JOHANNESBURG – Acting Gauteng Premier Faith Mazibuko has outlined an ambitious vision to position Gauteng as Africa’s leading global city region, emphasising economic growth, regional integration and investment as key drivers of the province’s future development.
Addressing delegates at the 19th Corporate Secretaries and Public Officers Conference (CSPOC) Africa Region Conference at Emperor’s Palace in Ekurhuleni on Tuesday, Mazibuko said Gauteng was uniquely positioned to serve as a gateway for trade, investment and innovation across the African continent.
The conference brought together parliamentary leaders, government officials, business representatives and delegates from several African countries, including Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Lesotho, Kenya, Malawi, The Gambia, Uganda and Tanzania.
Mazibuko said the gathering reflected a shared commitment to strengthening corporate governance, sustainability, innovation and economic development across Africa.
Speaking on South Africa’s Youth Day, she also paid tribute to the youth of 1976, saying their struggle for dignity and opportunity continues to inspire efforts to build an inclusive and prosperous society.
“Gauteng may be the smallest province geographically in South Africa, but it is undoubtedly the economic heart of our country and one of the most dynamic regions on the African continent,” Mazibuko said.
She noted that Gauteng, home to more than 16 million people, contributes more than a third of South Africa’s gross domestic product and serves as a hub for trade, investment, innovation and skills development. The province is also home to major financial institutions, multinational corporations and critical transport and logistics infrastructure.
Mazibuko said the provincial government’s priorities include growing the economy, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, strengthening public services, enhancing community safety and accelerating digital transformation.
She stressed that economic growth must be inclusive and create opportunities for young people, women, entrepreneurs and historically disadvantaged communities.
Highlighting the importance of continental integration, Mazibuko said Gauteng’s success was closely linked to Africa’s broader development and economic progress. She pointed to the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which she said could unlock intra-African trade, expand markets and drive industrial growth across the continent.
“The continent will rise not through competition among ourselves, but through cooperation, partnerships and shared growth,” she said, calling for stronger African value chains, support for local industries and increased innovation.
Mazibuko further outlined Gauteng’s ambition to become a globally connected, technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable city region capable of attracting investment, talent and innovation from around the world.
She said the province was investing in infrastructure modernisation, smart technologies and strategic partnerships to strengthen its position as a centre for finance, commerce, logistics, research, advanced manufacturing and digital industries.
According to Mazibuko, strong governance, ethical leadership, accountability and sustainability remain essential for achieving economic growth and social progress.
“As leaders from government, business and civil society, we have a collective responsibility to ensure that economic development translates into improved lives for our people and greater prosperity for our continent,” she said.
The conference is expected to focus on strengthening collaboration among African nations and developing practical solutions to enhance governance, investment and economic development across the continent.