South Africa needs $75 billion annually to revive economic growth

Fixed investment remains below 15% of GDP

South Africa’s fixed investment remains below 15% of gross domestic product. This level fails to meet the 30% target established by the government in 2012 for the 2030 National Development Plan.

Maree noted that this ratio has remained below 15% since the 2012 target was set. He provided these comments during a hallway interview at a conference in Johannesburg on Thursday, 12 November 2026.

Experts call for at least 3% economic growth

Nhlanhla Nene, who chairs the African unit of the Italian research firm European House-Ambrosetti, stated that the country requires at least 3% economic growth to improve living standards and generate meaningful employment. This threshold is necessary to create jobs and raise standards of living.

This projection indicates that realized growth remains below the level Nene identified as necessary for job creation.

Realized investment lags behind targets

South Africa is pursuing a target of $116 billion in new investments over a five-year period. While efforts are underway to secure this total, only a portion of the funds has been realized.

Approximately $36 billion has been invested in the logistics, energy, and manufacturing sectors.

Economy averages 0.4% growth since 2018

Since President Cyril Ramaphosa took office in 2018 and initiated economic reforms, the economy has experienced an average annual growth rate of 0.4%. Bloomberg data cited in reports confirmed this average growth figure for the period.

Energy infrastructure projects target 105 gigawatts

South Africa is pursuing a 2.2 trillion rand, or $122 billion, energy investment programme supported by China.

Collaboration needed to boost economic activity

Nene emphasized that closer collaboration between the private sector and the government is essential to improve economic movement.

Jacko Maree suggested replicating the country's existing renewable energy programme in sectors like rail, ports, and tourism to mobilize capital from pension funds and large companies through financeable projects.

South Africa leads African attractiveness index

South Africa holds the top position among 54 African nations in the Global Attractiveness Index, according to the think tank European House-Ambrosetti. The index assesses the country based on its institutions, logistics, and trade.

Aliko Dangote expands continental investment

Aliko Dangote plans to increase his total investment on the African continent from $50 billion to $70 billion. As part of this Vision 2030 initiative, his company intends to generate 10,000 megawatts of electricity across Africa, a project that may include Nigeria. The group currently possesses nearly 1,500 megawatts of captive power, a capacity expected to reach between 4,500 and 5,000 megawatts by the completion of Vision 2030.

Dangote stated on 13 November that reliable electricity is essential for Africa to move forward and for unlocking Nigeria's economic potential. Businesses relying on petrol and diesel generators will struggle to remain profitable, he warned.

He argued that Africa must build a productive economy by moving away from the pattern of exporting raw materials and buying back processed products at higher prices.

Dangote attributed his group's expansion to financial discipline, focus, and the consistent reinvestment of earnings. He advised entrepreneurs to pursue backward integration by producing the goods they were previously importing. He further advised entrepreneurs to be willing to leave a venture if the numbers do not add up and the business is no longer commercially viable.