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.

The GEP Manufacturing Support is a finance product aimed at supporting Gauteng-based SMMEs in manufacturing and its subsectors. 

The product is a targeted financial support instrument aimed at bolstering the productive capacity of Gauteng-based SMMEs operating within the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing is a high-value, high-growth sector with great potential to drive industrialisation and promote sustainable economic growth that stimulates job creation .

As a precursor to the Gauteng Investment Conference (GIC) 2026, the GEP Manufacturing Support is positioned as a strategic pipeline mechanism to support SMMEs in scaling up and enhancing their competitiveness.

It is central to the core principles of the GIC 2026, which promote large-scale investment commitments from private and multinational investors into manufacturing projects for Gauteng. This accelerates economic growth and recognises Gauteng as a critical manufacturing hub for South Africa and the African continent.

The Manufacturing Support is a term loan facility of up to R5-million, specifically designed to support enterprises that are at least fifty-one percent (51%) black owned.

Gauteng Investment Conference 2026

Get ready for the Gauteng Investment Conference, where ideas meet opportunity, investment drives growth, and partnerships shape the future of Gauteng’s economy.

Below are ten reasons why the ELIDZ presents a compelling environment for industrial investment.

1. Plug-and-play industrial land

Investors at the ELIDZ gain access to fully serviced, development-ready industrial land, with bulk infrastructure already in place. This means no delays, no hidden capital expenditure, and no servicing risks when establishing operations, providing a ready platform for industrial development.

2. Strategic automotive port access

The ELIDZ is located close to a dedicated automotive port. With automotive berth access, lower congestion, and faster turnaround times, manufacturers benefit from more efficient logistics and export movement. Location continues to play a critical role in industrial competitiveness.

3. A deep automotive skills base

East London is home to one of South Africa’s most mature automotive labour pools. Decades of OEM manufacturing expertise, combined with an MBSA-trained workforce and a strong pipeline from WSU and TVET institutions, contribute to a skilled and experienced workforce, supporting the continued growth of automotive manufacturing.

4. An established supplier network

The ELIDZ operates within a ready-made ecosystem of component manufacturers, logistics providers, and service companies. This established network helps reduce operational risk, retraining costs, and supply chain realignment for manufacturers, strengthening the industrial value chain.

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5. Strong government coalition

Investment within the ELIDZ is supported by collaboration between ELIDZ, DEDEAT, Buffalo City Metro, the Provincial Treasury, Transnet Port, and the DTI. This coalition works to unlock incentives, accelerate approvals, and de-risk investment, creating a coordinated approach to industrial development.

6. Green energy and smart manufacturing

The ELIDZ supports reduced energy costs and carbon footprint reduction, while enabling smart factory readiness, EV innovation, and green logistics solutions. This positions manufacturers for a more sustainable future.

7. A proven automotive zone

The ELIDZ has built a 20-year track record hosting Mercedes-Benz Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, supporting export-focused manufacturing. This experience contributes to the Zone’s global credibility in automotive production.

8. Supporting localisation

Through the ELIDZ Manufacturing Incubator, enterprise development programmes support opportunities linked to the Geely value chain. Structured incubation programmes help strengthen local participation within the manufacturing sector.

9. Improving project economics

The ELIDZ provides access to a structured package of automotive and SEZ incentives designed to support investment, localisation, and export competitiveness. These incentives help strengthen the business case for industrial investment.

10. A de-risked investment environment

The ELIDZ provides investors with a proven industrial platform and a mature operating environment. This helps reduce ramp-up complexity and lowers transition risk when establishing operations, offering a practical pathway for industrial investment.

Connect with the ELIDZ team to explore available opportunities and join a growing manufacturing ecosystem. Visit www.elidz.co.za or contact 043 702 8200 to learn more about investment opportunities.

Here are 10 more compelling reasons to establish your business in the East London IDZ!

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.

Gauteng is set to manufacture high-value products capable of penetrating global markets, by implementing a sophisticated, multi-tier Special Economic Zone (SEZ) strategy.

By leveraging the specific regional strengths of the five development corridors, the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) is transforming the Gauteng City Region (GCR) into a production engine.

