South Africa Sets Bold Investment Path at Global Summit

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, brought clarity and conviction to the global stage this week at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development.

Speaking at a high-level roundtable on “Revitalising International Development Cooperation,” Lamola called for bold, coherent reforms to unlock private investment and drive inclusive economic growth both at home and across the developing world.

“Frequent policy shifts, coupled with weak institutions and inconsistent regulatory frameworks, create a climate of uncertainty that undermines investor confidence,” Lamola said, emphasizing the urgent need for investment protection laws, stable institutions, and policy predictability.

His remarks come as South Africa looks to stabilize its macroeconomic outlook by addressing inflation, debt sustainability, and regulatory complexity all critical for restoring investor trust and long-term planning.

At the heart of his message was a call to action: to build the technical capacity of public institutions, expand local capital markets, and invest in infrastructure that improves efficiency and profitability for investors.

Lamola noted that poor transport and energy networks are increasing operational costs across the continent and remain a major barrier to growth.

“We need strategic infrastructure planning informed by private sector insights to mobilize the capital necessary for development,” he said.

The minister also underscored the role of fintech innovation, financial inclusion, and sustainable finance in shaping the investment climate. He urged governments to define what qualifies as a sustainable investment, backed by clear taxonomies and disclosure standards.

His remarks pointed toward the development of a national strategy aligning South Africa’s financial systems with global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria.

By leveraging the strength of multilateral development banks, Lamola believes South Africa can increase the credibility and viability of investment projects, while creating a transparent, competitive environment for both domestic and foreign investors.

“Together, we can create a future where every dollar invested unlocks new opportunities, tackles pressing challenges, and builds a more sustainable world,” he concluded.

As South Africa positions itself to regain investor confidence and accelerate growth, Lamola’s presence in Seville reinforces a shift toward policy clarity, regional leadership, and inclusive development sending a clear message to global markets that the country is ready for sustainable investment and long-term partnerships.

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