As South Africa’s economic growth and investment suffered in 2020 due to the pandemic, Trade and Industry Minister, Ebrahim Patel said the country would host its third investment conference next week.
“Of course, COVID-19 has impacted investment and we now need to address that,” Patel said on Monday when briefing the media about the upcoming conference.
“For South Africa, our intention is to use the opportunity of the investment conference to showcase the opportunities available in South Africa. We want to make sure SA stands out and opportunities are identified,” he said, adding that investment opportunities in the country existed in different sectors ranging from infrastructure and energy among others.
A total of 664 billion rand (about 43 billion U.S. dollars) was pledged in the first two investment conferences.
Patel said while the country would welcome new commitments in pledges by local and foreign investors, much of “focus will be on consolidation and making sure all that has been pledged can be implemented.”
The first day of the conference will be held virtually on November 17 to allow more delegates to be part of the event and the second day will include plenary sessions where attendance will be reduced to COVID-19 restrictions.
Growth potential and blockages in the digital economy, agriculture, energy, and tourism, are among areas to form part of high-level panel discussions, with social partners participating.