The OR Tambo SEZ serves as the forerunner for this export-oriented vision.

Stationed around Africa’s largest air cargo hub, it provides the infrastructure for advanced manufacturing and beneficiation. With a world-class Jewellery Manufacturing Precinct already operational and one of the world’s largest food factories driving fresh-product exports since 2019, it proves that Gauteng can dominate high-growth niches.

Further south, the Vaal SEZ is steering industrial regeneration. By attracting R2-billion in investment toward the hydrogen value chain and renewable energy components, it is building on the region’s historic steel and engineering skills base to meet the “Green Economy” demand.

The Automotive Supplier Park in Rosslyn remains the standard for OEM support, ensuring that the automotive sector retains its continental lead. In the West Rand, where mining output has slowed, new SEZ planning is diversifying the economy into bus manufacturing, agri-voltaics and pharmaceutical hemp.

These Special Economic Zones create an ecosystem where previously excluded citizens gain access to global value chains. By focusing on areas like avionics, battery energy storage, and New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), Gauteng is ensuring its re-industrialisation is tech-savvy and socially inclusive.

In addition, The Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) has launched the Manufacturing Support product, a term loan facility providing up to R5-million to help black-owned SMMEs scale their production capacity. This initiative directly supports the province’s re-industrialization strategy by transforming high-growth manufacturing businesses into competitive industrial players.

As a strategic precursor to the Gauteng Investment Conference (2026), the fund acts as a pipeline to prepare local enterprises for large-scale private and multinational investment. By focusing on this high-value sector, the GEP aims to stimulate sustainable economic growth and significant job creation across the city region.

Ultimately, the program reinforces Gauteng’s position as a critical manufacturing hub for both South Africa and the broader African continent. The transition from a passive consumption hub to an agile production powerhouse is Gauteng’s current reality.

Gauteng Investment Conference 2026

Get ready for the Gauteng Investment Conference, where ideas meet opportunity, investment drives growth, and partnerships shape the future of Gauteng’s economy.

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. 

Under the focus of “AfCFTA in Action: Building Pan-African Manufacturing Value Chains,” government leaders, industry executives, investors and trade experts will examine how Africa can move beyond trade agreements to establish integrated cross-border manufacturing ecosystems that drive industrialisation, job creation and economic growth across the continent.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is the world’s largest free trade area, creating a single market of over 1.3-billion people with a combined GDP of more than US$3.4-trillion. By reducing trade barriers and strengthening regional value chains, AfCFTA has the potential to accelerate industrialisation, boost intra-African trade and unlock sustainable economic growth across the continent.

While AfCFTA represents the world’s largest free trade area by number of participating countries, unlocking its full potential will depend on practical implementation across key sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, standards harmonisation and industrial infrastructure.

According to industry leaders, Africa’s industrial future will depend on the continent’s ability to transition from fragmented national markets toward integrated regional manufacturing systems.

Discussions at the Manufacturing Indaba will focus on how African economies can leverage the AfCFTA framework to develop regional production networks, strengthen supply chains and improve intra-African trade in manufactured goods.

Experts and policymakers will explore strategies to:

• Build regional manufacturing value chains across multiple African markets
• Improve cross-border logistics and trade corridors
• Align standards and regulatory frameworks to facilitate trade
• Strengthen industrial infrastructure and energy access
• Encourage investment into manufacturing clusters and industrial parks

According to industry leaders, Africa’s industrial future will depend on the continent’s ability to transition from fragmented national markets toward integrated regional manufacturing systems.

The Manufacturing Indaba, taking place from the 14 – 15 July 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, is recognised as Africa’s leading platform for manufacturing sector development, brings together policymakers, manufacturers, financiers and technology providers to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the continent’s industrial future.

As African economies seek to accelerate industrialisation, the Indaba will provide a critical forum for translating AfCFTA commitments into actionable strategies that support competitive manufacturing and sustainable economic growth.

Key assets include Saldanha Bay Port—Africa’s deepest natural harbour—for bulk exports such as iron ore, supporting oil, gas, and maritime services. The district includes five municipalities: Matzikama, Cederberg, Bergrivier, Saldanha Bay, and Swartland. 

