Its proximity to the Maputo Corridor and the connections to the Port of Maputo provides investors with easy access to East African (146 million people), SADC (277 million) and ultimately, global markets.

The SEZ is supported by well-developed world class rail and road infrastructure, logistically providing efficient connectivity to Mpumalanga, Gauteng and Limpopo in South Africa, the Kingdom of eSwatini and the Republic of Mozambique.

Position your operation strategically along the Maputo Development Corridor

The Nkomazi SEZ is an attractive investment destination, especially for the agri-industrial and logistics sectors.

Strategically positioned in the border town of Komatipoort, Nkomazi SEZ offers a multi-sector base of operations along the Maputo Development Corridor which provides exporters with good access through Maputo Port to the export markets of South East Africa, the Indian Ocean Rim and Far East Asia.

Focused industrial sectors

The Nkomazi SEZ is designed to be a multi-sectoral industrial zone, focused on:

• Agro-processing – citrus fruits; subtropical fruits; aromatic plants; ground and tree nuts;
• Formulation and production of nutraceuticals;
• Refining of nutritional oils;
• A sugar mill;
• Integrated meat processing and attendant leather beneficiation factories;
• Fertilizer production based on recent South African innovation.
• Also serve as Logistics Hub

Strategic Objectives of the Nkomazi SEZ

• Act as an industrial engine to increase agricultural produce throughout the agricultural value chain
• Contribute to GDP of the province and country;
• Increase cross-border trade and export to Africa and the rest of the world.
• Attract Direct Foreign and Domestic Investment;
• Create more sustainable job opportunities in the agricultural value chains;
• Promote SMME development through incubation of new entrepreneurs

The entire development is designed to follow a green infrastructure theme, through:

• • Deployment of renewable energy technologies;
  • Hydrogen mobility with associated generation, storage and transportation infrastructure;
  • Recycling of the bulk of water used on the site and adjacent

The Maputo Corridor is bound to develop even more as the Maputo harbour improves its handling and scheduling capacity. In the event that a second rail line to Maputo to complement the current rail link is developed, the shipment of mining products and agricultural produce to and from the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces will increase.

Investors to date

At this stage, 14 investors have committed to the Nkomazi SEZ, operating mainly in the energy, logistics and agro-processing sectors and amounting to a total investment of R50-billion.

Amongst others, DP World is committed to create a logistics terminal (Komatipoort Dry Port) that can handle cargo containers and bulk material transport through transshipment of road cargo to rail (intermodal). Another investor, Vutomi Energy, is constructing a 100MW Gas to Energy Powerplant. These developments are already in an advanced stage.

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The Nkomazi SEZ is set to provide One-Stop-Shop services, incentives, an innovative platform, a competitive and transparent market environment and timeous and efficient responses to investors’ market requirements.

Contact

Potential investors are encouraged to contact the Nkomazi SEZ team to discuss all available options and opportunities:

More information about the Nkomazi SEZ:

About Special Economic Zones

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are geographically designated areas set aside for specifically targeted economic activities that are supported through special tax incentives. An SEZ aims to be an economic development tool to promote rapid economic growth by using various support measures to attract targeted foreign and domestic investments and technology. 

Investing in African Mining Indaba, Wednesday 11 February 2026 

The event was facilitated and the discussion led by Zinathi Gquma, the Business News Anchor at CNBC Africa. The introductory remarks were made by Lebogang Maile, MEC, Gauteng Department of Finance and Economic Development and the summing up was provided by Maidei Matika, the Chief Investment Facilitator of the OR Tambo Special Economic Zone.  

The panellists were Dr Tebogo Makube, Acting Deputy Director General: Sectors Branch, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition; Evan Bird, Group Technical and New Business Director, MECHPROTECH; Matimba Mahange, Chairman of Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa (MEMSA) and CEO of JA Engineering Works; Gary Lane, President of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM).

Gauteng: Africa’s mining innovation capital  

Unlocking high-value opportunities in green metals and mining technology.

The great opportunities presented by global demand for critical minerals represent an unparalleled opportunity for Gauteng, but real collaboration across the board will be needed for the province to realise all of the potential benefits. 

This was the key takeaway from a high-level panel discussion presented by the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) at the Investing in African Mining Indaba on 11 February 2026. 

The good news is that Gauteng’s storied history in mining, strong infrastructure and excellent educational institutions, together with Gauteng’s role as the nation’s economic hub all position the province to take the lead as Africa’s “Mining Innovation Capital”.  

Beyond extraction

MEC Lebogang Maile referenced the past and the future in his opening address. Although Gauteng was built as a “Place of Gold”, he said that the story has moved beyond extraction. He said, “It is about where value is created, where capital is anchored, where technology is applied and where the future of mineral-based industrialisation is taking shape.” 

Dr Tebogo Makube, Acting Deputy Director General: Sectors Branch, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition made a similar point when he stressed that mining itself was less important than the fact of value addition.  

