Premier Thami Ntuli announced R100.1 billion in investment pledges at the KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference in Durban on Thursday.
The 34 major projects carry commitments to generate more than 60 000 direct jobs and more than 240 000 indirect employment opportunities.
Ntuli described the pledges as markers of investor confidence.
"Your investment commitments are not merely financial transactions, they are declarations of confidence in KwaZulu-Natal’s future,” he said.
The investments will be made across many districts, including eThekwini, Msunduzi, iLembe, uMgungundlovu, King Cetshwayo, uMkhanyakude, uThukela, Amajuba and Ugu.
"This balanced distribution is not coincidental – it reflects our deliberate strategy to drive inclusive regional growth and to harness the unique comparative advantages of each area, whether in logistics, agriculture, tourism or manufacturing,” Ntuli said.
The pledges include expansions in industrial and commercial property, agro-processing and advanced manufacturing, sectors reliant on efficient freight networks for supply chains and exports.
Renewable energy projects, such as Colenso Power and Mulilo Energy Holdings, could further support infrastructure upgrades vital for freight movement.
Ntuli emphasised the mix of greenfield and brownfield investments.
"It is especially encouraging that many of these are greenfield investments, new ventures that inject fresh capital, ideas and energy into our economy. The brownfield expansions are equally vital, fortifying the foundations of industries that have long anchored KwaZulu-Natal’s economic resilience,” he said.
Tourism developments like Zimbali Lakes, Salt Rock City and Seaton Estate are expected to increase freight demands for construction materials and ongoing logistics support. Retail and skills development initiatives will also drive cargo volumes, particularly in agro-processing, which depends on timely transport of perishable goods.
"As government, we are clear that economic renewal cannot be achieved in isolation. The growth of KwaZulu-Natal is intrinsically linked to the strength of collaboration between the state, the business community, and our social partners,” he said.
Ntuli described the pledges as "indicators of renewed confidence, and more importantly, symbols of hope”, with benefits extending to families, small businesses and communities.
"These investments will enable young people to enter the labour market, small enterprises to integrate into value chains, and communities to participate in the benefits of economic growth."
He assured investors that the government was committed to "policy certainty, improved infrastructure, ethical governance, and efficient service delivery”.
