Thought leaders Archives

SA’s investment prospects buoyed by economic recovery

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, 30 March 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa gears up for the sixth South Africa Investment Conference taking place in Sandton, Gauteng. This week, we will be welcoming delegates from more than 50 countries to the sixth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) in Sandton, Gauteng. Since its inception in 2018, the SAIC has grown to become a premier global forum for showcasing the attractiveness of investment opportunities in our country to domestic and international investors. Investment conferences play a key role in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) as high-profile platforms that connect international investors with local opportunities. They also facilitate strong partnerships by bringing together governments, business, banks and development finance institutions. As investors look to destinations that have demonstrated resilience in the face of increasingly volatile global financial conditions, South Africa presents a favourable proposition. We are Africa’s largest economy with a diversified industrial base. Since we began our first R1,2-trillion investment mobilisation drive in 2018, we have secured investment pledges in mining, healthcare, automotive, food and beverage and others, reflecting the sophistication of our economy. South Africa is also the leading destination for renewable energy investment on the continent, with these investments making up a considerable share of the total pledges made at previous conferences. We have a sound policy and regulatory environment, offering certainty to investors at a time when we are just one of many emerging markets across the globe vying for capital. We are also a gateway for businesses looking to set up or expand their operations in Africa. Through this conference, as well as the five preceding ones, we will be seeking to build even greater confidence in our country as an investment destination, and to demonstrate our commitment to structural reform, policy certainty and policy execution. The green shoots of economic recovery we are experiencing further bolster our position. The macroeconomic outlook has improved. We experienced four consecutive quarters of growth by the end of 2025, national debt has stabilised, and more jobs are being created. Last year, our sovereign rating was upgraded for the first time in 17 years, and we were removed from the Financial Action Task Force grey list. The structural reform agenda being driven through Operation Vulindlela has unlocked progress in electricity, freight logistics, water, telecommunications, and the visa system. We have brought load-shedding to an end and are creating a new, competitive electricity market that will ensure energy security and attract investment. The country’s logistics sector is being rapidly modernised, and we are enabling private investment in port and rail operations. Among the projects for which we have initiated a Private Sector Participation (PSP) process are the Ngqura Manganese Export Corridor in the Eastern Cape and the Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal in KwaZulu-Natal. Last year we also signed a 25–year concession for the Durban Container Terminal Pier 2, representing R11-billion in private investment. A system for third-party access to the freight rail network is in place, and 41 freight rail slots have been allocated to private companies. We have implemented reforms to the visa regime to attract new skills and promote tourism. These include operationalising the Remote Work Visa, introducing a Trusted Employer Scheme to support major investors, and piloting an Electronic Travel Authorisation system. By showcasing the progress and durability of the reform agenda, our goal is to grow the pool of inward investment from businesses and countries that will ultimately be a bridge to new markets, technologies and networks for South Africa. This year’s conference has to date attracted more than 1 000 delegates from more than 50 countries. At the end of our first five-year investment mobilisation drive in 2024, we exceeded our target by 26%, securing pledges valued at R1,57-trillion. Over 300 projects were initiated, and to date, 161 of these have been finalised or are under construction. The pledges have not been merely vague commitments and promises, but have materialised as tangible, brick-and-mortar projects that are creating jobs for our people. Last year I opened the Platreef Mine in Mokopane in Limpopo, which is positioned to play a leading role in the production of sought-after critical minerals for the energy transition. This facility that employs more than 2 000 workers from the local community and is partly owned by a community trust emanated from a R2,8-billion investment pledge by Ivanhoe Mines at the South Africa Investment Conference in 2022. Last year, I also visited the BMW plant in Rosslyn in Tshwane, where the automotive giant has invested R4,2-billion for the electrification of its only plant on the continent that will be producing the BMW X3 Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicle. This was also an investment pledged at the SAIC. By showcasing our unique and favourable proposition as an investment destination of choice, we have set ourselves the goal of mobilising R2-trillion in new investments by 2028. As we strive to achieve growth that creates jobs for our people, this next phase will move from pledges towards implementation. This year’s investment conference stands at the crossroads of opportunity and ambition. The clear message we will be delivering is that we remain committed to staying the course on fiscal discipline, to accelerating the momentum of the reform agenda – and to leveraging investment to build an economy that is inclusive, transformed and that benefits all.

