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. 

Recognised as Africa’s premier energy event, the Africa Energy Indaba once again served as a strategic platform for high-level dialogue, investment engagement and practical solutions aimed at advancing Africa’s energy future.

A highlight of the 2026 Indaba was the Presidential Keynote Address delivered by H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa, underscoring the importance of energy security, infrastructure development and regional cooperation in unlocking Africa’s economic potential. 

Addressing delegates from across the global energy ecosystem, President Ramaphosa emphasised that Africa’s abundant natural resources — including solar, wind, hydropower, gas and critical minerals — position the continent to become a competitive energy producer while meeting its development needs. 

The President also highlighted that more than 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, reinforcing the urgency of accelerating investment in energy infrastructure and innovation across the continent. 

Major announcements and strategic developments

The 2026 Africa Energy Indaba delivered several important announcements and partnerships that underscore the event’s role as a catalyst for energy investment and collaboration.

Mission 300 commitment expanded

As part of Mission 300 Day during the Indaba, The Rockefeller Foundation announced an additional US$10 million in support of Mission 300, the ambitious initiative led by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank aimed at connecting 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.

The announcement reinforced the growing momentum behind Mission 300 and highlighted the importance of global partnerships in addressing Africa’s energy access gap.

Nuclear Energy Cooperation Agreement

During the Nuclear Forum, South Africa’s Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) and Russia’s Rosatom signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in nuclear skills development, training and research.

The partnership supports South Africa’s nuclear expansion ambitions and focuses on developing the next generation of nuclear professionals, promoting women’s participation in the sector and advancing collaborative research programmes.

Global Nuclear Capacity Commitment

A further milestone of the Nuclear Forum was the signing of the Declaration to Triple Global Nuclear Capacity by 2050, in collaboration with the World Nuclear Association. The declaration reflects growing international recognition of nuclear power as a critical component of global energy security and decarbonisation strategies.

Advancing continental infrastructure and investment

A key highlight of the Indaba was the Ministerial Roundtable on the Africa Ten-Year Infrastructure Investment Plan for Cross-Border Interconnectivity (TYIIP).

The roundtable focused on accelerating priority transmission and power infrastructure projects across the continent, strengthening project preparation mechanisms, improving cross-border coordination and mobilising both public and private investment to enable regional energy integration.

Energy leaders emphasised that cross-border interconnectivity and regional power pools will be essential to delivering reliable and affordable electricity across Africa.

South African energy investment opportunities

The Indaba also hosted the South African Investment Forum, hosted by the Department of Electricity and Energy, which profiled a range of investment opportunities in South Africa’s evolving energy sector.

The forum provided investors with insights into new projects across renewable energy, transmission infrastructure, gas-to-power developments, nuclear energy expansion and emerging technologies.

A Platform for strategic energy dialogue

The Africa Energy Indaba 2026 brought together energy stakeholders to explore pathways for:

• Strengthening energy security and resilience across Africa
• Accelerating energy investment and project development
• Advancing regional power integration and cross-border infrastructure
• Supporting Africa’s just and inclusive energy transition
• Unlocking the potential of gas-to-power, renewables, storage and grid expansion

Government leaders, development finance institutions, utilities, private sector companies and technology innovators participated in a series of high-level discussions, ministerial roundtables and industry forums.

Key outcomes and strategic discussions

Among the key themes and outcomes emerging from the 2026 Indaba were:

Energy investment acceleration

Delegates emphasised the need to significantly increase investment in generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure to meet Africa’s rapidly growing energy demand.

Regional integration and infrastructure development

Ministers and industry leaders highlighted the importance of strengthening regional power pools and cross-border interconnectors to improve reliability and unlock continental energy markets.

Energy transition aligned with industrial growth

A central message from the conference was that Africa’s energy transition must support industrialisation, job creation and economic development while advancing sustainability goals. 

Strategic role of Natural Gas

The Africa Gas Forum reinforced the role of natural gas as a transition fuel capable of supporting electricity generation, industrial growth and energy stability across the continent.