In response to an early question about whether or not South Africa was ready or aligned with the coming changes in the mining environment Gary Lane, President of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), gave a short answer, “No”. He stressed the importance of training and education being aligned with the future of mining and urged collaboration among all role players, a subject on which all panellists contributed as the session progressed.  

Referencing the “massive opportunity” offered by critical minerals in Africa, he warned that multinationals would benefit instead of Africans “if we don’t start collaborating”.  

Matimba Mahange, Chairman of Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa (MEMSA) and CEO of JA Engineering Works, referenced some of the incredible innovations which South Africans have been responsible for such as heart transplants and the technology which drives SASOL. He noted that among MEMSA’s 70 members there were “great companies that do wonderful stuff” and most are exporting equipment, the CSIR is promoting industrialisation and there is cutting-edge technology such as industrial uses for hydropower are being employed in some sectors.  

Lane acknowledged the great historical examples and that South Africa has “incredible engineers and incredible innovation” but expressed concern that the country’s skills were being poached.  

To emphasise the point about the Gauteng mining story moving beyond extraction, Maidei Matika, the Chief Investment Facilitator of the OR Tambo Special Economic Zone, mentioned in her closing remarks that for decades Belgium had set diamond prices and London had set gold prices despite neither location every having mined anything!  

She said that the OR Tambo SEZ was examining how to create the most efficient ecosystem that allowed the economy to grow. She commented, “While extraction might have moved away from Gauteng, the value is still there.” She further noted that the value could drive jobs and provide a platform for investment. 

Rich resources 

The global context was provided by MEC Maile (pictured below), who quoted a World Economic Forum White Paper: “Demand for critical raw materials is rising because they are needed for clean-energy technologies, and current projections suggest that demand may soon exceed supply.” 

Electric vehicles, batteries, renewable-energy systems and power grids all need critical minerals and, according to MEC Maile, Gauteng is well placed to play a “central role”. Said Maile, “South Africa has significant reserves of platinum group metals, manganese, chrome, vanadium and gold. Between 2020 and 2024, the country exported R3.9-trillion in mineral commodities, with Gauteng accounting for most of the value in PGMs, manganese, chrome and coal exports.” 

Dr Tebogo Makube, Acting Deputy Director General: Sectors Branch, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, commented that for Gauteng and South Africa this period of demand for critical minerals was an “opportune time” but that it could be a blessing or a curse. Policy would be needed to ensure that investment is directed to areas which are critical for innovation and economic growth.  

The skills equation

“The mine of the future needs very diverse skills,” said Gary Lane. He continued, “We need to make sure that tertiary programmes align with what the industry of the future needs.”  
Although some of the panellists suggested that South Africa had proved in the past that it could come up with the skills required to complete complex tasks (hosting the soccer World Cup was referenced in addition to the medical and SASOL examples) all participants agreed on the importance of skills for the mining sector and on the need for there to be collaboration on this topic.  

Lane argued that the traditional pipeline that provided relevant skills to the mining sector “is not working” and that there was a need to “reestablish the system that is broken”. Referencing a “skills mismatch”, he said that the right people needed to be attracted and that courses needed to be “aligned with the needs”.  

The positive side of the equation Lane expressed like this: “We know this. We can do something about it.” For SAIMM, “That is one of our key focus areas, the mine of the future must have the skills required.”  

Referring to his own experiences as a young engineer, Mahange said that a “missing link” today was the big mining companies giving people experience on the job. He had seen highly qualified engineers in Germany working on production lines, not occupying big corner offices. It was important to marry the classroom and the practical side, he said.  Coordination was needed to train people in different skills and this is something that MEMSA was trying to do. People within the industry are well placed to train people and it was a matter of “properly directed and distributed” funds to make sure that this happens.  

The headquarters of many companies in the mining sector and supporting sectors are located in Gauteng. These include finance houses, mining companies and equipment manufacturers along with law firms, engineering and ICT services.  

Evan Bird, Group Technical and New Business Director, MECHPROTECH, noted that from a skills perspective, mining faced a particular challenge in “that we are in a global space” where graduates could freely move around. He praised South Africa’s innovative culture and reinforced Mahange’s point about marrying education and experience. Noting that education was only one aspect of becoming an mature engineer, he said, “You have got to get these guys with all their energy and innovation knowledge, then through action, they will get wisdom in the future.” 

Infrastructure is key

The industrial infrastructure that Gauteng and South Africa enjoys today was built by mining, a point noted by Mahange, who went on to state that Gauteng was well positioned to drive further growth.   

The facilitator posed an insightful rhetorical question when she asked, “Was infrastructure originally built for regional integration?” The answer in colonial times was obviously not, but Lane noted that recent investments had also been about mining companies getting “their product out”.  

Lane warned that without collaboration between mining houses, OEMs, government and regulators, “We are not going to harness the value” and it would be multinationals who would benefit.  

MEC Maile pointed out that Gauteng had attracted about R12.8-billion in mining-related investment over the last five years, positioning Gauteng as a regional industrial hub and as a province “supporting cross-border mineral value chains under SADC and AfCFTA, rather than competing with extraction-focused provinces or neighbouring countries”. 