From growth to dignity: Why coordinated industrialisation is Gauteng’s best weapon against unemployment

News, Thought leaders / By Tasez

Dr Bheka Zulu, CEO of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone, reflects on Gauteng’s MEC for Economic Development and Finance, Lebogang Maile’s call to tackle unemployment through sustained, coordinated implementation that transforms growth into jobs. Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, is correct in asserting that addressing unemployment in the province is no longer about isolated interventions, but about sustained, coordinated implementation that transforms growth into jobs – and jobs into dignity, stability, and hope. This is not simply a policy statement; it is a call to action that speaks directly to the structural realities of South Africa’s economy. For too long, economic growth and employment outcomes have moved on separate tracks. Investment announcements have not always translated into meaningful opportunities for communities, and skills programmes have not always aligned with industry demand. Bridging this gap requires precisely the kind of coordinated execution the MEC is advocating. At the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), we see daily evidence that when alignment is intentional, growth does convert into jobs. Special Economic Zones are designed to function as integrated ecosystems – bringing together government policy, infrastructure investment, private sector capital, skills development institutions, and local enterprise participation into a single industrial platform. This coordination reduces barriers to investment while accelerating employment creation across multiple layers of the economy. The automotive sector provides a powerful illustration. Industrial expansion anchored by major manufacturers such as Ford Motor Company not only creates jobs on the factory floor, but also drives supplier development, logistics demand, construction activity, services growth, and opportunities for small and medium enterprises. Each manufacturing job can support several additional jobs across the value chain. When scaled, this multiplier effect becomes a meaningful response to unemployment. However, coordination cannot stop at attracting investment. It must extend to localisation strategies that deepen domestic supplier participation, targeted skills development that prepares young people for modern manufacturing, and deliberate pathways for township and small businesses to enter industrial value chains. Without these linkages, economic growth risks remaining abstract — visible in statistics but not felt in households. The MEC’s emphasis on dignity and hope is particularly important. Employment is not merely an economic indicator; it is a foundation for social stability. Work provides income, certainly, but it also provides identity, confidence, and belonging. Communities with access to sustainable employment experience lower inequality, stronger family structure,s and greater resilience. Industrialisation, therefore, should be understood not only as an economic strategy but as a social compact. For Gauteng to succeed, three priorities stand out. First, implementation discipline must become non-negotiable. Plans and strategies are abundant; execution is the differentiator. Projects must move from announcement to completion faster, with measurable outcomes and clear accountability. Second, collaboration across spheres of government and institutions must deepen. Provincial initiatives, national industrial policies, municipal planning, and private sector investment need to operate within a shared framework focused on employment outcomes. Third, policy certainty and investor confidence must be protected. Industrial investment is long-term by nature. Businesses commit capital when they trust the stability of the environment in which they operate. Consistency and reliability in policy signals are therefore critical to sustaining job creation momentum. Gauteng remains South Africa’s economic engine. Its infrastructure, industrial base, financial ecosystem and human capital position it uniquely to lead a new phase of re-industrialisation. But leadership will ultimately be judged not by growth rates alone, but by whether that growth changes lives. If we succeed in translating investment into factories, factories into jobs, and jobs into dignity, stability and hope, then we will have met the challenge MEC Maile has placed before us. And that is a goal worth coordinating around.

