KNYSNA NEWS - The chairman of the Regional Investment Conference (RIC) committee says following the highly successful RIC held in Knysna in November last year, the RIC's board of directors and the committee have decided to make the RIC an annual event.
"At the request of Deputy President Paulus Mashatile, and with the endorsement of various ministers who attended the 2024 Regional Investment Conference, it has been decided to establish this event as an annual occurrence, " RIC committee chairman Nkosinathi Mabukane said.
"Following this endorsement, our board of directors and the Regional Investment Conference committee have formally resolved to institutionalise the RIC as a flagship, yearly event."
Build-up events
Mabukane said sponsors and regional stakeholders were invited to participate in the 2025 Regional Investment Conference (RIC25).
There would be a series of events building up to RIC25, including:
1. Stakeholders' roundtable meeting. "The purpose of the Regional Investment Conference workshop is to develop bankable projects for Knysna and the Garden Route. The workshop will run from 17-21 March 2025 and it will be open to the members of the community, private sector and to the government," Mabukane said.
"Invited keynote speakers/guests are: Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams (Small Business Development) and Minister Gayton McKenzie (minister of Sport, Arts and Culture), who has been appointed as the 'District Champion' by President Cyril Ramaphosa."
'Solid foundation'
2. RIC25 Summit on 9 June. "The purpose of the summit is to review local and district government investment policies, laying a solid foundation for strategic regional growth."
3. RIC25 Agri and Township Tourism Indaba on 6 September. "The purpose of the indaba is to explore trends shaping the future of agribusiness and township tourism economics in the region," Mabukane said.
'Forging partnerships'
"This event will also provide a platform for forging partnerships, driving innovation, and creating business opportunities."
4. RIC25 Innovators Pitching Competition. "Held from 1-17 October, early-stage entrepreneurs and innovators will present their business concepts or inventions to a panel of judges, competing for prizes and investment capital.
'Showcase ideas'
"Winners will have the opportunity to showcase their ideas at the Regional Investment Conference."
Mabukane said RIC25 would be held between 13 and 15 November, and would "bring together stakeholders to discuss, collaborate, and invest in the future of our region".
'Special focus'
"These build-up events hold a special focus, setting the stage for the success of RIC25 and laying the groundwork for a future that is inclusive and prosperous for all.
"Our primary focus areas include: empowering small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs); uncovering and supporting opportunities within the informal business sector; and driving sustainable development to improve the quality of life and economic well-being of our town and the region."
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