Despite being known for its year-round sunshine and pristine beaches that both locals and tourists cherish, Durban is more than just a gateway to the Indian Ocean.
This sentiment was echoed by various speakers on the opening day of the annual, KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference, held at the Durban ICC.
The three-day conference, celebrated under the theme “Building a Resilient, Inclusive and Globally Competitive KwaZulu-Natal,” is designed to showcase the province as Africa’s premier trade and investment destination, while driving transformative and inclusive economic growth.
In his address, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Musa Zondi, highlighted the tangible outcomes of the 2024 conference. He revealed that pledges amounting to R85.2 billion were made last year, resulting in the creation of 68 000 permanent jobs and 119 000 temporary jobs through various projects – proving that the conference is far more than just a talk shop.
Zondi added that recent provincial GDP results affirm KwaZulu-Natal’s positive economic trajectory. In the second quarter of 2025, the province’s economy grew by 0.8% quarter-on-quarter, marking the strongest pace since early 2023.
“This growth was driven by solid gains in key sectors, particularly mining (4.4%), agriculture (2.2%), and manufacturing (1.8%). These sectors remain critical drivers of job creation, industrialisation, and export diversification – all central to our economic recovery and growth strategy,” said Zondi.
He further noted that KwaZulu-Natal continues to demonstrate its appeal as one of South Africa’s foremost investment destinations – a province defined by resilience, opportunity, and growth. In 2024, total investment rose by 0.5%, increasing from R171.3 billion in 2023 to R172.08 billion.
Notably, the province attracted five foreign direct investment projects in the first nine months of 2025, valued at approximately R1.76 billion, which created around 167 new jobs.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli praised the success of the 2024 conference, saying it demonstrated that when government, business, and investors unite with a shared purpose, extraordinary outcomes are possible.
“I am proud to report that more than 80% of the pledged projects are now under construction – transforming commitments into concrete reality. This progress is not merely financial investment; it is a profound vote of confidence in KwaZulu-Natal’s potential and our capacity to deliver on our promises,” Ntuli said.
“To our investors, both domestic and international, I extend this assurance: KwaZulu-Natal is open for business, and we are committed partners in your success,” he added.