SONA 2026: A TASEZ wish list for South Africa’s industrial reset

Thought leaders / By Tasez

By TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu As South Africa prepares for the 2026 State of the Nation Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 12 February 2026, the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) – Africa’s first automotive city – is hoping to see an emphasis being placed on putting manufacturing at the centre of the country’s economic strategy. Manufacturing remains one of the few sectors capable of creating large-scale employment, driving exports and anchoring technology transfer. Yet, despite its strategic importance, South Africa’s manufacturing sector continues to underperform relative to its potential, constrained by energy insecurity, logistics inefficiencies and policy uncertainty. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are among the most effective tools available to reverse this trend. Zones such as TASEZ have demonstrated that targeted infrastructure, incentives and policy alignment can crowd in private investment and build globally competitive industrial clusters. SONA 2026 is an opportunity to scale this model. From a TASEZ perspective, there are several policy signals we would like to hear. First, a credible manufacturing growth pactSouth Africa needs a clear, time-bound commitment to manufacturing expansion, aligned with the Industrial Policy Framework, the Automotive Masterplan and the transition to new energy vehicles (NEVs). This should include measurable localisation and export targets, backed by regulatory certainty. Investors require predictability; industrial policy cannot shift with every political cycle. Second, a competitive SEZ incentive regimeSEZs compete globally. Countries such as Morocco, Vietnam and Egypt have built industrial bases by offering compelling fiscal incentives, streamlined customs processes and reliable infrastructure. South Africa must remain competitive. Enhanced incentives, faster approvals and dedicated industrial energy solutions would materially improve the country’s investment proposition. Third, explicit positioning of SEZs as anchors of the green and automotive transitionThe global automotive sector is undergoing a structural shift towards electrification, batteries and smart mobility. South Africa risks being locked out of future value chains if it does not act decisively. SEZs should be designated as production hubs for NEV (new energy vehicle) assembly, battery manufacturing and hydrogen-related industries, supported by targeted incentives and infrastructure. Fourth, localisation that delivers for MSMEsLocalisation policy must translate into real procurement opportunities for South African firms, particularly black-owned and township-based enterprises. Stronger localisation thresholds in public procurement, integrated with SEZ supplier development programmes, can help domestic firms integrate into global value chains rather than remaining peripheral participants. Fifth, infrastructure as an industrial enablerIndustrial policy without reliable infrastructure is aspirational at best. Manufacturing requires predictable electricity supply, efficient rail and port logistics, and high-quality digital connectivity. Commitments to stabilise industrial energy supply and modernise logistics networks would significantly improve South Africa’s industrial competitiveness. Sixth, blended finance to bring in private capitalIndustrial projects are capital-intensive and long-term. Development finance institutions can play a catalytic role by de-risking SEZ-based projects through blended finance structures. Public capital, concessional funding and private investment must be combined at scale to accelerate industrial development. Finally, a national skills pipeline for advanced manufacturingFuture factories require technicians, engineers and digital specialists. Coordinated partnerships between industry, TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges, universities and SEZs could position South Africa as a manufacturing talent hub on the continent. SONA 2026 comes at a defining moment. Global supply chains are fragmenting, the energy transition is reshaping trade patterns, and the African Continental Free Trade Area offers an unprecedented market for manufactured goods. South Africa has the industrial base, institutional capacity and geographic advantage to benefit – but only if policy ambition is matched by execution. SEZs such as TASEZ are platforms for a new economic narrative: one where South Africa builds, makes and exports at scale. If SONA 2026 delivers a bold and credible manufacturing and SEZ agenda, it could mark the beginning of a long-overdue industrial reset.

We must build on the momentum of our economic recovery

Thought leaders / By Tasez

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, 26 January 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa noted that the country’s economic recovery is on the up, with four consecutive quarters showing growth and unemployment showing a decline. As we enter a new year, the momentum of our economic recovery is gathering pace. In the last months of 2025, we saw a number of indicators that our collective efforts to rebuild our economy are bearing fruit. The economy has posted four consecutive quarters of growth. There has been a steady reduction in unemployment, while recent data released by Statistics South Africa shows that levels of poverty and inequality have declined considerably. Confidence in our economy is rising, the stock exchange has been performing well and the average inflation rate is the lowest in two decades. Late last year, South Africa exited the Financial Action Task Force grey list, which is an important signal of institutional improvement and a boost to investor confidence. We have also seen a sovereign credit ratings upgrade, reflecting strengthened fiscal credibility. While these signs of progress are encouraging, there is no time to rest. The difference between a temporary lift in growth and sustained shift in our economic trajectory lies in expanding investment. With a strengthening currency and rising commodity prices, we have wind in our sails. Now we must steer our ship towards greater prosperity for all South Africans. Last week, at its first meeting of the year, the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) made clear proposals on how to achieve this goal. A body of respected local and international economists, academics and practitioners, the council provides strategic and evidence-based advice on policy decisions that promote economic stability, growth and inclusivity. The council said that government should translate recent positive developments into enduring growth by simultaneously boosting public infrastructure spending and lowering the cost of doing business. Increasing infrastructure investment is not simply about spending more. It is about delivering projects that reduce the cost of doing business, unlock growth and create jobs. Council members expressed strong support for the ongoing programme of structural transformation in key sectors such as electricity, logistics and water. These interventions, which have brought an end to load-shedding and improved rail and port performance, aim to enable competition, improve the efficiency of network industries and reduce costs across the economy. Our electricity reforms are critical to this effort. A competitive electricity market is essential to bringing down the cost of electricity. And lower electricity prices are critical for both inclusive growth and social development. Similarly, improving logistics performance in rail, ports and freight corridors remains essential to exports, industrialisation and job creation. In addition to boosting private investment, we need to achieve higher levels of public investment in infrastructure. Over the last few years, we have laid a solid foundation for investment by streamlining the regulations that have held back infrastructure projects, making it easier to pursue public-private partnerships, and establishing strong institutions such as Infrastructure South Africa and the Infrastructure Fund. We have committed more than R1-trillion of public funds for infrastructure projects over the next three years. We need to build on this foundation by strengthening our state-owned enterprises and enabling them to invest at much higher levels. We must do all of this at a time when the international environment is increasingly volatile and uncertain. Global growth is expected to remain subdued over the medium term and many countries are facing heightened trade and geopolitical tensions. This underscores the need for South Africa to sharpen its competitiveness and expand markets, particularly on the African continent. We must capitalise on the positive momentum of recent months by building strong partnerships, strengthening delivery, and closing the gap between policy intent and implementation. Only if our own institutions are strong can we compete and remain responsive in a rapidly changing world. During the course of this year, we need to double down on our efforts to grow investment and create jobs. We must seize the momentum we built and translate this into long-term gains for our economy. In the coming days, Cabinet will hold its annual Lekgotla to outline the actions that will be taken across Government and with social partners to achieve these goals. Through these actions, by working together, we will ensure that the progress we’ve seen in the last year will have an impact on the lives of South Africans this year.

