Ramokgopa Lands R44.2bn Investment Boost as MTDP Gathers Pace

Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Minister Maropene Ramokgopa has announced a R44.2 billion investment windfall secured across key industrial sectors, signaling growing momentum in the implementation of South Africa’s Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024–2029.

Addressing the media, Ramokgopa outlined progress made since Cabinet adopted the plan in February 2025, while warning that deep structural challenges—particularly youth unemployment, poverty, and inequality—continue to threaten inclusive growth.

Ramokgopa said there is an urgent need to accelerate reforms to build a nation that works for all and to confront persistent challenges such as resource constraints, social inequality, climate change, and shifting global geopolitics.

She noted that youth unemployment declined by 1.3 percentage points to 31.9% in the third quarter (Q3) of 2025, with 248 000 jobs added during the period.

“However, youth unemployment remains alarmingly high at 58.5%, pointing to deep structural challenges in the labour market. Poverty and inequality remain entrenched, with a Gini coefficient of 0.63,” Ramokgopa said.

The minister praised the industrial sector for securing R44.2 billion in new investments through various sector master plans. She highlighted the launch of the BMW X3 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, supported by an investment of R4.2 billion, while the battery mineral pipeline is valued at R40 billion.

Ramokgopa added that infrastructure development is showing gradual improvement, with the government allocating R1.3 trillion for public infrastructure over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). The Infrastructure Fund has approved 26 blended-finance projects worth R101.6 billion.

“The Budget Facility for Infrastructure has approved 10 major projects valued at R37.1 billion for implementation,” she said.

She further noted that 45 105 jobs were created and 41 753 sustained through Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and informal-economy programmes.

“South Africa’s progress under the MTDP reflects clear gains in energy stability, tourism recovery, industrial growth, and social protection. However, deep structural constraints—particularly in local government, logistics, youth unemployment, and spatial development—continue to hinder inclusive growth,” Ramokgopa concluded.