The delegation, comprising Inner City Regeneration Programme Manager Lungelo Buthelezi and Nomalanga Sokhela from the Economic Development Directorate, engaged global shipyards, captains, manufacturers and investors.  

They were supported on the ground by Brian Ngiba, Managing Director of Ziziba Holdings, Navigo’s strategic local partner. 

A major highlight of the visit was the ceremonial handover of the Letter of Intent (LOI) between eThekwini Municipality and Navigo, custodians of the YARE programme and widely regarded as the global leader in superyacht destination development. 

The LOI, signed by eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele, was formally presented by Buthelezi to Navigo President Katia Balducci at a high-profile event attended by industry leaders and international media in Viareggio, Italy. 

Through this partnership, Navigo has confirmed its commitment to mobilise significant private-sector investment towards Durban’s superyacht infrastructure and refit capabilities, with projected investment estimated at over R1.9-billion. 

The delegation also extended formal invitations to over 100 superyacht captains and more than 100 global yacht manufacturers to attend the YARE Symposium to be held in Durban in November this year.  

Durban will become the first African city ever to host this globally recognised event. 

Sentiments from shipyards and captains have been positive, signalling strong confidence in Durban’s emerging value proposition and market potential. 

The anticipated economic impact of this partnership is significant. Projections indicate that more than 2,500 direct jobs could be created by 2030 across marine engineering, refit services, advanced manufacturing and tourism. 

Parallel to this, eThekwini and the Durban University of Technology are advancing plans for Africa’s first Professionalised Superyacht Academy, which will train young South Africans in high-demand skills such as welding, marine engineering and advanced composites fabrication. 

Throughout the visit, from 8 to 16 March, Durban’s delegation held strategic engagements with senior executives from leading shipyards.  

The City’s proposed superyacht precinct, located on a 24-hectare site within the Port of Durban, was presented as a compelling and competitive offering for future investment.

In terms of the TNPA Ship Repair Strategy, this site is specifically reserved for the refit market, which includes superyacht servicing and maintenance, a key selling point for international investors. 

Reflecting on the historic moment, Buthelezi said that presenting the signed LOI to Navigo’s leadership on behalf of the City Manager was an honour, adding that the ceremony signalled Durban’s readiness and unwavering commitment to establishing a world-class superyacht ecosystem. 

Navigo President Katia Balducci affirmed the organisation’s confidence in Durban, stating: “This partnership represents the beginning of a historic chapter for Africa’s participation in the global superyacht industry. Durban has the vision, the infrastructure and the commitment to succeed.”

The Municipality is now moving into the next phase of implementation. Preparations are underway to host the YARE Symposium in Durban this November, alongside detailed planning for the proposed superyacht precinct. 

Strengthening Durban’s ocean economy

Participation in international platforms such as YARE – Yachting Aftersales & Refit Experience forms part of eThekwini Municipality’s broader strategy to grow the city’s ocean economy and attract global investment into the maritime sector.

By building strategic relationships with industry leaders and investors, Durban aims to unlock new opportunities for marine manufacturing, tourism development, skills transfer and job creation.

As the global superyacht industry continues to expand, Durban’s engagement with YARE demonstrates the city’s commitment to strengthening its position as a competitive maritime destination and a future hub for superyacht services in the Southern Hemisphere.

Contact the team!

International superyacht builders, refit specialists and global marina developers should contact Invest Durban as soon as possible to discuss opportunities in Durban.

Recognized as one of the most important international platforms dedicated to the superyacht refit and aftersales sector, the event connects shipyards, captains, yacht managers and marine service providers through structured networking meetings, technical discussions and industry forums focused on innovation, sustainability and the future of yacht servicing.

Building on Durban’s strong presence in 2025

Durban’s presence at the 2026 event builds on the momentum established during YARE – Yachting Aftersales & Refit Experience 2025, where Invest Durban played a highly visible role in promoting the city as a strategic superyacht destination.

