NORTH WEST INVESTMENT CONFERENCE REIGNITE JOB

OPPORTUNITIES

North West Province’s Investment Conference, which took place in Kwa-Maritane Bush

Lodge in Pilanesberg, last week has brought investment pledges that may create and

sustain direct and indirect jobs over five years.

The conference which was led by Premier for North West Province Prof Job Mokgoro and

MEC for Department of Economy and Enterprise Development, Mmaphefo Matsemela

forms part of the premier’s fervent investment drive aimed at attaining at least billions

worth of capital in order to reawaken North West Province’s sluggish economic growth. a

commitment made by Premier Mokgoro in his 2019 State of the Province Address.

North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro and Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development MEC, Mmaphefo Matsemela holding the newly launched North West

Investment Opportunities booklet

Premier Prof Job Mokgoro explained the conference as a key milestone in the province’s

drive to market the compelling investment opportunities available in the province as part of

government’s interventions geared at boosting economic growth and creating much-

needed jobs.

He declared the conference a success, after major companies committed to invest billions

in the province towards the economic advancement of the province. The largest single

pledge came in the mining, fuel and agriculture sector, with a commitment to invest billions

over five years. The commitment is said to return some sense of hope and prosperity back

into the market as it will chiefly be used to sustain current operations by prolonging the

lifespans of certain mines, rather than create new jobs.

He said the session provided a platform to showcase growth and investment prospects in

the province that has a vast potential to grow the economy. This assisted to position the

province as a preferred investment destination and increase trade activities geared at

boosting economic growth and creating much-needed jobs. The conference was an ideal

opportunity to engage with investors and for government to share the progress in terms of

its journey towards economic renewal and strengthening the credibility of public institutions

and to unlock the latent potential and innovative spirit of province economy.

“We have placed the task of inclusive growth and job creation at the centre of our provin-

cial agenda. We recognise that we cannot create work on any meaningful scale unless

we grow the economy at a greater rate. For this we need the much more investment in

the productive sectors of the economy, in infrastructure and skills development,” the

Premier has confirmed.

“We have also been engaging investors on their concerns and expectations, which is

greatly assisting our efforts to create an environment that is even more conducive to in-

vestment,” the Premier said. The conference formed part of the official launch of North

West Investment Opportunities Booklet. The booklet will serve as an important resource

that would assist in the decision making potential investors, both local and international,

that require information on investment opportunities within the province.

In concluding the programme of the day, delegates of Investment Conference had an op-

portunity to visit the Platinum Valley Special Economic Zone site in Mogwase. The site

now has renovated factory spaces for potential investors, whom have a great potential to

make an immediate impact with long-term benefits. “This special economic zone is one

of our big projects which will harness private sector expertise to bolster infrastructure

management capacity in the province,” said Premier Mokgoro.