KwaZulu-Natal successfully hosted the South African Auto Week 2026 x KZN Investment Conference at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) from 13 to 16 October 2026.

Industry leaders, automotive innovators, government representatives, financiers and investors converged in the province to explore the future of mobility and unlock new opportunities for investment, industrialisation and local manufacturing. With KwaZulu-Natal in the driver’s seat, the focus was on accelerating growth and strengthening the province’s position as a leading automotive and investment destination.

MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Rev. Musa Zondi, highlighted the importance of integrating the KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference 2026 with SA Auto Week. “Combined, they form one powerful platform that places the automotive industry where it belongs: at the point where investment, industrialisation and localisation meet,” he said.

MEC Zondi outlined the province’s efforts to attract and retain automotive investment, strengthen localisation and regional supply chains, support SMMEs and emerging manufacturers, and broaden participation across the automotive value chain. He also explained how KwaZulu-Natal is expanding access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure, building on its established automotive strength while preparing for the industry’s next generation.

Alongside MEC Zondi, KZN EDTEA Head of Department, Dr. Nkosenye Zulu, and ADDG, Ms. Fikiswa Pupuma, took part in several panel discussions. Topics included skills development for careers in the automotive sector, provincial plans to grow automotive investment, and how logistics reforms, infrastructure investment and public-private partnerships can strengthen KwaZulu-Natal’s position as Southern Africa’s premier trade hub. Further discussions explored opportunities to improve port efficiency, strengthen global trade connectivity, attract strategic investment and expand air cargo capacity to support high-value exports.

The event also featured a colourful exhibition where delegates could see and experience some of the latest new energy vehicles (NEVs). These vehicles arrived in Durban as part of the naamsa NEV Road Trip: Escaping the Noise 3.0, which travelled from the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng. As South Africa continues its transition to new energy vehicles, the road trip showcased hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles from nine automotive manufacturers, while also demonstrating the country’s charging infrastructure capabilities and readiness. Overall, the week highlighted the importance of skills development, infrastructure investment and strategic partnerships in unlocking investment, driving economic growth and positioning KwaZulu-Natal as a competitive gateway for regional and international trade.