Dear Esteemed Stakeholder,

On behalf of the Yona-Yethu Initiative and the RIC26 Organising Committee, we are pleased to formally invite you to the Regional Investment Conference 2026 (RIC26), taking place from *23–24 September 2026 in Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa

RIC26 THEME“Catalysing Investment for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Infrastructure”

RIC26 brings together government, business, investors, development institutions, SMMEs, innovators, diplomatic missions, international partners and representatives from the SADC region to explore investment, trade, economic growth, funding and strategic partnership opportunities.

DAY 1 : 23th September– SMME & ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT
We strongly encourage SMMEs, entrepreneurs, cooperatives, innovators and emerging businesses to take advantage of Day 1, which focuses on: “Unlocking Opportunities for Entrepreneurship and SME Development.”

Participants will have an opportunity to engage with stakeholders including:
* Department of Small Business Development (DSBD)
* SEDFA
* the dtic and its relevant entities
* Development Finance Institutions and funding institutions
* Commercial banks and financial-sector partners
* NEF, IDC and other business-support institutions
* Provincial and local government
* SETAs and skills-development institutions
* Embassies and diplomatic missions
* SADC Member States and regional investment and trade agencies
* International development and investment partners

Day 1 is designed to help businesses access information, explore funding and market opportunities, build networks, identify potential partners and connect with institutions that can support business growth.

DAY 2: 24th September – MAIN INVESTMENT & ECONOMIC CONFERENCE
Day 2 will be the main RIC26 Investment and Economic Programme, bringing together senior government representatives, investors, businesses, international partners, development institutions and diplomatic stakeholders.

Key areas of focus will include:
* Investment mobilization and opportunities
* Economic growth and regional development
* Trade and market access
* Infrastructure and sustainable development
* Regional and international partnerships
* Industrialization and economic transformation
* Investment opportunities across South Africa, SADC and international markets
* Strategic partnerships and investment commitments

Day 2 – provides a platform for stakeholders to connect around investment opportunities, trade relationships, economic development and long-term partnerships.

GALA DINNER – PARTNERSHIPS, LEGACY & REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT
The RIC26 Gala Dinner will provide an opportunity to consolidate the partnerships, engagements and outcomes emerging from the conference, while bringing together government, business, investors, diplomatic representatives, international partners and other key stakeholders.

The Gala Dinner will also mark the establishment of a Regional Investment Conference Forum, creating an ongoing platform for continued dialogue, collaboration, investment facilitation and the advancement of partnerships beyond RIC26.

The Forum will seek to strengthen connections between South Africa, SADC Member States, international markets, investors, businesses and development partners, ensuring that relationships and opportunities developed through RIC26 can continue to progress beyond the conference.

REGISTER FOR RIC26

We encourage all delegates, SMMEs, speakers, exhibitors, investors, sponsors, government representatives, diplomatic missions and other stakeholders intending to participate to complete the official online registration form.

Early registration will assist the Organising Committee with accreditation, seating, catering, programme coordination and overall event logistics.

SMMEs and entrepreneurs are particularly encouraged to register for Day 1, while investors, businesses, government representatives, diplomatic missions, development institutions and international stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the *main investment and economic programme on Day 2.

We look forward to welcoming you to Knysna for RIC26 and to creating meaningful connections and opportunities between South Africa, the SADC region and international markets

Kind regards,

Nathi Mabukane
Chairperson – RIC26 Organising Committee
Yona-Yethu Initiative
Tel: 078 631 4478
Email: info@yonayethuinitiative.co.za