Why TASEZ, and SA’s other SEZs, should care about the 2026 World Economic Forum

Thought leaders / By Tasez

As the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting unfolds in Davos, Switzerland, it presents an opportunity for the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) to gain strategic insights into global business trends, writes TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu. While some may view Davos as an elite gathering far removed from local development practices, the reality is that the decisions, discourses and partnerships fashioned at this global crossroads directly shape the economic terrain in which TASEZ operates. At its heart, the WEF’s theme this year, “A Spirit of Dialogue”, reflects a global recognition that in an increasingly contested and fragmented world, renewed cooperation across sectors is essential to unlocking growth, managing technological disruption, and building resilient societies. The 56th global gathering – a diverse mix of governments, industries and sectors – takes place from 19 – 23 January 2026. South Africa, which will be sending a delegation to the WEF, is taking the key message that the country is ripe for investment and ready to do business. Davos is where global growth blueprints are crafted One of the key pillars of discussion in 2026 is unlocking new sources of growth, an agenda TASEZ must align with as it seeks to attract investment, scale industrial capacity and foster innovation. At a time when global growth is projected to slow and trade dynamics are shifting, constructive dialogue on growth strategies becomes vital. TASEZ should care because the forum shapes narratives about where capital flows next – whether it is into manufacturing hubs in Africa, decarbonising industries, or smart-technology value chains. Strategic awareness and engagement with the WEF ecosystem enable TASEZ to position itself within these narratives rather than being shaped by them. Technology and the future of work are not just global issues; they are local necessities. At the heart of WEF’s agenda is the rapid reshaping of work and skills due to artificial intelligence and other frontier technologies. These trends are not abstract discussions. Nearly one in five jobs worldwide could change significantly in the next five years, and reskilling labour forces is central to global competitiveness. For TASEZ, this has direct implications for workforce development, educational partnerships, and industry-ready training programmes. Being plugged into these global conversations helps ensure that TASEZ’s talent pipeline matches investor expectations and technological realities, especially in automotive manufacturing, digital services, and green tech sectors. Public-private collaboration is no longer optional The WEF thrives on multistakeholder cooperation, bringing together governments, businesses, civil society and experts precisely because global challenges today do not have single-actor solutions. TASEZ’s success depends on forging alliances that transcend borders: with multinationals scouting for regional entry points, with development finance institutions seeking credible partners in Africa, and with governments looking to catalyse industrial nodes. What happens in Davos is not simply a talk shop; it is where ideas are mooted, and alliances are formed – and it provides for participation far beyond Davos through an open digital media experience, including live-streamed sessions and community engagement. Take, for example, how subnational delegations use the forum to showcase investment roadmaps and attract concrete commitments. Recent state delegations to Davos have used the platform to situate long-term visions in front of global investors. A changing geopolitical and economic order matters to local zones too. This year’s Davos opens against the backdrop of a shifting geopolitical order where trade tensions, fragmented cooperation, and contested norms are no longer fringe concerns. For South Africa and TASEZ, geopolitical shifts translate into supply chain volatility, changing tariff regimes, and new expectations for economic zones to support resilient, diversified manufacturing. Simply put, ignoring these macrotrends undercuts the zone’s ability to anticipate risk and opportunity. Finally, Davos offers lessons in governance and accountability, relevant for an institution like TASEZ striving to model excellence in public-private economic management. Even global institutions like the WEF have had to grapple publicly with leadership transitions and internal scrutiny, a reminder that credibility and ethical leadership matter deeply in today’s interconnected world. TASEZ’s interest in the 2026 World Economic Forum is neither cursory nor ceremonial. This global meeting encapsulates the forces shaping 21st-century economies – from innovation ecosystems to skills futures, from cooperative governance to investment flows. Ensuring that the engagement extends beyond Davos is crucial, particularly for South Africa’s economic growth trajectory. South Africa, and by extension its special economic zones, should be not only anchored in the global economic currents, but able to influence them in ways that benefit the country and the broader continent.

