importantly, our people. These investments will enable young people to enter the labour market, small enterprises to integrate into value chains, and communities to participate in the benefits of economic growth.
This is the story of KwaZulu-Natal’s renewal — a story driven by partnership between the public and private sectors, underpinned by shared vision, trust, and responsibility. Our government remains steadfast in creating an enabling environment for investment - one defined by policy certainty, improved infrastructure, ethical governance, and efficient service delivery.

On behalf of the government and the people of KwaZulu-Natal, I extend our deepest appreciation to every investor, business leader, and development partner who has pledged their support. Your decision to invest in this province is not simply a financial transaction — it is a vote of confidence in our shared future.

Together, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more inclusive, and globally competitive KwaZulu-Natal — a province that works not only for business, but for all its people.

I thank you.