The headquarters of many companies in the mining sector and supporting sectors are located in Gauteng. These include finance houses, mining companies and equipment manufacturers along with law firms, engineering and ICT services.  

Policy progress 

“The Critical Minerals Strategy is the roadmap of where we want to go,” stated Dr Makube of the dtic. He noted that policy was not static and that government has moved in recent times. The Industrial Policy Plan of the dtic is anchored on three “Ds”:

• Decarbonsiation 
• Diversification 
• Digital economy. 

From the viewpoint of the Gauteng Provincial Government, MEC Maile noted that value is realised where processing, manufacturing, skills, technology, finance and logistics come together. “This is why,” he said, “Gauteng has focused on building both the upstream and downstream parts of the mining value chain as a key driver of economic growth.” 

He went on to link the province’s policy to South Africa’s Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy, published in 2025. It notes that local processing and beneficiation of critical minerals could create up to 2.3-million jobs and boost Africa’s GDP by 12%, provided that problems related to infrastructure, energy and logistics are addressed. 

Maile noted that this aligns with research that emphases the importance of regional integration, value-chain coordination and investment facilitation. This is how to translate mineral demand into sustainable development benefit. 

Collaboration for success  

Underpinning many of the inputs from the panel was the importance of collaboration for the mining sector in the future.  

Lane made the point that mining houses, academics, funders, regulators and OEMs might all have different incentives, so it was important that there was ownership and drive. It was important to bring that fragmented ecosystem together to work as a proper system. He said that his organisation, SAIMM, is going to focus on that. “We need to walk our talk with tangible actions,” said Lane. “We can fix the pipelines.” 

Mahange said that if industry clusters were properly resourced, they could do the work (of collaboration). “The development finance is there,” he said. “We have got to unlock those stumbling blocks.” 

New models

Dr Makube of the dtic made a call to look at some aspects somewhat differently. Contextualisation is needed with regard to skills, for example. “We are dealing here with a changing world, and we have to respond to that,” he said. 

There was a need to look at new models to develop the new skills required in the new economy.  “Partnerships are key to building skills for the future,” he said. He referenced the need to create partnerships in the making of batteries and asked, “Are we training people so that they can migrate to working on electric vehicles (EVs)?” 

Dr Makube further noted that the dtic was not limiting itself to working on policy. It was assisting companies in the science and hydrogen space and is creating an EV White Paper. It was possible for government to support innovation, for example, he said, “We need to be creative as government where we can use offtake contracts to procure innovative products.” 

Bird suggested that the new mining environment, especially where critical minerals were found in relatively small quantities in many locations, lends itself to what he said was needed, namely “a new way of thinking”.  

Among the different concepts he put forward were the idea that “smaller, more modular systems” could lease equipment rather than buy it. These smaller units could then process the commodity and help to expand the mining community beyond the giant companies that traditionally mined with “big volumes and high turnover”. The financial sector would also have to be on board to make this method viable.  

Conclusion 

Gauteng’s strategy as regards mining is closely aligned to the South African Critical Minerals Strategy of 2025 where the focus is on “strengthening our industrial base and increasing value addition, we can create jobs, drive innovation, and advance economic growth”. 

As MEC Maile reiterated at the end of his opening remarks,

The future of mining in Africa will not be shaped by extraction alone but by how we use mining to build integrated, high-value and resilient industrial economies across the continent.

Gauteng’s offering to investors is based on institutional depth and policy certainty; financial sophistication and technical capability; industrial platforms enabled through SEZs; and market access at scale, both regionally and globally. 

Investing within Gauteng’s mining industry

The Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) is committed to creating an inclusive and transformed Gauteng economy that attracts foreign and domestic direct investment, develops sustainable enterprises and strategic economic infrastructure, and enables the growth of exports to the continent and beyond.

Visit www.ggda.co.za or contact the team here:

The conference will emphasize the importance of collaboration, intelligence sharing and community engagement and applying a multi-sectoral approach by bringing together state, private and mine security forces and authorities to unite and apply stronger regulatory and prosecution measures to create stability and investment.

Some of the critical topics that will be addressed at this year’s conference include:

• Strengthening collaboration through PPP between state-, private- and security forces to combat the deteriorating security conditions in and around mines
• Identifying insider threats using intelligence gathering techniques to reveal vulnerabilities before they can be exploited
• Meeting force with force? Deployment and support of specialized security to mobilize stability and gain ground against global crime syndicates and armed attacks
• Overcoming regulatory gaps and ambiguities about what constitutes illegal mining versus artisanal mining – moving towards formalising artisanal mining through proper licensing and regulation
• Combining people and technology, with due consideration of site specific conditions and threats to unlocks the true potential of both
• Whole-of-government approach: State agencies and enforcement authorities will share insights on how they are working together to achieve joint prosecution through inter-agency collaboration and sharing of resources and expertise. Building on PPPs and what support is needed from mines in the fight against illegal mining
• Who is responsible at ownerless mines and closure of shafts – 6000 abandoned mines with illicit trade draining R70-billion from the economy where are we at in terms of statistics and solutions?
• An update on legislative revisions underway to align mining laws and close legal loopholes that organised groups exploit
• “Following the money” and the network of organised crime associated with related crimes in and around your mine
• Circular Economies (CE) and moving away from the take-make-dispose model and working together as corporates, government and communities to address crimes and criminality such as illegal mining, sabotage, malicious damage to property and infrastructure, amongst other challenges towards extending life of mine
• Investment and reputational management and drawing investment to mining by ensuring stability and reinstating SA’s competitiveness in global markets, etc.