During the 2025 event, Invest Durban sponsored the prestigious Gala Dinner, one of the key networking highlights of the programme, bringing together superyacht captains, shipyards and global industry leaders. The sponsorship provided a unique opportunity to position Durban within high-level industry discussions and to showcase the city’s potential as a marine services hub.

In addition to the sponsorship, Invest Durban’s brand presence was prominently displayed through event banners and promotional material, significantly enhancing the city’s visibility among international participants attending the event from across the global yachting industry.

Advancing international investment partnerships

A key outcome of the 2025 engagement was the signing of a mutual Letter of Intent (LOI) aimed at fostering cooperation and promoting foreign direct investment opportunities into Durban’s marine sector.

The agreement focuses on attracting investment from international superyacht builders, refit specialists and global marina developers, supporting Durban’s ambitions to expand its maritime infrastructure and strengthen its role within the international superyacht ecosystem.

For Durban, this partnership represents an important step toward developing world-class facilities that can support visiting superyachts through refit, repair and maintenance services while also creating opportunities for marina development and associated tourism infrastructure.

Positioning Durban within the global refit market

The superyacht refit sector continues to experience strong global growth, representing a significant portion of industry activity and offering opportunities for cities with the right infrastructure, technical skills and strategic location.

Durban’s geographic position along key Indian Ocean cruising routes, combined with the capabilities of the Port of Durban, provides a strong foundation for developing a competitive superyacht servicing ecosystem in the Southern Hemisphere.

Through participation in YARE – Yachting Aftersales & Refit Experience 2026, the Invest Durban delegation is actively engaging with global industry leaders to:

• Promote Durban as an emerging superyacht refit and maintenance destination
• Strengthen partnerships with international shipyards and marine service providers
• Encourage foreign direct investment in marina infrastructure and marine manufacturing
• Position Durban as a gateway to the African and Indian Ocean yachting markets

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Strengthening Durban’s ocean economy

Participation in international platforms such as YARE – Yachting Aftersales & Refit Experience forms part of eThekwini Municipality’s broader strategy to grow the city’s ocean economy and attract global investment into the maritime sector.

By building strategic relationships with industry leaders and investors, Durban aims to unlock new opportunities for marine manufacturing, tourism development, skills transfer and job creation.

As the global superyacht industry continues to expand, Durban’s engagement with YARE demonstrates the city’s commitment to strengthening its position as a competitive maritime destination and a future hub for superyacht services in the Southern Hemisphere.

Contact the team!

International superyacht builders, refit specialists and global marina developers should contact Invest Durban as soon as possible to discuss opportunities in Durban.

The iZinga Balwin Development is situated in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The site covers a gross area of approximately 107 ha.​
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The development will have a profound effect on Durban’s housing market, providing affordable housing in an affluent area that was previously reserved for the wealthy and largely unattainable to the majority of the​ community.​
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The development will incorporate a school with a sports centre, which will include padel courts, soccer fields, gyms, a swimming pool as well as a retail​ centre including a restaurant, fuel station and convenience store.

Current progress

• iZinga Eco Estate – Phase 1 – in progress
• iZinga Eco Estate – Phase 2 – in planning
• iZinga Lifestyle Center – in planning
• iZinga Views – in planning

Next steps

• Construction of the upgrades to Herrwood Drive to start in September 2025
• De-silting of exiting sewer line to Ohlanga pump station to accommodate full development flows
• Construction of the extension of Herrwood Drive to the N2 as well as an underpass and on/off ramps onto the N2
• Construction of the extension of Preston Drive and the intersection of Preston Drive

Project info

• Investor: Balwin Properties
• Investment value: 6.14-billion
• Construction period: 2020 – 2030

Contact project promoter

Investment opportunities in Durban

Invest Durban act as a partnership between the Metro City Council and the private business sector, offering a free investor advisory service, plus key promotion, facilitation, aftercare services between all investment stakeholders.

Cornubia is planned to be a mixed-use, mixed-income development, incorporating industrial, commercial/retail, social to middle income residential and open space uses to be implemented over a 20–30-year period. This includes transit orientated development to promote live, work and play principles.

Current progress

• First 2,666 residential units in Housing Phase 1a and 1b delivered and occupied.​
• Housing is currently busy with the civils and top structure contracts for the phase 2A & B housing
• Cornubia Retail Park with Cornubia Shopping Mall, MMI offices and filling station operational.
• N2 Business Estate with a Makro and warehouses operational.
• CIBE (Cornubia Industrial and Business Estate) is largely complete, with businesses operational.​
• Fundamentum have come in as the new developer for CTC (Cornubia Business Park Precinct) – Planning stage
• Tenders out for key link portions of Cornubia Boulevard.

Next steps

Construction of the Cornubia Boulevard Roadworks (C9 WP6A – Ph1):

• • Procurement – Q4 2025
  • Implementation Start – Q1 2026
  • Implementation Complete – Q1 2028

Upgrade of Blackburn to Phoenix 1 Pipeline:

• • Procurement – Q4 2025
  • Implementation Start – Q1 2026
  • Implementation Complete – Q1 2028

Funding application with BFI:

• • Feasibility Study by DBSA – Q1 & Q2- 2026
  • Completion of CBA by CRI – Q3 -2026
  • BFI application – Q4 – 2026

Project info

• Investor: Tongaat Hulett Properties
• Investment value: R50-billion
• City contribution: TBC
• Construction period: 2010 – 2040

Contact

Potential investors seeking more information about upcoming opportunities in this development are encouraged to contact the project promotors:

Whetstone Business Park is an estate with commercial, retail and light industrial opportunities. It spans an 81-hectare site strategically located adjacent to the Dube Trade Port Agri-zone and only 2 km from King Shaka International Airport along the R102. The development is planned to be completed in four phases.

Current progress

• Phase 1 implemented, with Frimax Foods manufacturing & mixed-use “Petro Port” retail node, plus future hotel site planning.
• Phase 2 has the Boxer Distribution Centre (DC) completed and Liebherr-Africa currently under construction.
• Phases 3 and 4 remain in the planning stage.

Project info

• Investor: Edstan Group
• Investment Value: R2-billion
• City Contribution: R5-million (bulk water infrastructure)
• Construction Period: 2019 – 2030

Contact Whetstone Business Park

Investment opportunities in Durban

Invest Durban act as a partnership between the Metro City Council and the private business sector, offering a free investor advisory service, plus key promotion, facilitation, aftercare services between all investment stakeholders.

Kings Estate is a 623ha mixed use industrial/commercial and residential development, with 322ha being located within eThekwini Municipality and the remaining 298ha within KwaDukuza Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Current progress

• SPLUMA approvals secured in both eThekwini & KwaDukuza Municipalities
• Environmental Authorisation finalised, including approved amendments
• Construction commenced (access infrastructure completed) 2020
• Bulk sewer interim solution agreed, pending Tongaat WWTW upgrade (2026)
• Phases 2D & 2E progressing within approved phasing framework
• Residential components gaining strongest
• Recognised as a Provincial Catalytic Project

Next steps

• Engagements underway with the new pension fund ownership entity for Phases 2D & 2E
• Phasing adjustments to align with available bulk services and investment priorities
• Rezoning and Land Use Scheme alignment progressing to meet SPLUMA conditions
• Finalisation of bulk water supply design from Burbreeze Reservoir in progress
• Current focus: securing approval for the proposed pipeline alignment

Project info

• Investor: KDC Projects and Developments
• Investment Value: R18-billion (all 11 phases)
• City Contribution: TBC
• Construction Period: TBC

Contact Kings Estate

Investment opportunities in Durban

Invest Durban act as a partnership between the Metro City Council and the private business sector, offering a free investor advisory service, plus key promotion, facilitation, aftercare services between all investment stakeholders.

8 – 9 September 2026
Durban, South Africa

The conference will host over 200 leading experts and decision-makers from across Africa’s water sector, providing a strategic platform for knowledge exchange, investment dialogue, and collaboration aimed at strengthening water resilience, infrastructure, and service delivery across the continent.