2025 – a year of resilience and recalibration

Thought leaders / By Tasez

It turns out that 2025 was a year that tested the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone’s agility but also reaffirmed its strategic direction, writes acting executive of zone operations, Sibusiso Khuzwayo. As 2025 draws to a close, the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) continues to cement its position as one of South Africa’s leading special economic zones (SEZs) – an achievement built on resilience, collaboration, and a sharpened focus on sustainable industrialisation. Yet 2025 was anything but ordinary. The year placed TASEZ at the forefront of numerous conferences, industry engagements, and national conversations on automotive manufacturing, transformation, and economic development. These platforms allowed us to present TASEZ’s successes and the challenges we continue to navigate. They also reinforced the importance of capacitating TASEZ so that we not only meet our mandate but also deepen our impact on communities, stakeholders, and industry partners. Strong relationships Strengthening relationships with tenants was a key priority. Improved engagement has already laid the groundwork for future collaborations, particularly projects designed to uplift communities and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Industry-wide discussions on the future of the automotive sector, marked by technological shifts, supply chain pressures, and evolving investment landscapes, also prompted TASEZ to reassess its long-term strategy. We have had to rethink our tenant mix to ensure that TASEZ remains sustainable even as the automotive sector faces economic headwinds. Highlights of 2025 What stands out most during the year is a mix of organisational achievements and personal milestones. From an organisational perspective, TASEZ significantly expanded its collaboration footprint. Engagements with the National Skills Fund, universities, the CSIR (the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research), the AIDC (the Automotive Industry Development Centre), and the Gauteng Department of Economic Development strengthened the zone’s innovation ecosystem. These partnerships also supported TASEZ’s emerging e-mobility concept, positioning the SEZ as a future leader in new-energy technologies and skills development. As acting zone executive 2025 marked a number successful initiatives such as: These engagements helped us demonstrate what TASEZ does, why it matters, and how it can play an even bigger role in transforming the economy. More to do Despite the great strides already made, there is always more to do. First on the list is the need to further capacitate zone operations, ensuring the SEZ maintains its infrastructure, supports tenants effectively, and strengthens sustainability. Second is the need for improved collaboration across TASEZ’s internal departments. We cannot work in silos, but must support each other so that we deliver on our mandate in a way that benefits all stakeholders. Looking at TASEZ’s broader economic impact, it is clear that the organisation is making meaningful progress, particularly through Phase 2, which focuses strongly on supporting black industrialists. TASEZ has a tremendous opportunity to lead by bringing together funding institutions, OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, aftermarket players, the National Empowerment Fund, and the Automotive Industry Transformation Fund. If we implement this effectively, it can serve as a model for other SEZs such as Dube TradePort, Richards Bay, and the AIDC. In addition, partnerships with the CSIR on research and innovation will further support TASEZ’s ambitions in industrialisation and advanced manufacturing. Looking forward From the perspective of zone operations, there are three key priorities for the coming year that will allow TASEZ to unlock more responsiveness, agility, and meaningful impact. Further capacitating departments to improve efficiency and service delivery; TASEZ is poised to play a transformative role in strengthening the South African economy by driving employment opportunities, empowering MSMEs, and equipping the workforce with future-ready skills. With its commitment to industrialisation, sustainability, and inclusive growth, Africa’s first automotive city continues to evolve as a catalyst for long-term national development – one that remains resilient even in the face of industry uncertainty.

