MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Rev Musa Zondi announced that the KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference  will take place on 11 and 12 November in Durban.

The aim of the conference is to promote KZN as the preferred investment destination by showcasing its unique selling points, including its natural resources, infrastructure, and strategic location, positioning it as a gateway to the rest of Africa.

A major highlight of the conference will be investment pledges to be made by several companies, demonstrating investors’ confidence in the province. Held since 2007, the KZN Investment Conference takes place as a lead-up to the South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC), expected to take place early next year. Between 2018 and 2023, KZN contributed 58 investment projects with a pledged value of R144.272 billion at SAIC, contributing to exceeding President Cyril Ramaphosa’s R1.2 trillion target by 26%.

“This gathering is taking place at a crucial time as we seek to reignite economic growth in the wake of significant challenges. The conference theme, ‘Unlocking KZN’s Economic Potential: Driving Trade and Investment to Transform the Province’s Future,’ reflects our commitment to meaningful discussions, strategic partnerships, and actionable plans. Our province, like many others, is emerging from a period of economic stagnation, constrained fiscal resources, and persistent unemployment. The country has been hard hit by global pressures, including geopolitical tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic. As if these external hurdles were not crippling enough, KwaZulu-Natal has also faced civil unrest and suffered devastating climate-related crises. Despite these trials, KwaZulu-Natal stands ready to rebuild, adapt, and thrive,” said Zondi.

The KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference facilitated by EDTEA entity Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal, will open with political leadership providing insights into the province’s economic growth plans and initiatives. Over two days, the conference will cultivate trade and investment opportunities by creating platforms for discussions with experts, industry leaders, investors, and policymakers. Among the exhibitors will be small business owners from across diverse sectors a chance to explore potential new markets. This is an opportune as the conference takes place during National Entrepreneurship Month, which recognises the role of SMME’s in driving the economy.

There will be several high-level panel discussions addressing critical aspects of trade and investment, including:

– African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) and Intra-Africa Trade

– Unlocking KZN’s Economic Potential: Trends, Opportunities, and Challenges

– Access to Finance/Funding

– Ease of Doing Business in KZN through One-Stop Shop Services

– Infrastructure Funding and Catalytic Projects

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: 11-12 November 2024                  

Time: 8:00 for 8:30 AM                

Venue: Durban ICC

RSVP: Nosipho Mngoma, Communications Specialist: Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal. 

072 5418282  or nosipho@tikzn.co.za

For enquiries please contact:  Sinenhlanhla Mthembu, Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson: EDTEA. 071 871 6886