In 2024, the WCD generated R47.1-billion in GDPR (Gross Domestic Product per Region), contributing 5.1% to the Western Cape economy. It supported 182,346 jobs (7.1% of provincial employment). Sectoral composition in 2024 showed a balanced mix: 

• Primary activities: 25.0% of GDPR and 38.0% of jobs (agriculture dominant at 23.9% GDPR and 37.8% employment). 
• Secondary sector: 26.1% of GDPR (manufacturing 21.1%). 
• Tertiary sector: 48.9% of GDPR and nearly half of jobs (strong in trade, finance, personal services, and government). 

Growth opportunities abound in renewables (wind/solar farms), green hydrogen, aquaculture, agro-processing, and eco-tourism, driven by the revised Economic Development Strategy (May 2025), which emphasises inclusive growth for higher employment and incomes through private-sector innovation and stakeholder synergy. 

Projections & Featured Projects: Long-term GDPR growth 1.4%–2.0% annually through 2028. FDI since 2003: R631.7m (1,504 jobs).

Key projects:

• Matzikama Aquaculture Zone (R600m–R1bn),
• Clanwilliam Smart Town (R450m),
• Hopefield Museum (R6m),
• green hydrogen initiatives (multi-billion scale potential). 

Planning for Growth 

The Een Weskus / One West Coast Plan 2025-2050 (revised Nov 2025) and Spatial Development Framework (2020) guide sustainable development, focusing on nodes such as Saldanha-Vredenburg and the N7/Olifants corridors.

Under-supply of social facilities (e.g., 40 primary schools) creates opportunities for education/health investments. IDP Amendment (2022-2027) and 2024-2027 Budget/MTREF support these. 

Municipal investment profiling: A digital approach

In 2023, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA introduced the “Investment Profile Template Guide for Municipalities in South Africa” to help municipalities present their investment potential. Research showed only 15% of South African municipalities had investment profiles at the time.

However, limited financial and human resources have hindered digital promotion and investment attraction. SALGA has launched a programme to assist municipalities with digital initiatives, and the following municipalities are included in the first phase:

• City of Ekurhuleni (Gauteng) 
• West Coast District Municipality (Western Cape) 
• Mnquma Local Municipality (Eastern Cape) 
• Matjhabeng Local Municipality (Free State)

The main objective of this project is to provide municipalities with a platform to market themselves as investment destinations to both domestic and foreign investors using an already existing platform and access to the Global Africa Network audience.  

This reputation for hosting world-class gatherings was further solidified last week at the Sandton Convention Centre during Meetings Africa 2026. As the 20th anniversary of the event, it demonstrated Gauteng’s unmatched ability to facilitate thousands of confirmed business meetings, directly linking African products to global buyers and generating significant economic impact.

To that effect, Gauteng recently attracted R27-billion in Foreign Direct Investment from key global markets like the UK and the United States. Gauteng is clearly gaining momentum, with the inaugural Gauteng Investment Conference (2025) securing R312-billion in commitments, while the province claimed the lion’s share of last year’s Presidential Investment Conference, with over R180-billion in pledges.

Global industry leaders are moving beyond talk and are physically expanding their operations in Gauteng. Microsoft is currently investing R5.4-billion into local data centre infrastructure, while Heineken Global has committed R1.9-billion to its operations in Midvaal. The automotive sector is also seeing a boost with Chery International establishing local manufacturing, and the creative economy is set for a massive leap with the R4-billion Cradle Film Studios project which is destined to be the largest production facility in Africa.

What keeps Gauteng ahead of the curve is its connectivity. International arrivals hit 3.8-million this year, supported by new strategic air routes linking the province directly to North America and Australasia. With major infrastructure projects like the Gautrain expansion and a R50-billion dry port on the horizon, the province is effectively streamlining the region’s logistics.

Gauteng it the premier meetings destination in Africa while serving as a powerful catalyst for global opportunity. The 2026 Gauteng Investment Conference (GIC 2026) will provide another opportunity to turn conversations into investment.

Investing in Gauteng

Find out more about the economic and investment environment of Gauteng Province and explore projects in progress, insights and investment opportunities in the region.

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: