JSE and Investec convene SA Macroeconomic Summit to advance South Africa’s investment case 

Johannesburg, 26 February 2026: At a time when global capital is being redeployed amid shifting geopolitical alliances, supply chain realignments and a renewed focus on emerging markets, South Africa (SA) stands at a pivotal juncture. With deep institutional frameworks and strengthening macroeconomic fundamentals, South Africa is uniquely positioned to play a greater role in global capital allocation. 

Against this backdrop, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Africa’s largest stock exchange and Investec, a leading international bank and wealth manager, will host the 2026 South African Macroeconomic Summit in London on 5 – 6 March 2026, convening South African government ministries, state‑owned enterprises and global investors to articulate a clear and compelling case for the country as a destination for long term international capital. The summit aims to strengthen international investor confidence and reinforce South Africa’s position as a globally competitive emerging‑market destination for foreign direct investment.

The discussion will take place in the United Kingdom (UK), a critical market for the country. The UK–SA investment corridor supports £12.1 billion in bilateral trade and £26 billion in UK foreign direct investment in South Africa, underscoring its strength, strategic weight and long‑term momentum.

“South Africa enters the year with improving fundamentals. Debt is stabilising, inflation is contained, fiscal discipline is holding, and reforms in energy and logistics are advancing. At the same time, the resources sector, which represents a significant share of the JSE, is benefiting from renewed commodity momentum” said JSE Group CEO Leila Fourie. “The shift in investor appetite does not imply South Africa’s structural growth challenges suddenly disappeared, they did not, but the direction of travel became materially clearer. For investors seeking scale, liquidity, and exposure to both structural reform and global resource demand, South Africa offers a credible and compelling market.”

“We are delighted to host the 2026 South African Macroeconomic Summit in London at a time when global investors are actively reassessing emerging market opportunities. The UK remains one of South Africa’s most important investment partners and this forum provides a valuable platform to deepen that relationship. Bringing together senior policy makers and institutional investors in one setting enables meaningful dialogue, strengthens transparency and supports informed capital allocation decisions. For Investec in the UK, this conference reflects our commitment to connecting global capital with credible long term growth opportunities in South Africa, complementing our Private Banking, Wealth Management and Corporate and Investment Banking activity in the Northern Hemisphere.” said Ruth Leas, CEO of Investec Bank plc.

The SA delegation travelling to the UK includes senior government and industry leaders, among them Governor Lesetja Kganyago, Governor of the South African Reserve Bank; Mr Enoch Godongwana, Minister of Finance; Mr Dan Marokane, Group CEO of Eskom; Prof Michelle Phillips, Group CEO of Transnet; Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Mr Dean Macpherson, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure.

“Global capital is flowing to markets that combine institutional strength with credible reform. South Africa is increasingly demonstrating both. Improving fiscal metrics, easing inflation and operational gains in energy and logistics are reinforcing confidence in the country’s direction of travel. Forums such as this summit are vital in connecting that progress with global capital. By sustaining reform momentum and deepening cooperation, South Africa can attract long term investment that drives infrastructure delivery, competitiveness and inclusive growth,” said Cumesh Moodliar, Investec South Africa CEO.

Alongside facilitating engagement between UK investors and government entities, the Summit will highlight the JSE’s initiatives to enhance market quality, accessibility and cross-border connectivity through strategic collaborations. 

The programme will underscore South Africa’s economic recovery plan, focusing on structural reforms and infrastructure delivery. It will showcase collaboration between government and business to drive inclusive, sustainable growth, including SOE reform. It will further address the resurgence of the resources sector, now 30% of the JSE index, and the rapid growth of the digital economy. Discussions will also explore how the improved fixed-income environment can support broader equity market momentum and long-term infrastructure investment.

The 2026 SA Macroeconomic Summit underpins the ongoing commitment to public-private cooperation and market reform. 

“We have the opportunity to position South Africa on the global stage as open for business and relevant,” concluded Fourie. “The UK summit ensures that South Africa’s best corporate stories remain in the global conversation to support fuller valuations and contribute to the health of the broader equities market.”

ENDS

ABOUT THE JSE

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has a well-established history of operating as a marketplace for trading financial products. It is a pioneering, globally connected exchange group that enables inclusive economic growth through trusted, world-class, socially responsible products, and services for the investor of the future. It offers secure and efficient primary and secondary capital markets across a diverse range of securities, spanning equities, derivatives, and debt markets. It prides itself on being the market of choice for local and international investors looking to gain exposure to leading capital markets on the African continent. 

The JSE is currently ranked in the Top 20 largest stock exchanges in the world by market capitalisation, and is the largest stock exchange in Africa, having been in operation for 138 years. As a leading global exchange, the JSE co-creates unlocks value & makes real connections happen. www.jse.co.za 

About Investec

Investec partners with private, institutional, and corporate clients, offering international banking, investments, and wealth management services in two principal markets, South Africa and the UK. The Group was established in 1974 and currently has c.8,000 employees. Investec has a dual-listed company structure with primary listings on the London and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges.

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