A recent investment conference in the province gathered potential investments totaling around R125 billion. It is anticipated that over R42 billion will be directed to the eThekwini municipality.
The conference, held recently at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), marked a significant step in the province's efforts to attract capital, stimulate economic growth, and create sustainable jobs for KwaZulu-Natal residents. This event inspired the province to set an ambitious goal of creating one million jobs by 2029, with a large portion of this job creation expected to come from the eThekwini municipality.
The investment commitments were distributed as follows: eThekwini Municipality: R42.838 billion; King Cetshwayo District: R40.391 billion; uMgungundlovu District: R27.2 billion; iLembe District: R4.568 billion; ugu District: R4.127 billion.
The provincial government stated that the investments promised this year are expected to create over 330,000 new jobs. According to the government, this will give new hope to thousands of households and strengthen KwaZulu-Natal's position as a leading destination for investment, industrial development, and economic expansion.
Premier Themba Ntluli noted that the figures presented demonstrate the significant investment potential of eThekwini, King Cetshwayo, and uMgungundlovu. He also highlighted opportunities for expanding economic activity and attracting additional investment to other parts of the province.
Premier Ntluli stated that they continue to accelerate momentum as investment commitments have grown from over R85 billion in 2024 to approximately R101 billion in 2025 and to R124.576 billion in 2026. He added that it is necessary to transform this confidence into real production and employment, as the goal of one million jobs by 2029 requires urgent and targeted action. Premier Ntluli emphasized that they will engage with the private sector and development partners to ensure that investments translate into real opportunities and long-term improvements in people's lives.
Premier Ntluli clarified that the growing investment portfolio of the province is a key element of the Seventh Administration's broader goal of creating at least one million jobs by the end of its term in 2029. He stressed that achieving this goal will require continuous investment, strengthening partnerships with the private sector, expanding existing businesses, supporting small and medium enterprises, and accelerating projects capable of generating jobs on a large scale.
Ntluli emphasized that the R124.576 billion secured at the investment conference brings them closer to this goal. The projected more than 330,000 jobs show the potential of investment to change lives, but the main focus must remain on ensuring that these commitments materialize into actual projects, operating businesses, and sustainable employment.
Ntluli also expressed a desire for the residents of KwaZulu-Natal, especially youth and those excluded from economic opportunities, to benefit tangibly from the province's investments.
Among the announced major projects, 18 identified projects are linked to eThekwini and represent investments of nearly R40 billion. These projects aim to stimulate industrial growth, strengthen local production, and create jobs, with implementation planned over 36 months.
eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbele stated that the investment commitments reflect the effect of the City's continuous efforts to build investor confidence, promote transparent governance, and reduce administrative delays. He noted that these commitments confirm the importance of constant engagement with investors, the City Centre Regeneration Programme, and the City's Economic Development Stimulation Policy in attracting investment, unlocking development opportunities, and creating an environment conducive to business growth and job creation. Mbele concluded that Durban is open to business, and the city remains committed to strengthening infrastructure, removing barriers to investment, and ensuring that these commitments lead to sustainable economic growth and opportunities for residents.