Ogunlesi Targets Growth in South Africa’s $30 Billion Infrastructure Assets Over 5 Years
Updated
Updated · Business Insider Africa · May 14
Ogunlesi Targets Growth in South Africa’s $30 Billion Infrastructure Assets Over 5 Years
4 articles · Updated · Business Insider Africa · May 14
BlackRock-linked investor Adebayo Ogunlesi said South Africa exposure of roughly $28 billion to $30 billion should rise significantly over the next five years, with infrastructure now at an “inflection point.”
Energy, transport and logistics are the main targets because unreliable power, ageing networks, and weak ports and rail are constraining growth and creating room for long-term private capital.
Ogunlesi said larger inflows will depend on policy consistency, regulatory clarity and faster project execution, arguing South Africa is competing globally for infrastructure money.
Cape Town summit host Cyril Ramaphosa cited a separate $500 million BlackRock commitment to African Infrastructure Fund III and said South Africa won record new pledges of $54 billion last month.
Ramaphosa is using that momentum to pursue R3 trillion in fresh investment over five years, even as unemployment, service-delivery failures and periodic xenophobic tensions still weigh on sentiment.
Can BlackRock's billions fix South Africa's infrastructure when state corruption and project delays persist?
South Africa promises a R3 trillion investment surge. What reforms will prevent a repeat of past failures?
With vast renewable projects waiting, can South Africa's grid be upgraded before investor patience runs out?
BlackRock’s $30 Billion Push: Transforming South Africa’s Infrastructure and Investment Landscape
Overview
South Africa is emerging as a top investment destination in Africa, driven by major global commitments like BlackRock’s $500 million investment in the African Infrastructure Fund III. This fund targets essential sectors such as energy, logistics, and transport, supporting the continent’s development and connectivity. President Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of such investments, which are underpinned by South Africa’s strong economic recovery and significant government reforms. By stabilizing its macroeconomic environment and focusing on critical infrastructure, South Africa is creating a more attractive and predictable landscape for both domestic and international investors.