2025 – A transformative year for TASEZ

Thought leaders / By Tasez

As 2025 draws to a close, it offers an important moment to reflect on the achievements, challenges, and defining developments that have shaped the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), writes TASEZ executive for infrastructure, Andile Sangweni. This has been a year of momentum, consolidation, and forward vision, and one that has reaffirmed our position as one of South Africa’s leading special economic zones (SEZs) while pushing the boundaries of what world-class infrastructure delivery can look like. This has indeed been a transformative year for TASEZ. We have not only upheld our position as one of the country’s most advanced and impactful SEZs, but we have also redefined excellence in infrastructure delivery. Despite various national and global challenges, Phase 1 milestones were successfully achieved, demonstrating the strength of our operational planning and the resilience of our development model. With Phase 2 now underway, our focus is shifting decisively toward breaking ground and embracing the next wave of industrial growth. This phase is not simply an expansion; it is a catalytic step in deepening South Africa’s manufacturing capabilities and strengthening the country’s role in the global automotive value chain. Heading into Phase 2 A central achievement of 2025 has been laying the groundwork for the next phase of TASEZ’s evolution. The defining highlight of the year has been our work on ensuring the seamless integration of new infrastructure with Phase 1 facilities. This preparation is more than a technical requirement; it is a strategic pointer to our ongoing growth trajectory. It is about investor confidence, job creation, and community impact. The readiness to commence Phase 2 represents a collective vote of confidence from our stakeholders. It also confirms that infrastructure remains the backbone of sustainable economic transformation. Ready to tackle any test The year has not been without its challenges. South Africa continues to grapple with issues that directly influence industrial performance: Our response to these pressures has been deliberate and solution-driven. We are advancing energy resilience through renewable integration, ensuring that future phases of the zone offer greater stability and sustainability. We are driving a skills revolution through strengthened partnerships with educational and training institutions through the TASEZ Training Academy, preparing young people for the advanced manufacturing jobs of the future. And we are sharpening our global edge by streamlining processes and enhancing investor support mechanisms. Amid these dynamics, TASEZ’s role in advancing South Africa’s industrial development has become even more pronounced. TASEZ is a catalyst for the country’s industrialisation ambitions. By hosting world-class manufacturers, the zone embeds advanced technologies, creates sustainable employment opportunities, and supports the development of resilient supply chains. Our work also contributes to economic diversification, reducing import dependency and positioning South Africa as a globally competitive producer. In every sense, TASEZ is shaping industries, futures, and communities—delivering impact far beyond our physical footprint. As we look ahead, 2026 must be a year defined by acceleration and bold action. Our priorities are clear: These commitments will ensure that TASEZ continues to set the benchmark for industrial excellence, innovation, and inclusiveness.

Thank you to the people of South Africa for a historic G20 Presidency

Thought leaders / By Tasez

“We have placed Africa’s growth and development at the heart of the G20’s agenda,” writes South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa in his latest weekly newsletter published on 24 November 2025 – the day after the closing of the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit. Over the past two days, our country hosted leaders from around the world for the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg. This is the first time that the G20 has been hosted on African soil. Recognising the importance of this milestone, we have placed Africa’s growth and development at the heart of the G20’s agenda. The G20 matters for South Africa not only to cement our important role in international affairs, but also to support our own growth and create jobs for South Africans. We can only achieve these objectives in an environment of global stability, inclusive growth and a level playing field. Leading up to the G20 Leaders’ Summit, we hosted tens of thousands of delegates for more than 130 meetings in every part of our country, from Gqeberha to George, Cape Town to eThekwini, Hoedpsruit to Polokwane. We welcomed visitors from around the world to see and enjoy the beauty of our natural landscapes, the warmth of our people’s hospitality and the sophistication of our economy. Our G20 Presidency has been rooted in the conviction that the world needs more solidarity, equality and sustainability. While some have sought to create division and polarisation between nations, we have reinforced our shared humanity. We have fostered collaboration and goodwill. Above all, we have affirmed that our shared goals outweigh our differences. We have prioritised issues that are important for advancing more rapid and inclusive growth in our own country. We reached agreements that will benefit every South African. We secured a clear commitment from the international community to address the high levels of debt which divert spending by developing economies – including our own – on infrastructure, health and education. We placed this issue firmly on the agenda to increase investment on the continent and seize the unique opportunity that Africa presents. The G20 leaders agreed on the need for increased global investment for climate action. This will be crucial for South Africa as we undertake a just energy transition to a low-carbon economy in a manner that protects workers, businesses and communities. As the G20, we have agreed on the need for scaled-up disaster prevention and post-disaster reconstruction to address the rising impact of extreme heat, floods, droughts and wildfires. We raised this issue because a few areas in our country, particularly the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, frequently experience disasters. We have secured international agreement on a new approach to critical minerals so that they become a source of prosperity and sustainable development in the countries that produce them. This supports our own ambition to use our extensive endowment of minerals to become a leading global player while ensuring that beneficiation takes place in South Africa and creates jobs in mining areas. This has been the People’s G20. It has given new prominence to engagement groups from across global society, bringing together sectors like business, labour, parliaments, scientists, think tanks, women, young people, start-ups, civil society, mayors and the media. We can be proud of what South Africa has achieved in hosting a successful G20 Presidency and guiding countries towards agreement on complex and important issues. This has been the historic effort to which all South Africans have contributed. We thank the many people who welcomed visitors to our country, and the security services who ensured that the G20 Leaders’ Summit and all G20 events took place without incident. We thank all the members of different social sectors who participated in the engagement groups and in other G20 activities throughout the year. We thank our Premiers and Mayors for having been such welcoming hosts. We thank our Ministers and Deputy Ministers, G20 Sherpas and government officials who guided the deliberations with wisdom and purpose. Above all, we thank each and every South African for contributing to this success, and for showing the world the strength of our values, the generosity of our people and the power of what we can achieve when we work together. Many of the foreign leaders and delegates who came to our country recognised what our Ubuntu spirit is all about. The success of the G20 Leader’s Summit, together with the improving performance of our economy and growing confidence in our reform programme, shows that South Africa is a country on the rise.

