KWAZULU-NATAL TO HOST 2025 INVESTMENT CONFERENCE WITH R95 BILLION TARGET

Embargo: 09 September 2025, 12:00

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has officially announced that the 2025 KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference (KZNIC 2025) will be held from 22–24 October 2025 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban.

 

The flagship investment gathering, facilitated by Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) on behalf of the provincial government, is widely regarded as one of the country’s most influential economic platforms. It is designed to showcase KwaZulu-Natal as Africa’s premier trade and investment destination, while driving transformative and inclusive economic growth in the province.

 

With an ambitious target of R95 billion in new investment pledges, KZNIC 2025 is set to build on the strong foundation established in previous years. The event will not only highlight KwaZulu-Natal’s competitive sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, tourism, technology and the green economy, but will also create a marketplace for forging high-value partnerships between local businesses, global investors and government.

 

Speaking at a media briefing hosted at African Bank, which returns as the event’s main sponsor for the second consecutive year, MEC for Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal, Rev Musa Zondi emphasised the transformative vision of this year’s conference.

“This year’s conference is not just about pledges, it is about building a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive KwaZulu-Natal. The R95 billion investment target represents jobs, opportunities, and transformation for our people. KwaZulu-Natal delivers on its promises, and through this conference, we are opening our doors even wider to investors who want to be part of a province on the rise,” he said.

 

Mrs Edna Sathekga-Montse, African Bank’s Group Chief Transformation & Sustainability, was delighted by the success of the first KZNIC and reiterated African Bank’s commitment to make a positive impact in KZN, and South Africa.

“We are delighted to witness the transformative effect our first sponsorship of the KZNIC has had in this region. The belief that you can unlock economic potential through investment was the driving force behind the establishment of African Bank. We believe that the work we do to empower the communities and businesses we serve will have a reinvigorating ripple effect across South Africa,” she added.

 

The announcement comes on the back of the remarkable success of the 2024 investment conference, which secured R85.2 billion in pledges. Notably, more than 80 percent of these projects have already broken ground, creating over 68,000 permanent jobs and 119,000 temporary jobs, signalling KwaZulu-Natal’s proven ability to convert commitments into tangible economic impact.

 

This year’s conference is also aligned with South Africa’s G20 Presidency, which is being hosted under the global theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.” These guiding principles will be strongly embedded within the KZNIC 2025 programme. The conference will focus on strengthening solidarity through robust partnerships that advance shared prosperity across Africa; promoting equality by ensuring that investment opportunities benefit Black Industrialists, women, youth, and SMMEs; and driving sustainability by prioritizing green investments and infrastructure that balance economic growth with environmental protection.

 

The three-day programme will feature high-level plenary sessions, sector-focused dialogues, business-to-business and business-to-government engagements, structured networking opportunities, and exclusive speaking platforms. These elements are designed to ensure that investors not only gain insights into KwaZulu-Natal’s opportunities but also secure meaningful partnerships that deliver lasting impact.

 

KwaZulu-Natal remains one of South Africa’s most attractive investment destinations. Its world-class infrastructure, strategic trade corridors and access to global markets through two of Africa’s busiest ports position the province as a gateway to the continent. Combined with a committed provincial government that continues to create a conducive business environment, the KwaZulu-Natal offers an unmatched value proposition to investors across diverse sectors.

 

Businesses and investors are encouraged to seize this opportunity to be part of KZNIC 2025 and contribute to shaping KwaZulu-Natal’s economic future. For further information or to pledge participation, please visit www.tikzn.co.za or contact TIKZN directly at 031 368 9600.

 

About the KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference

The KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference is the province’s premier platform for driving trade and investment. It brings together government, private sector leaders, development finance institutions, and global investors to unlock opportunities, secure investment pledges, and foster inclusive economic growth.

 

For further information, please contact:

Sinenhlanhla Mthembu: EDTEA Media Liaison Officer & Spokesperson

071 871 6886

Or

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

0725418282

 

ISSUED BY: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs

ENDS