Public–Private Partnerships

Strong emphasis was placed on collaboration between governments, investors and development partners to accelerate project implementation and mobilise large-scale energy financing.

Africa’s Energy Future

The Africa Energy Indaba continues to play a critical role in shaping the continent’s energy policy landscape and investment pipeline.

By convening key decision-makers and global stakeholders, the Indaba provides a platform where energy deals begin, partnerships are formed and practical solutions are developed to address Africa’s most pressing energy challenges.

As Africa’s energy demand grows and the global energy transition accelerates, the Africa Energy Indaba remains committed to driving dialogue, collaboration and investment that will power the continent’s future.

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.  

Sustainable Energy positioning

The Sustainable Energy Sector at the East London Industrial Development Zone is a strategic pillar of clean industrial development.

Recognised by UNIDO as one of Africa’s leading Eco-Industrial Parks (EIPs), the ELIDZ delivers a structured eco-industrial platform designed for renewable energy manufacturing and sustainable operations.

Located within the Eastern Cape Renewable Energy Corridor, the zone enables the development and localisation of solar PV, wind, biomass, green hydrogen, energy-efficient technologies, waste-to-energy, and battery systems manufacturing, supported by coordinated infrastructure planning and institutional partnerships.

Investment opportunities

Investment opportunities are positioned across high-impact segments of the renewable and clean-technology value chain:

Renewable technology manufacturing

• • Solar PV manufacturing and assembly
  • Wind turbine components and systems
  • Green hydrogen production and storage infrastructure

Bioenergy & resource recovery

• • Biomass and bioenergy projects
  • Waste-to-energy initiatives

Energy systems & efficiency

• • Energy efficiency solutions
  • Smart-grid technologies

Alongside these manufacturing and technology opportunities, the ELIDZ is also advancing the development of a 15MW solar PV rooftop installation across its industrial facilities, integrated with battery storage to strengthen embedded generation capacity and energy resilience within the zone.

Potential funders are invited to engage with the ELIDZ Sustainable Energy Sector to explore participation in this 15MW solar PV and battery storage initiative.

Why invest in the ELIDZ Sustainable Energy Sector?

1. Globally recognised sustainability platform
2. Operate within a UNIDO-certified Eco-Industrial Park aligned to international sustainability benchmarks
3. SEZ investment incentives
4. Benefit from competitive tax, customs, and investment advantages under the Special Economic Zone programme
5. Dedicated innovation infrastructure
6. Access applied research, certification and technology testing, through the ELIDZ Science and Technology Park (STP)
7. Renewable-ready industrial utilities
8. Infrastructure is designed to support clean energy production and advanced manufacturing
9. Skilled technical base
10. A regional talent pipeline supporting engineering and clean-tech capability

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Value proposition

The ELIDZ Sustainable Energy Sector offers investors a structured, innovation-led, and sustainability-driven industrial platform designed for renewable manufacturing competitiveness.

By combining certified eco-industrial standards, sector-specific incentives, renewable resource access, and an integrated innovation ecosystem, the zone enables clean energy enterprises to establish production capacity, scale efficiently within the value chain, and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s green industrial transition.

Competitive advantages

• Strategic Renewable Resource Location
• Exceptional solar, wind, and biomass potential within the Eastern Cape Renewable Energy Corridor
• Circular Industrial Integration
• Industrial symbiosis strengthened through linkages with the E-Waste and Solar PV Recycling Initiative
• Policy & Strategic Alignment
• Supported by national green industry frameworks and just transition strategies.
• Export Connectivity
• Proximity to the Port of East London strengthens access to AfCFTA, SADC, BRICS, and EU markets.
• Demonstrated Renewable Leadership
• Hosting of initiatives such as the Green Hydrogen Feasibility Project reflects the zone’s role in advancing emerging renewable industries

Sectoral fast facts

• UNIDO-recognised Eco-Industrial Park
• Located within a designated renewable energy corridor
• Integrated Science and Technology Park supporting clean-tech innovation
• Industrial symbiosis embedded in sector design
• ESG-aligned governance systems

To explore investment opportunities in the ELIDZ Sustainable Energy Sector, contact Chris@elidz.co.za / www.elidz.co.za

In addition, solar PV installations are soaring. GreenCape’s “Energy Services Market Intelligence Report 2024” noted a 52% increase in rooftop solar PV installations in South Africa, rising to 3.2GW when measured at the first quarter of 2023. They assessed that market value at R41.6-billion and predicted that installed capacity will increase by 2030 to 10GW with a market value of R130-billion.