To speak, sponsor or receive the agenda, please contact info@pinpointstewards.co.za or register online at www.pinpointstewards.co.za

22 July 2026 | Country Club Johannesburg, Auckland Park

The 8th edition of the Coal and Energy Transition Day takes place on Wednesday 22 July 2026.

As the world grapples with conflicts, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical shocks, this year’s event will discuss coal’s ongoing role in ensuring global energy security and the pressing need to transition to cleaner energy sources. Industry leaders from government, major and junior coal producers, alternative energy providers, investors, port and logistics providers and independent experts will discuss key issues such as:

• What recent geopolitical and economic developments are driving the increased focus towards energy security and what are the implications?
• What are the perspectives of the major South African coal producers on the future of coal?
• What are the timelines for the energy transition?
• What will the future energy mix of South Africa look like?
• How can we manage the transition responsibly?
• What is Eskom’s perspective on coal and what are its plans to transition to renewable energy sources?
• How are the issues around coal transport and logistics being overcome to increase export capacity?
• What are the challenges and opportunities for junior coal miners?
• What are investors’ perspectives on funding coal and the energy transition?
• What are the latest developments in renewable energy and their contribution to South Africa’s energy mix?

Registrations for 2026 are now open

Be sure to register early in order to guarantee your place!

Hosted by the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) through the Natural Resources Stewardship Programme II (NatuReS II), the three-day regional exchange will take place from 24 – 26 February 2026 at the ELIDZ Conference Centre.

The gathering comes at a time when water security is increasingly becoming a defining challenge for economic growth and industrial sustainability across Africa. Delegates from South Africa, Ethiopia, Zambia and Tanzania — including representatives from government, industry, water utilities, academia, civil society and development institutions will share practical approaches aimed at strengthening water stewardship while sustaining industrial competitiveness and economic resilience.

Held under the theme: “From Source to Industry: Stewardship Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships for Socio-Ecological Transformation and Water-Smart Industrial Futures,” the exchange will explore how collaborative partnerships between industry, government and communities can respond to growing climate pressures and water scarcity challenges affecting industrial regions across the continent.

The programme will further showcase how industrial zones can serve as innovation platforms for sustainable resource management, highlighting the ELIDZ’s implementation of water stewardship initiatives as part of advancing integrated, climate-responsive industrial development.

Event details

• Event: Natures II Regional Learning Exchange 2026
• Dates: 24-26 February 2026
• Time: 08:30-17:00
• Venue: ELIDZ Conference Centre, East London

Programme highlights

Media will have opportunities to cover:

• Opening leadership addresses outlining regional priorities for water security and sustainable industrialization
• High-level discussions on the link between water resilience and industrial competitiveness
• African case studies demonstrating multi-stakeholder stewardship partnerships
• Industry dialogue on the business case for water stewardship
• Guided site visits showcasing ELIDZ water stewardship infrastructure, including water testing and alternative water-sourcing facilities
• Interview opportunities with programme leaders, technical experts, and participating stakeholders

Members of the media are invited to attend selected sessions and engagements during the programme. Media representatives are requested to confirm attendance in advance for accreditation and logistical arrangements.

Media RSVP & enquiries

• Siphosethu Tikana (CPRP)
• Acting Manager: Marketing & Corporate Communications
• East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ)
• Email: siphosethuti@elidz.co.za | Website: www.elidz.co.za

About East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ)

The East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) is a prime industrial site in South Africa. It is geographically designated and positioned for specialised industrial activity. The ELIDZ was one of the first IDZs in South Africa to be awarded a provisional operator’s licence in September 2002.

Renowned for its leadership sustainability, the ELIDZ has earned the prestigious title of being named one of the world’s leading Eco-Parks. This recognition, awarded by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation’s (UNIDO) Global Eco-Industrial Park Programme (GEIPP), highlights the ELIDZ’s unparalleled commitment to environmental conservation.

Serving as a global model for eco-industrial parks, the ELIDZ epitomises innovation, infrastructure, and skills development as crucial elements for unlocking economic opportunities, not only in South Africa but worldwide.

Mpumalanga is one of South Africa’s most productive and important agricultural regions and through strategic investments in the Mpumalanga International Food Market (MIFM) and the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) the province is set to become a major force in food production and distribution.

