Investment Conference set to attract 31 countries, targets R2 trillion in next five years

By Thebe Mabanga

The sixth South African Investment Conference (SAIC), set to take place in Johannesburg next week, has attracted 31 countries, with the number expected to rise to as many as 45 as Middle Eastern countries currently affected by the war in Iran confirm their participation and investment announcements, subject to flight availability and other logistical considerations.

This emerged during a briefing held by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) on Monday to outline final preparations for the event, which will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau said the event, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2018, has been an “unqualified success”, having attracted R1.56 trillion—about 26% more than its initial five-year target of R1.2 trillion. The conference now targets R2 trillion over the next five annual editions.

“More than 31 countries, representing international delegates, are making their way to