A key lesson from the G20: Industrialisation must power SA’s economic growth

Thought leaders / By Tasez

As South Africa concludes its historic G20 Presidency, the first hosted on African soil, a clear message has emerged: the world is ready to recognise Africa as a central engine of shared prosperity, writes the chairperson of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone, Maoto Molefane. We must make the most of the momentum. Over 22 and 23 November 2025, the G20 global leaders gathered in Johannesburg to endorse commitments that speak directly to the continent’s long-standing aspirations: equitable development, sustainable industrialisation, resilient economies, and fair participation in global trade. For South Africa, and for advanced industrial platforms like the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), this moment is far more than diplomatic symbolism; it is about accelerating economic growth to combat poverty and inequality, with industrialisation as a key driver of inclusive growth, job creation, and global competitiveness. The G20 2025 mandate President Cyril Ramaphosa’s closing message from the G20 Summit underscored the stakes. South Africa’s development needs – jobs for young people, robust infrastructure, energy security, thriving export industries – require global stability, inclusive growth and a level playing field. The G20 outcomes align directly with South Africa’s industrial ambitions: These are not abstract policy wins. They reshape the environment in which industrial zones like TASEZ operate: they unlock space for growth that is sustainable, technologically advanced and globally aligned. As President Ramaphosa said: “Together, we must accelerate progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the Pact for the Future. We have laid the foundation of solidarity. Now we must build the walls of justice and the roof of prosperity.” Industrialisation as an engine for growth Given that the 2025 G20 provided a strong voice for Africa, it must be noted that the continent has anchored the world’s supply chains for far too long without capturing its share of industrial value. “The greatest opportunity for prosperity in the 21st century lies in Africa,” President Ramaphosa said in his closing remarks. He described the continent as a driving force for future growth, innovation, mineral beneficiation, climate resilience and energy transition. The 2025 G20 Declaration calls for structural reforms, investment mobilisation, and digital transformation that place industrialisation at the heart of global development priorities. What this means for South Africa is that the country must build, manufacture, innovate, export, and compete. This is the work TASEZ – Africa’s first automotive city – was created to do. Based in the country’s capital city, TASEZ is demonstrating what coordinated industrial policy can achieve: TASEZ is not just an industrial hub; it is a catalyst for economic resilience and can serve as a model for the equitable, future-oriented development highlighted in the G20 Declaration. Beneficiation is a must The global commitment to fair critical mineral development provides South Africa a generational opportunity: to build integrated value chains centred on electric vehicles, battery manufacturing, renewable energy components and advanced materials. As the President noted, minerals must become “a source of prosperity and sustainable development in the countries that produce them”. This aligns perfectly with South Africa’s automotive transition strategy and TASEZ’s expansion into green manufacturing, downstream processing and high-value production clusters. The President called the 2025 summit the People’s G20, characterised by the engagement of business, labour, youth, scientists, mayors and civil society. This spirit of collaboration is the very essence of industrial and special economic zones, which rely on coordinated action between government, investors, communities and workers. South Africa’s G20 success, combined with improving economic indicators and growing confidence in our reform programme, demonstrates that the country is ready for a new industrial chapter based not on extractive development, but on shared value, skills development, innovation, and sustainable manufacturing. Looking ahead As global leaders return home, the world’s attention shifts from diplomacy to delivery. For TASEZ, the task is to translate the political momentum of the G20 into practical industrial capacity. The Johannesburg G20 summit marks a critical turning point for global industrialisation, especially for Africa. The commitments around infrastructure, climate transition, and inclusive development resonate deeply with our vision to build a sustainable, high-tech automotive hub that benefits local communities, talents, and small industrial players. However, for this to be more than rhetoric, the world must translate pledges into concrete investment, local value-chain development, and support for medium, small, and micro enterprises. The timing could not be better, as TASEZ ratchets up its Phase 2 developments. TASEZ will be focused on: The G20 Summit has shown the world what South Africa can achieve when united by purpose. As President Ramaphosa said: “Let us move forward together, demonstrating to the world that we have the capacity to confront and overcome the world’s challenges. Through partnerships across society, and by remembering our common humanity, we can create a more secure, a more just and a more prosperous world. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind.” Now, industrialisation must carry that momentum forward. TASEZ stands ready to be part of that charge.