Mpumalanga’s sophisticated and well-segmented tourism and hospitality sector is ripe for investment and expansion.

Mpumalanga economy

The provincial economy of Mpumalanga is exceptionally diverse. Established industries in the province include Mining, Stainless Steel, Petrochemicals, Pulp and Paper, Ferro-Alloys, Energy Generation, Tourism, Agriculture and Agro-Processing.

Companies in these sectors include global giants in their industries such as Sasol (energy and chemicals), Sappi (paper, packaging, pulp and forests), Samancor Chrome (ferrochrome), Exxaro, ARM and Glencore (mining).

The province’s commercial farmers are among the most efficient in the world, exporting huge quantities of everything from citrus to macadamia nuts. Columbus Stainless is the only stainless-steel manufacturer on the continent.

Governance

The province has three district municipalities and 17 local municipalities. Several agencies which promote the regional economy report to the Mpumalanga Provincial Government. Large parts of the province comprises extensive rural villages that form part of areas run by traditional authorities.

Transport

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Mbombela plus many airfields such as Middelburg. Extensive freight rail network, busiest in South Africa. The N4 highway (Maputo Corridor) is an east-west spine of a highly developed road system.

Mpumalanga’s strategic location makes it a valuable transport and logistics hub:

• Maputo Development Corridor enhances logistics
• Preferential access to lucrative EU market
• Proximity to South Africa’s economic heartland
• Access to regional SADC market: 360-million population
• Access to deepwater Port of Maputo

Maputo Development Corridor

The Maputo Development Corridor is South Africa’s leading Spatial Development Initiative (SDI), linking Mpumalanga Province, Gauteng Province and the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone with the deepwater Port of Maputo in Mozambique.

This efficient corridor provides investors and exporters with good access to the export markets of South East Africa, the Indian Ocean Rim and Far East Asia. The Maputo Development Corridor comprises road, rail, Special Economic Zone, border posts, port and terminal facilities.

Mpumalanga’s diverse and resource-rich economy makes it one of the most attractive trade and investment destinations in South East Africa.

The corridor runs through the most highly industrialised and productive regions of Southern Africa. The Corridor has been extensively upgraded to international standards and links the industrial heartland of South Africa to its nearest port in Maputo, Mozambique, which is one of the fastest-growing countries in South East Africa.

Unique selling proposition

• Abundant resources: minerals and agricultural produce
• Established manufacturing infrastructure: smelters, petrochemicals, food processing, paper, sugar
• Strategic location: access to regional and global markets
• Tourism hotspots: the iconic Kruger National Park, world-class reserves, adventure tourism and new UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Mpumalanga International Food Market (MIFM)
• Nkomazi Special Economic Zone (NSEZ)
• The University of Mpumalanga
• Support for Green Economy research and investment

How to invest in Mpumalanga

The Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) is the official Economic Development Agency for the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and an entity of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

MEGA’s primary mandate is to foster the sustainable growth and development of Mpumalanga’s economy through its operational activities of Trade and Investment Promotion, Development Funding, Equity Investments, and Property and Infrastructure Development. The Agency remains accountable to the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDT).

MEGA is the foreign investor’s or trader’s first point of contact for doing successful business in Mpumalanga Province. Through the Trade and Investment Promotion Division, the Agency provides a variety of services to potential investors and trading partners.

MEGA services

MEGA staff will go out of their way to make the process of investing in Mpumalanga
or starting a business in the province easy. MEGA is focussed on customer needs
and provides innovative solutions with a high level of service. Services include:

• Trade and Investment Promotion
• Properties and Infrastructure
• Funding

Planning the way forward

National government has articulated a Nine-Point Plan which seeks to prioritise projects that will tackle key economic issues. MEGA is aligned with the plan, which include issues relevant to growing the provincial economy:

• • revitalise agriculture and the agro-processing chain
  • advancing mineral beneficiation
  • implementing the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) effectively
  • unlocking the potential of SMMEs, cooperatives and township and rural enterprises
  • resolving the energy challenge
  • stabilising the labour market
  • upscaling private investment
  • investment in science and technology, water and sanitation, transport and broadband connectivity

Invest in Mpumalanga — Contact MEGA 

Interested companies or individuals seeking to gain access to the vast opportunities available to investors in Mpumalanga, please send a brief message of introduction, indicating your main business or investment objectives:

More investment opportunities in Mpumalanga:

• • PPP opportunity to invest in the Blyde River Canyon Cableway Project
  • Partnership opportunity in development of hydroelectric power station
  • Hotel development opportunity in prime tourism spot
  • Investment opportunities in the Agriculture sector
  • Investment opportunities in Mpumalanga’s tourism sector
  • Invest in the development of a connected urban park in Mbombela, South Africa

Mpumalanga Trade and Investment Profile

Find more details about the economy of Mpumalanga and explore existing opportunities in the region: 

The Free State Province lies in the heart of South Africa, with the Kingdom of Lesotho nestling in the hollow of its bean-like shape. Situated between the Vaal River in the north and the Orange River in the south, the region is one of flat, rolling grassland and fields of crops, rising to lovely mountains in the north-east.