24 – 25 November 2026
Durban, South Africa

The event focuses on enhancing performance, interconnectivity, and resilience across Africa’s port and rail systems, spotlighting critical areas such as modernisation, integration, and sustainable development.

The event will spotlight critical areas such as: 

• Port and rail infrastructure upgrades and investment opportunities
• Seamless intermodal connectivity and corridor development
• Green transport solutions and climate-resilient infrastructure
• The role of digitalization, AI, and data-driven technologies
• Cargo handling efficiency and automation at terminals
• Public-private partnerships in infrastructure development
• Safety, security, and compliance in port and rail operations
• Mining and energy logistics solutions

Dube TradePort is a designated SEZ, strategically located adjacent to the King Shaka International Airport in Durban, South Africa.

Spanning 2,840 hectares, it is the only facility in Africa that integrates an international airport with a dedicated cargo terminal, warehousing and logistics platforms, commercial offices, retail developments, and high-tech agricultural zones all within a single, secure precinct.

Current progress

• Trade Zone 1: Fully operational + 50 investors
• Trade Zone 2: Serviced and operational
• Trade Zone 3: EIA approved; engineering report to support SPLUMA (Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act) submission
• Agri Zone 1: Fully Operational 
• Agri Zone 2: Development ready
• Support Zone 1: Development ready
• Support Zone 2: SPLUMA underway

Project info

• Investor: Dube TradePort Corporation (DTPC) (executing entity)
• Investment Value: R13-billion (to date)
• Construction Period: 2008 – 2068

Contact Dube TradePort

The expansion significantly increases production capacity and strengthens BASF’s ability to supply high-quality dispersions used in the architectural coatings, construction, and paper industries across East, West, and Southern Africa.

This investment is aimed at supporting the growth of regional customers by improving supply reliability and enabling faster responses to market demand.

As the only multinational-owned dispersions production plant in South Africa, the Durban facility remains a critical hub in BASF’s global Europe, Middle East and Africa network.
It is also BASF’s only greenfield investment on the African continent since 2012.

To support the increased production capacity, BASF has established a modern on-site application laboratory. The facility will serve as a centre for technical excellence, enabling closer collaboration with customers and providing enhanced support for the development of locally relevant product formulations.

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba welcomed another major investment in the south of Durban following the expansion of the Badische Anilin- und Soda-Fabrik (BASF) factory.

Mayor Xaba welcomed the company’s investment, noting that it will create additional job opportunities for local communities. He said the investment is a clear indication that eThekwini is on an upward trajectory and that business confidence in the City continues to grow. The Mayor also reaffirmed the Municipality’s commitment to working closely with the business sector to ensure reliable and uninterrupted Municipal services that support investment and economic growth.

Mayor Xaba highlighted the broader economic benefits of the investment.

“This expansion represents a significant boost to the local economy. It supports business growth, strengthens the manufacturing sector, and contributes to job creation. Investments of this nature also have a ripple effect across the value chain, as companies that supply raw materials and services benefit from the growth of industrial activity,” said Mayor Xaba.

Jörg Niebergall, Senior Vice President for Dispersions Europe at BASF, said the investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to the region. “Our investment in Durban demonstrates BASF’s continued commitment to the dynamic African market. Alongside recent expansions in Türkiye and modernisation projects in Germany, this investment strengthens our position as a leading supplier across the Europe, Middle East and Africa region and enhances our ability to support customer innovation.”

The upgrade includes advanced production technology, including the installation of a new reactor that will improve efficiency, increase capacity, and maintain high product quality.
“This expansion will enhance supply reliability and ensure that we continue to deliver excellent product quality to our customers,” said Ruveshen Reddy, Durban Site Manager.
As BASF celebrates six decades of operations in South Africa, the company continues to combine economic growth with social responsibility.

This investment reinforces BASF’s commitment to supporting industrial development and strengthening partnerships that contribute to long-term economic growth in the region.

Invest in Durban

Invest Durban act as a partnership between the Metro City Council and the private business sector, offering a free investor advisory service, plus key promotion, facilitation, aftercare services between all investment stakeholders.

Contact the team to discuss your business or investment objectives: