The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) on Monday urged French companies to invest in strategic South Africa-based projects valued at more than R33-billion.
Speaking at the South Africa – France Business Forum 2013, NEF CEO Philisiwe Mthethwa said the identified projects were mutually beneficial and offered potentially lucrative value and growth for international investors.
The projects included opportunities in tourism, mining, agroprocessing, renewable energy, business process outsourcing and infrastructural projects, as well as several mineral beneficiation opportunities, including a project valued at R1.9-billion in which the NEF had invested R40-million.
A telecommunications and broadband infrastructure project required a R300-million boost to launch a last-mile fibre-optic infrastructure company, Link Africa, which would be tasked with increasing broadband access.
Another R1.2-billion would be allocated to the establishment of a black-owned hospital group.
Collectively the projects had the potential to create 100 000 jobs.
“These companies, which are 24 in total, will drive beneficiation, increase South Africa’s export-earning potential and reduce import dependency, thus fulfilling some of the objectives envisioned in South Africa’s macroeconomic policies,” Mthethwa said.
The NEF was exploring potential cofinancing or syndication arrangements with international and local strategic equity partners.