The Free State shares borders with six other provinces and provides easy access to the main ports of Durban, East London and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). The country’s major national highway, N1, runs through the centre of the province on a north-south axis.

Mangaung, comprising Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu, is South Africa’s newest metropolitan authority. The Bram Fischer International Airport in the provincial capital is the site of a multi-phase industrial and commercial development.

The N8 Corridor covers Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu and contains projects including the ICC Precinct (hotel and convention centre in Bloemfontein), Bio-Medical Park, Airport Node (logistics and supply chain, warehouses, residential apartments, hospitals, schools, hotels and new shopping malls), and tourism infrastructure for the Naval Hill development.

The province has an established institutional, educational and administrational infrastructure and is home to the Supreme Court of Appeal, the University of the Free State and the Central University of Technology.

Multiple sector opportunities

The Free State is home to immense investment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, ICT, infrastructure development, green energy, construction, tourism and trade.

Some of the biggest current sectors in the province are agriculture, mining, manufacturing and tertiary sectors, making it an ideal location for transport logistics and agro-processing operations. The province is the granary of South Africa, with agriculture central to its economy, while the mining industry is still a large employer.

The province supplies significant proportions of the nation’s sorghum (53%), sunflowers (45%), potatoes (33%), groundnuts (32%), dry beans (26%), wool (24%) and almost all of its cherries (90%). Red meat and dairy are other important products, while game hunting is a growing sector. Crop production represents about two-thirds of the province’s gross agricultural income. The main crops are maize and wheat. Sunflowers, sunflower seeds, sorghum and soybeans are other major crops. The Mangaung Fresh Produce Market plays a vital role in the sector, catering to householders, bulk buyers, informal traders, agents and farmers.

Opportunities are opening up in the province’s gas and energy sector, with exploration licences being granted, and a R200-million plant started producing liquified natural gas (LNG) and helium in 2022.

Opportunities in renewable energy are boundless. Rezoning for solar farms has already taken place in Theunissen, Bloemfontein, Fauresmith and Hoopstad. Solar projects include the 60MW Boshoff Solar PhotoVoltaic (PV) park (Sun Edison) and the 64MW Letsatsi Solar PV (Solar Reserve, Kensani Group and Intikon Energy).

Sasolburg, on the province’s northern border, is one of the country’s most important industrial complexes. It is home to the global giant Sasol and several other chemical facilities. Other towns that are the centre of economic activity include Kroonstad, an important agricultural, administrative and educational centre; Parys, on the banks of the Vaal River; QwaQwa, a vast settlement known for its handcrafted items; Ficksburg, famous for its cherry festival; and Bethlehem, gateway to the Eastern Highlands.

Companies locating to the Free State not only enjoy the opportunity to source inputs at competitive prices, but also benefit from domestic, regional and international markets for their products and services. Because South Africa has been engaging with our economically large trading partners, access to international markets is facilitated through various trade preferences and free-trade agreements.

Adding to the province’s attractiveness as an investment destination, there are several industrial parks and a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) that are supported by the National Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic). Industrial parks are situated in Maluti-A-Phofung, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu. The Maluti-A-Phofung SEZ (MAPSEZ) is situated in Tshiame in the northern part of the province, on the busy N3 highway.

The N3 transports vast amounts of cargo between Johannesburg and Durban, and the infrastructure at the MAPSEZ has been set up in such a way as to suit logistics operators. Manufacturing opportunities are also encouraged within the MAPSEZ and attractive concessions and allowances are available to investors. The key sectors that are being targeted are automotive, agro-processing, logistics, general processing, ICT and pharmaceuticals.

Contact

To find out about a specific opportunity or discuss your potential investment in the Free State, please contact the Free State Department of Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs here:

[contact-form-7]

Mining Indaba remains one of the most important gatherings on the African and global investment calendar because it brings together the entire mining ecosystem. This includes mining companies, investors, technology providers, financiers, policymakers and development institutions all under one roof.

For Gauteng; our presence here reflects the province’s role in South Africa’s mining and industry value chain.

Gauteng was built as the Place of Gold. Today, its mining story is no longer only about extraction. It is about where value is created, where capital is anchored, where technology is applied, and where the future of mineral-based industrialisation is taking shape.

Let me ground this conversation in evidence. While primary mining contributes only around 1.7 to 1.8 per cent of Gauteng’s GDP, the province continues to play a central role in South Africa’s mining economy.

• • Gauteng hosts most of the continent’s mining finance, capital equipment manufacturers, corporate headquarters, and key support services like engineering, legal, ICT, and technical expertise;
  • The province provides 16 to 17 per cent of South Africa’s mining jobs, which is around 79,000 people; and
  • Mining also supports between 50 and 55 per cent of Gauteng’s total exports, even though most of the minerals themselves are mined in other provinces.

This shows that Gauteng’s mining role has changed. It is no longer just about digging minerals from the ground. Today, it is about creating value, supporting trade, building skills, developing technology, and driving industrial activity across the country and the continent.

