The main aim of this conference was to sell packaged investor ready projects in the district to potential investors, business establishments, individual business people and financiers. About 15 investment opportunities through specific projects were identified and packaged to potential investors worth a combined estimated value of R1.8 billion.

GEDA has prioritised the development and redirection of investment drive towards historically depressed regions such as Sedibeng, Carletonville, Westonaria and Babelegi. As dictated by the new vision of the Gauteng Employment, Growth and Development Strategy (GEGDS), crowding development and packaging of specific high value projects in these areas is one of the important interventions aimed at reviving and building sustainable economies for these regions.

The inaugural Sedibeng Investor Conference & Exhibition saught to unravel the hidden potential of this region, sell the district offering to the international community and highlight its strategic sectors like manufacturing (steel, metal) agro-processing, hospitality and tourism and infrastructure development.

The two days conference looked at readily available projects in the municipalities of Lesedi, Midvaal and Emfuleni and matched them with potential investors and development finance institutions. “The district is ready to receive huge investments as demonstrated by the R3billion investment by Heineken in the construction of the Sedibeng Brewery and the R500 million Eye of Africa residential investments by golfer Greg Norman all successfully facilitated by GEDA over the past years” says Sedibeng District Executive Mayor Cllr. Mahole Simon Mofokeng.

GEDA’s CEO Siphiwe Ngwenya said “Johannesburg is the only world-class mega city that does not have a major river running through it. With the province’s integrated approach towards economic development and growth, we can position Sedibeng to be the river city and focus our major investment and economic development drive around the river”.

Amongst the projects on offer was the multi-million Rands Vaal Waterfront Development Project which is set to introduce new developments around the Vaal River thus confirming the area’s status as the Water City.

The conference, exhibition and business matchmaking meetings were used as a platform to promote Sedibeng as one of the premier investment destination and leader in certain sectors in Gauteng. Flagship projects and opportunities were presented, highlighting great returns not only for investing in Sedibeng but showcasing the export potential outside South Africa.

Investment Conference 2011