South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile speaking at the Gauteng Investment Conference 2026. Image: GGDA
South Africa
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South Africa
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says government and business must work together to boost investment, industrial growth, and job creation.
South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to advance South Africa’s reindustrialisation agenda.
Speaking at the Gauteng Investment Conference 2026 on Thursday, Mashatile highlighted the need for investment in skills, localisation, and small business development to drive economic growth and job creation.
He said government is working to create a stable environment for investors through policy certainty, improved infrastructure, and better coordination, while also encouraging private sector investment.
Mashatile emphasised that modern industrialisation must include digital innovation, with sectors such as artificial intelligence and data infrastructure playing a key role.
He also pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area as an opportunity to strengthen regional trade and build African value chains.
The conference forms part of Gauteng’s plan to attract significant investment and position the province as a leading economic hub on the continent.
