EThekwini Municipality Welcomed R124.58 Billion Investment Pledges

 

By Fred Felton | Oct. 19, 2026

The eThekwini Municipality has welcomed R124.58 billion in investment pledges secured at the 2026 KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference, held alongside South African Automotive Week at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Conference Centre from 13 to 16 October.

EThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba and City Manager Musa Mbhele welcomed R124.58 billion in investment pledges secured at the 2026 KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference held alongside South African Automotive Week at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Conference Centre from 13 to 16 October. | Photo: Supplied. 

Major projects announced include 18 identifiable projects linked to eThekwini, representing R38.538 billion in investment. These projects look set to drive industrial growth, strengthen local manufacturing and create job opportunities, with implementation within 36 months.

Mayor of eThekwini, Councillor Cyril Xaba reaffirmed the City’s commitment to attracting investment through infrastructure development and an improved business environment. He highlighted the City’s catalytic developments, valued at R217 billion, including the R25 billion Sibaya Precinct and the R35 billion Durban Bay and Point Waterfront development.

‘’These commitments reinforce the importance of our continuous investor engagements, Inner City Regeneration programme, and the City’s Economic Development Incentive Policy in attracting investment, unlocking development opportunities, and creating an environment where businesses can grow and create jobs,’’ said eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele.

Participating in a conference panel discussion on logistics, infrastructure, and trade competitiveness, Mbhele emphasised that the City’s priority was to translate investment commitments into tangible economic benefits, including employment, skills development, and opportunities for local businesses.

EThekwini’s strategic location, port infrastructure, and road and rail networks position Durban as a gateway for domestic, continental, and international trade. At Cornubia, investment exceeds R2.1 billion, with around 300 construction jobs created and nearly 2,000 future jobs expected.

Mbhele also noted that the City was getting ready to welcome an international delegation for the reSURGEnce Durban Conference from 24 to 28 October 2026. This conference will strengthen international partnerships and facilitate business-to-business engagements, connecting local enterprises with global opportunities while showcasing Durban’s investment potential.

‘’Durban is open for business. We remain committed to strengthening infrastructure, removing barriers to investment, and ensuring that these commitments translate into sustainable economic growth and opportunities for our residents,’’ concluded Mbhele.