South African Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, has called for stronger collaboration between Government and business to advance reindustrialization, describing partnerships as central to economic growth and job creation.
Speaking at the Gauteng Investment Conference 2026 in Johannesburg on Thursday, April 9, Mashatile said rebuilding industrial capacity must be anchored in long-term cooperation, skills development and support for local enterprises.
“Re-industrialization is a practical, forward-looking strategy. It recognizes that productive capacity is the foundation of sustained growth”, he said, adding that it should deliver technology-driven factories, expanded output and “dignified jobs at scale”.
He stressed that Government must play a catalytic role by reducing investment risks through policy certainty, regulatory efficiency and improved coordination, while mobilising private capital alongside development finance institutions.
Mashatile highlighted infrastructure as a critical enabler, noting that reliable energy, efficient logistics, water security and digital systems are essential for industrial expansion. “Without reliable energy, efficient logistics, water security, and modern digital infrastructure, industrialization cannot take place,” he said. He also pointed to the growing importance of digital industries, including data centres, artificial intelligence and fintech, positioning Gauteng as a potential leader in this evolving space.
On regional trade, Mashatile said the African Continental Free Trade Area offers an opportunity to strengthen intra-African trade and develop regional value chains across the continent. “Africa remains resource-rich but value-chain poor. We export raw materials and import finished goods,” he said, urging a shift towards production and innovation.
The conference, which brings together global investors, African governments and financial institutions, forms part of South Africa’s broader strategy to attract investment and drive inclusive economic growth.
Organizers say the initiative builds on the inaugural 2025 event, which secured R312 billion in pledges, and aims to attract R800 billion in new investments over three years, reinforcing Gauteng’s ambition to position itself as Africa’s leading investment hub.