Standard Bank to host 5th SA SOC Investment Summit in Dubai - connecting Gulf capital with African infrastructure plans
South Africa’s ability to deliver on its ambitious infrastructure vision in the coming years will depend heavily on securing long-term domestic and foreign investment partnerships. With the National Development Plan setting a target to raise infrastructure investment from less than 20% of GDP to at least 30% by 2030 – which translates to more than R4.8 trillion in spending this decade - the country needs to mobilise substantial private capital. At least R3.2 trillion of this infrastructure investment will need to come from domestic and foreign investment partnerships.
Against this backdrop, in its fifth instalment, Standard Bank Group is hosting the South African State-Owned Companies (SOC) Investment / Collaboration Summit from 22 to 24 September 2025 at the Waldorf Astoria in Dubai International Financial Centre.
The summit is a key platform designed to connect South African SOCs with leading Gulf region investors, sovereign wealth funds, and corporates to accelerate infrastructure development and trade between Africa and the Middle East.
This year’s theme, “Unlocking Infrastructure Capital for Africa – Resilience through Reforms,” reflects the urgent need to mobilise capital from Middle East-based investors to support South Africa’s infrastructure priorities. The summit focuses on fostering partnerships that will help transform vital sectors like transport, energy and water, build on reforms that improve governance, reduce barriers to investment and strengthen regulatory frameworks.
“We are honoured to facilitate this important summit once again,” said Luvuyo Masinda, Chief Executive Officer, Corporate and Investment Banking, Standard Bank Group. “Standard Bank believes in the power of partnerships to deliver infrastructure that drives inclusive growth across Africa, and this 2025 Summit comes at a pivotal time as South Africa deepens reforms and works to build investor confidence. For us, it is about converting intention into action - and action into sustainable impact.”
The three-day event will bring together over 100 senior representatives, including South African SOC leaders, government officials, and Gulf-based investors. Attendees will engage through keynote addresses, panel discussions, fireside chats and focused one-on-one meetings.
Some of the confirmed South African SOC participants include:
The summit also serves to further build Middle East-Africa ties, with past events leading to tangible outcomes such as syndicated financing for the Development Bank of Southern Africa, discussions on sukuk issuance with National Treasury, and potential co-investments between the Public Investment Corporation and Gulf partners.
“This year’s theme of resilience through reforms reflects the ongoing work to build an environment that attracts investment in Africa,” Masinda pointed out. “The Gulf’s capital and expertise, combined with the continent’s growth potential, can unlock a new chapter in infrastructure development that benefits all.”
The summit is a key platform designed to connect South African SOCs with leading Gulf region investors, sovereign wealth funds, and corporates to accelerate infrastructure development and trade between Africa and the Middle East.
This year’s theme, “Unlocking Infrastructure Capital for Africa – Resilience through Reforms,” reflects the urgent need to mobilise capital from Middle East-based investors to support South Africa’s infrastructure priorities. The summit focuses on fostering partnerships that will help transform vital sectors like transport, energy and water, build on reforms that improve governance, reduce barriers to investment and strengthen regulatory frameworks.
“We are honoured to facilitate this important summit once again,” said Luvuyo Masinda, Chief Executive Officer, Corporate and Investment Banking, Standard Bank Group. “Standard Bank believes in the power of partnerships to deliver infrastructure that drives inclusive growth across Africa, and this 2025 Summit comes at a pivotal time as South Africa deepens reforms and works to build investor confidence. For us, it is about converting intention into action - and action into sustainable impact.”
The three-day event will bring together over 100 senior representatives, including South African SOC leaders, government officials, and Gulf-based investors. Attendees will engage through keynote addresses, panel discussions, fireside chats and focused one-on-one meetings.
Some of the confirmed South African SOC participants include:
- National Treasury
- Transnet
- Rand Water
- Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)
- Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
- Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF)
- SANRAL
- C Steinweg Bridge
- TCTA
- Land Bank
The summit also serves to further build Middle East-Africa ties, with past events leading to tangible outcomes such as syndicated financing for the Development Bank of Southern Africa, discussions on sukuk issuance with National Treasury, and potential co-investments between the Public Investment Corporation and Gulf partners.
“This year’s theme of resilience through reforms reflects the ongoing work to build an environment that attracts investment in Africa,” Masinda pointed out. “The Gulf’s capital and expertise, combined with the continent’s growth potential, can unlock a new chapter in infrastructure development that benefits all.”