How South Africa’s G20 Presidency can accelerate industrial growth through TASEZ

Thought leaders / By Tasez

When South Africa welcomes the world to the G20 Leaders’ Summit this month, our nation will experience one of the most profound moments of global visibility since the country’s dawn of democracy, writes the CEO of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), Dr Bheka Zulu. As heads of state, global CEOs, investors, and development partners converge on our shores for the G20 Leaders’ Summit on 22 and 23 November 2025, the world’s gaze will fall not only on our political leadership but on our economic capability, our industrial resilience, and our readiness to take our place in a rapidly shifting global economy. For those of us tasked with building South Africa’s next-generation industrial platforms, this moment is far more than a diplomatic milestone. It is an opportunity to reshape the country’s industrial trajectory for decades to come. And for the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), it is a chance to demonstrate that South Africa can compete, innovate, and lead in one of the world’s most dynamic sectors: automotive manufacturing. South Africa in the global spotlight The G20 is not just a gathering of 20 world leaders. It is a year-long platform where global investment sentiment is shaped, where development financing agendas are debated, and where emerging markets like South Africa position themselves as credible partners in the global value chain. It has already triggered accelerated investments in infrastructure, logistics, and city improvement projects, particularly in Gauteng. This matters for industrial zones like TASEZ. Better roads, more reliable energy, and upgraded transport networks are the lifeblood of manufacturing competitiveness. But the physical changes are only part of the story. The more significant shift is reputational. A successful G20 presidency can strengthen investor confidence, deepen trust in our economic institutions, and position South Africa as a stable, future-oriented industrial hub. That alone makes this moment essential for TASEZ and the broader automotive sector. Global industrial priorities What excites me is how closely South Africa’s G20 priorities align with TASEZ’s mission. The 2025 agenda focused on: These are not abstract ideas; they cut to the heart of the automotive industry’s transformation. As highlighted by the recent New Energy Summit held in Gauteng in October 2025, global value chains are pivoting to green mobility, clean manufacturing, and Africa’s integration into supply networks. TASEZ is uniquely positioned in this transition. We are already home to one of Africa’s most dynamic automotive production ecosystems, and we are preparing for a future that includes electric mobility, deeper localisation, and expanded supplier development. If South Africa leverages its G20 presidency effectively, we can secure the policy tools, partnerships, and financing mechanisms needed to accelerate this transition. Showcasing South Africa’s successes The world will not judge us by speeches alone. They will judge us by what we build. This is why TASEZ intends to use the G20 window to demonstrate what coordinated public–private investment can achieve. As the fastest-growing automotive special economic zone (SEZ) on the continent, we have a compelling story to tell — one of job creation, skills development, township inclusion, supplier growth, and industrial expansion. We should be bold in inviting foreign delegations, development finance institutions, and global OEMs to see the zone firsthand. Site visits, technical tours, and bilateral industry roundtables can turn interest into investment. The G20 gives us a once-in-a-generation platform to do this at scale. The G20 Leaders’ Summit will bring renewed attention to Africa’s role in the global economy. For TASEZ, this is an opportunity to expand its influence beyond South Africa’s borders. Through stronger relationships with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and African Union partners, we can position TASEZ as a catalyst for regional automotive value chains, a future where components made in Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, or Zimbabwe flow seamlessly into assembly lines in Tshwane. More than symbolic South Africa must convert visibility into tangible improvements in industrial competitiveness. We must guard against the tendency to treat major summits as symbolic rather than strategic. Investment is not secured by banners, speeches, or social media clicks. It is secured by credibility, efficiency, transparency, and delivery. For TASEZ, this means: The 2025 G20 Summit is a strategic opportunity for South Africa to reposition itself as the continent’s industrial leader, providing a platform for government, business, and development partners to act with unity. For TASEZ, it is a chance to amplify what we already know: that South Africa can build globally competitive manufacturing hubs; that our people can produce world-class automotive products; and that, with the right partnerships, we can transition into the mobility future with confidence. The world is coming to South Africa. Will we use this moment to shape our industrial destiny? We at TASEZ intend to do just that.