In the past five years, Gauteng has attracted about R12.8-billion in mining-related investment, creating over 1,500 new jobs in areas like beneficiation, metallurgy, equipment manufacturing, automation, and advanced services.

This progress comes from deliberate investment, planning, and hard work. It also sets the direction for where we want mining in Gauteng to grow in the future.

In the Gauteng Economic Development Plan, the mining sector is highlighted through the Mining Sector Master Plan as a key driver of growth. Mining supports downstream activities such as mineral beneficiation, equipment manufacturing, industrial services, logistics, exports, skills development, and capital expansion across the province.

This approach ensures that mining policy advances industrialisation, localisation, green metals development, and the attraction of long-term investment.

The global economy is entering a phase where minerals are in high demand. The World Economic Forum makes this clear in its 2024 White Paper Translating Critical Raw Material Trade into Development Benefits, where it states “Demand for critical raw materials is rising because they are needed for clean-energy technologies, and current projections suggest that demand may soon exceed supply.”

Under net-zero scenarios, the need for minerals used in electric vehicles, batteries, renewable energy systems and power grids is expected to grow two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half times by 2030. Meeting this demand will require about US$400 billion in global investment in mining, refining and processing by that year.

Gauteng is well positioned to play a central role in this. South Africa has significant reserves of platinum group metals, manganese, chrome, vanadium and gold. Between 2020 and 2024, the country exported R3.9-trillion in mineral commodities, with Gauteng accounting for most of the value in PGMs, manganese, chrome and coal exports.

The World Economic Forum also issued a warning, which shows why policy, investment and delivery must work together. It cautions that sustainable development does not happen automatically from mining alone. It requires investment, planning, and effective policy.

In other words, having minerals is not enough to create growth. Value is realised where processing, manufacturing, skills, technology, finance, and logistics come together. This is why Gauteng has focused on building both the upstream and downstream parts of the mining value chain as a key driver of economic growth.

South Africa’s Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy, published in 2025, makes the same point. It notes that local processing and beneficiation of critical minerals could create up to 2.3-million jobs and boost Africa’s GDP by 12 per cent, provided infrastructure, energy and logistics challenges are addressed.

Gauteng hosts the downstream and supporting layers of mining and green metals industries, including metallurgy, fabrication, mining equipment, automation, engineering, project finance, logistics, and professional services. Across Southern Africa, this positions Gauteng as a regional industrial hub, supporting cross-border mineral value chains under SADC and AfCFTA, rather than competing with extraction-focused provinces or neighbouring countries.

This approach directly aligns with global and regional research, emphasising the following:

• • Regional integration;
  • Value-chain coordination; and
  • Investment facilitation.

These are critical mechanisms for translating mineral demand into sustainable development benefits.

Today’s Industry Intel Session focuses on targeted, action-orientated investment discussions in areas such as the following:

• • Green metals and critical minerals value chains;
  • Mining technology, automation, and capital equipment manufacturing;
  • Beneficiation and localization; and
  • How special economic zones, infrastructure, skills pipelines, and development finance work together to turn mineral demand into bankable industrial projects.

As the programme shows, the session moves from strategy to implementation, linking Mining Indaba engagements directly to Gauteng’s investment pipeline and the Gauteng Investment Conference 2026.

Let me be clear to investors, financiers and industry leaders in the room. Gauteng is not competing on low wages or regulatory shortcuts. We are competing on:

• Institutional depth and policy certainty;
• Financial sophistication and technical capability;
• Industrial platforms enabled through SEZs; and
• Market access at scale, both regionally and globally.

The South African Critical Minerals Strategy of 2025 sends a message that aligns closely with Gauteng’s approach. It states: “The future of our country is closely tied to how we develop and manage our mineral resources. By strengthening our industrial base and increasing value addition, we can create jobs, drive innovation, and advance economic growth.”

That is exactly what this session is about: a practical, focused engagement. The future of mining in Africa will not be shaped by extraction alone but by how we use mining to build integrated, high-value, and resilient industrial economies across the continent.

Thank you.

References

• South Africa Critical Minerals Strategy (2025)
• World Economic Forum (2024) – Translating Critical Raw Material Trade into Development Benefits
• GDED Gauteng Economic Development Plan
• GGDA Macro Business Intelligence (2026) – 8 Reasons Why the Mining Sector Matters to Gauteng
• World Economic Forum (2025) SADC Critical Minerals & Industrialisation Note

Join investors, OEMs, buyers and technology leaders as the GGDA unlocks high-impact opportunities across mining equipment, technology, beneficiation and African Mining value chains.

• Wednesday, February 11, 2026
• 11:15 – 12:45
• Red Sea Stage, CTICC – Level 1

About the GGDA

The Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) is committed to creating an inclusive and transformed Gauteng economy that attracts foreign and domestic direct investment, develops sustainable enterprises and strategic economic infrastructure, and enables the growth of exports to the continent and beyond.

