EThekwini has welcomed R38.538 billion in investment pledges linked to 18 identifiable projects in the city, with implementation planned over the next 36 months.
The projects were announced at the 2026 KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference, held alongside South African Automotive Week at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban from 13 to 16 October.
The municipality says the investments are expected to support industrial growth, strengthen local manufacturing and create employment opportunities.
The announcement forms part of a wider R124.58 billion in investment pledges secured at the provincial conference, although the R38.538 billion figure represents the projects specifically linked to eThekwini.
While the commitments signal potential growth for Durban’s economy, the extent of the benefits will depend on how the projects progress from pledges to implementation.
Durban seeks to turn investment pledges into jobs
EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba said the City remained committed to attracting investment through infrastructure development and efforts to improve the business environment.
Xaba also highlighted the municipality’s catalytic developments, which are valued at R217 billion and include the R25 billion Sibaya Precinct and the R35 billion Durban Bay and Point Waterfront development.
The City views these developments as part of its broader strategy to stimulate economic activity and strengthen Durban’s position as a destination for investment.
However, the municipality’s announcement did not provide a combined estimate of the number of jobs expected to be created by the 18 projects linked to the R38.538 billion in pledges.
City targets improved investor confidence
EThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele said the investment commitments reflected the impact of the City’s efforts to strengthen investor confidence, promote transparent governance and reduce administrative delays.
“These commitments reinforce the importance of our continuous investor engagements, Inner City Regeneration programme, and the City’s Economic Development Incentive Policy in attracting investment, unlocking development opportunities, and creating an environment where businesses can grow and create jobs,” said Mbhele.
Mbhele also participated in a panel discussion at the conference focusing on logistics, infrastructure and trade competitiveness.
He said the City’s priority was to ensure the investment commitments translated into tangible economic benefits, including employment, skills development and opportunities for local businesses.
For residents, the practical impact of the pledges will depend on the projects being implemented, the types of jobs created and the extent to which local businesses can participate in the developments.
Cornubia investment exceeds R2.1 billion
The municipality also highlighted investment in Cornubia, where investment has exceeded R2.1 billion.
According to the City, the development has created approximately 300 construction jobs, with close to 2,000 future jobs anticipated.
The figures illustrate the potential for large-scale developments to support employment during construction and create further opportunities as businesses and other operations become established.
The City has not, however, indicated how many of the jobs anticipated at Cornubia will be permanent or provided a timeline for all the expected positions.
Durban looks to strengthen international business ties
EThekwini is preparing to host an international delegation for the reSURGEnce Durban Conference, scheduled to take place from 24 to 28 October 2026.
According to the municipality, the conference is expected to strengthen international partnerships and facilitate business-to-business engagements, connecting local enterprises with global opportunities while showcasing Durban’s investment potential.
The City has pointed to Durban’s strategic location, port infrastructure and road and rail networks as important advantages for domestic, continental and international trade.
These transport links are central to the city’s role as a logistics and manufacturing hub, particularly for businesses that depend on access to regional and international markets.
Converting that advantage into sustained economic growth will require investment commitments to translate into operational projects, new business activity and employment.
Mbhele said the municipality remained focused on creating conditions that would allow businesses to grow and contribute to the local economy.
“Durban is open for business. We remain committed to strengthening infrastructure, removing barriers to investment, and ensuring that these commitments translate into sustainable economic growth and opportunities for our residents,” concluded Mbhele.
For eThekwini, the next test will be turning the billions of rands announced at the investment conference into projects that progress on schedule and deliver measurable benefits for businesses, workers and communities.
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