The Northern Cape continues to position itself at the centre of South Africa's next phase of economic growth, as government, industry leaders and investors convened for the Northern Cape and National Business Initiative (NBI) Collaboration Session. The session brought together key stakeholders from the mining, energy and investment sectors to explore opportunities for collaboration, investment and industrial expansion. It forms part of the build-up to the upcoming Northern Cape Investment and Jobs Conference, scheduled to take place from 13 to 15 April 2026 at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley. Delivering the keynote address, Premier Dr Zamani Saul emphasised that the Northern Cape is no longer a peripheral economy, but a strategic investment destination.

He highlighted the province's competitive advantages, including its vast renewable energy capacity, rich mineral resources, available land and emerging logistics corridors, which collectively position it as a future-focused industrial hub. Industry leaders reinforced this message. Mr Bongani Motsa, Chief Economist of Minerals Council South Africa, highlighted the immense potential of the province's mineral portfolio, noting its critical role in unlocking investment, beneficiation and sustainable development.

Mrs Precious Edward from the IPP Office showcased the Northern Cape's leadership in renewable energy, positioning it as a national and regional powerhouse in clean energy generation. Providing an investor perspective, Ms Mpumi Zikalala of Kumba Iron Ore underscored the importance of policy certainty, infrastructure development and strong collaboration between government and the private sector in driving long-term value and investment-led growth. The engagement reaffirmed a shared commitment to scaling investment, expanding industrial capacity and unlocking new economic opportunities across the province.