President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for renewed focus on investment and infrastructure development to consolidate South Africa’s recent economic gains and ensure inclusive, long-term growth.
In his weekly newsletter to the nation, the President highlighted that the country entered the new year with growing economic momentum, underpinned by four consecutive quarters of growth, declining unemployment, and reductions in poverty and inequality. He noted that confidence in the economy is rising, with the stock exchange performing strongly and inflation at its lowest in two decades.
President Ramaphosa credited South Africa’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list late last year and a recent sovereign credit rating upgrade with enhancing institutional credibility and sending positive signals to investors.
While welcoming these developments, he warned against complacency. “The difference between a temporary lift in growth and a sustained shift in our economic trajectory lies in expanding investment”, he said, stressing that public infrastructure projects must be carefully executed to unlock growth, lower
business costs, and create jobs.
The Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) recommended boosting public infrastructure investment alongside measures to reduce the cost of doing business. President Ramaphosa highlighted ongoing reforms in electricity, logistics, and water sectors, noting that improvements in energy, rail, and
ports are crucial to industrialisation, export growth, and job creation.
He emphasised that more than R1 trillion has been committed to public infrastructure over the next three years, and stressed the need to strengthen state-owned enterprises and capitalise on public- private partnerships.
Acknowledging global economic volatility and subdued growth, the President called for enhanced competitiveness and stronger African trade partnerships. He said government efforts would focus on bridging the gap between policy and implementation to ensure that economic progress translates into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
Looking ahead, Ramaphosa said the upcoming Cabinet Lekgotla would set coordinated actions with social partners to sustain growth and employment creation, ensuring that last year’s gains have lasting impact.