The Free State’s economy grew at an average annual rate of 0.38% over 10 years from R191-billion in 2013 to R342-billion in 2023. The province contributed 4.87% to the South Africa GDP of R7.02-trillion in 2023 and achieved an annual growth rate of 0.15% in the same year, which is lower than the country’s growth rate of 0.70%. It is our considered view that the province must aim to grow the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at an average annual rate of 1.58%, or higher, from 2025 to 2028.

Strategic location is ideal for trade and investment

The Free State Province lies in the heart of South Africa between the Vaal River in the north and the Orange River in the south. The province is a gateway to the Kingdom of Lesotho which is surrounded by the South African provinces of Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape.

The Free State is an ideal investment destination as it is blessed with abundant natural resources. The province is ideally located at the confluence of major logistics arterials and corridors such as the R30, N1, N6, N5, N8 and N3. This makes the movement of goods very economically viable.

Various infrastructure renovations and upgrading projects are underway and this will contribute to an improved investment climate.

The province is also an ideal destination for renewable energy projects, including solar PV, hydro and wind projects. In addition, the grid availability in the province presents an opportunity for investments in independent power producer (IPP) projects in the province. The Free State is also referred to as the breadbasket of the country as agriculture is a significant contributor to its GDP.

Investment opportunities

Renewable energy

The province is an ideal destination for renewable energy projects of all kinds. Good grid availability and enthusiastic investment facilitation present particularly attractive opportunities for investments in the province.

Mining and gas extraction

Although the mining sector is no longer dominant, coal, diamond and gold mining still make up an important part of the Free State economy. Natural gas was first discovered in a Virginia gold mine in 1947, and the mine has been producing combustible gas ever since. A massive amount of helium is produced as a byproduct of natural gas production.

The province has potential mining and beneficiation opportunities in commodities such as gold, diamonds, coal and rare earth elements. Sand and aggregate mining in the Free State province have become very attractive as part of supporting the construction ecosystem.

Special Economic Zones and Industrial Parks

The Maluti-A-Phofung Special Economic Zone (MAPSEZ) is strategically located on the key N5 and N3 logistics corridors which makes it an ideal investment destination. The MAPSEZ aims to attract R2-billion in new investments. Sectors prioritised in the zone are logistics, agro-processing, ICT, automotive, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing.

The 1 000ha estate is divided into four zones: agro-processing, light industrial, heavy industrial and a container terminal.

The Free State, working with the National Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), is upgrading the industrial parks in Botshabelo, Thaba ‘Nchu and Phuthaditjhaba to provide infrastructure to encourage manufacturing in these areas.

The manufacturing and retail sectors provide attractive opportunities for investors in these industrial parks.

Agriculture

The Free State is blessed with abundant production of crops such as maize and sunflower, soya, wheat and potatoes. Livestock farming is also a dominant feature of our agricultural activities.

This region is one of the biggest producers of these crops and there are agri-processing investment opportunities linked to these primary products.

The annual National Maize Producers Organisation (NAMPO) festival is held just outside the border of the province in Bothaville, which is the headquarters of GrainSA.

It is thus imperative for investments into the agriculture sector to increase in this area as there is sufficient land for this. This will ensure a healthy growth over time so that Free State can reclaim its title of being the breadbasket of the country.

Tourism

The Free State Province is home to several strategic and unique natural and cultural assets that offer significant opportunities for tourism investment through strategic partnerships. This approach, which has shown success in the Kruger National Park, can be replicated in the Free State.

Collaboration between the public sector and private investors has the potential to develop high-end tourism facilities:

Sterkfontein Dam and Gariep Dam: These large dams are not only engineering marvels but also scenic spots perfect for developing luxury resorts, water sports and fishing activities. Private investors can build exclusive lodges and organise guided tours, capitalising on the breathtaking views and serene environment.

Clarens and Vredefort Dome: Known for its artistic community, Clarens in the eastern Free State is situated in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. The Vredefort Dome near Parys is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a unique geological wonder.

Both sites present opportunities for unique lodging experiences that blend luxury with natural and historical exploration. Boutique hotels and eco-lodges can offer guests a blend of comfort, art and heritage tours.

Mangaung: As the provincial capital, Bloemfontein offers potential for urban tourism. Investing in upscale hotels, conference centres and cultural experiences like museum tours and city heritage walks can attract both leisure and business travelers.

State resorts: Existing state resorts in prime locations present opportunities for upgrades and modernisation. Private-sector players can revitalise these resorts, introducing luxury accommodation, spa services and bespoke adventure activities tailored to discerning travellers.

Message to investors

Investments do not happen in a vacuum: a conducive environment has to be created to ensure that investors find a home in our province.

As part of encouraging inward investments, the province commits to reducing red tape and improving the ease of doing business. Our message to investors across the world is this:

Invest in the Free State, the province at the centre of it all!

Contact

Interested parties who wish to look deeper into any of the above mentioned opportunities are encouraged to send a brief message of introduction to the investment facilitation team: