The KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference 2026, held at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) on 15 October 2026, secured historic investment pledges of R124,57 billion across 49 projects. These investments are expected to create an estimated 130 348 jobs during the construction phase. Once the projects are complete and fully operational, they are expected to sustain an estimated 207 468 permanent jobs.

The pledges reflected strong confidence in KwaZulu-Natal as a destination for investment, growth and opportunity. Held under the theme “Driving Investment, Industrialisation and Localisation for a Globally Competitive KwaZulu-Natal”, the conference placed investment, industrialisation and localisation firmly in focus. Discussions centred on strengthening local production, expanding industrial capacity, deepening automotive value chains and attracting investment that supports sustainable job creation.

The conference was attended by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Hon. Thamsanqa Ntuli; eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality Mayor, Cllr Cyril Xaba; and government leaders from across the country. Running as an integrated programme with SA Auto Week, which began on 13 October 2026, the conference provided a strategic platform to connect investors with KwaZulu-Natal’s investment opportunities, industrial capabilities and priority development projects.

Facilitated by Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN), an entity of the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), the conference reinforced the province’s ambition to turn investment opportunities into meaningful partnerships, business growth and inclusive economic development.