However, the country needs 14 000km of transmission infrastructure, together with 2 300kVa capacity in transformer infrastructure if the newly acquired power from solar farms and wind parks is to be delivered to homes, mines and factories. The cost of this exercise is estimated to be in the region of R440-billion.

Bid Windows 6 and 7 revealed the extent of the problem, with about 6GW of projects being unable to be executed because of lack of grid access. The Department of Electricity and Energy (DoEE) will roll out a system of allocating transmission projects based on the successful model of the REIPPPP. The first implementation of the Independent Transmission Projects (ITPs) programme will see 3 200MW running along 1164km of privately funded and operated transmission lines in three provinces.

In support of the ITP programme, a Credit Guarantee Vehicle is to be established with the support of National Treasury. This will allow for better security for private investors in telecommunications infrastructure, given concerns about Eskom’s debts.

A new company has been formed to deal with transmission.

A new company has been formed to deal with transmission. As of June 2024, the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA) was established as a separate, wholly-owned subsidiary of Eskom, the state utility. This is part of a plan to ultimately split Eskom into three parts, the other two covering generation and distribution.

Another way of mitigating concerns about transmission is through energy storage. In December 2024, eight preferred bidders in the second bid window of the Battery Energy Storage programme were announced. R12.8-billion was committed and the intention is to increase grid availability in the North West, Gauteng and Free State.

A third solution to the transmission problem is through “curtailment”, whereby new projects are allocated unused capacity that a previously approved project is not using. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) is the body that regulates issues such as a curtailment framework and rules about grid access.

Swedish company Polarium has set up a factory in Cape Town to assemble lithium-ion batteries. Polarium spent about R510-million setting up the plant and has plans to expand. In March 2024 the company announced that it had completed the transition to 100% solar-powered operations. The biggest customer for Polarium’s batteries in Africa is the American Tower Corp, which sets up and maintains telecommunications towers across the continent.

In South Africa the 12.6kWh battery sells well and customers include shopping malls and hotels. By using nickel, manganese and cobalt (NMC) technology, the lifecycle of the manufactured batteries is effectively doubled and they are recyclable, a fact which will assist Polarium as it aims for net-zero status for the factory by 2030.

In Mpumalanga, Seriti Green has broken ground on a project that will deliver 750MW of wind from 130m towers when it is complete. In addition, the hybrid model will include 100MW of solar and 800MW of battery.

The greater Humansdorp Jeffreys Bay area hosts no fewer than 13 wind farms so the announcement in March 2024 that Nordex Energy South Africa is to start making concrete tower sections at a manufacturing facility in Humansdorp makes economic sense. Up to 300 jobs will be created. Having invested in the Eastern Cape since 2013, Nordex Energy South Africa boasts a significant footprint in the province, including a warehouse in Gqeberha and 573MW of installed capacity across five wind-power plants.

Resources companies are looking to source renewable energy. Richards Bay Minerals has signed a 20-year power-purchase agreement with Khangela Emoyeni Wind Farm to supply the miner with 140MW from the site that rolls over a series of mountains on the edge of the Western and Northern Cape provinces.

Certain manufacturing companies that have access to biomass that results from the manufacturing process, such as woodchips for Sappi and bagasse in the case of sugar producers such as Tongaat Hulett and Illovo, are in a position to produce their own energy.

However, there are industries where signing offtake agreements with renewable energy producers is the more logical route to take. In fact, even PGM miner Ivanhoe Mines, despite having its own plans to produce solar power, has signed an offtake agreement with Renergen.

…there are industries where signing offtake agreements with renewable energy producers is the more logical route to take.

The Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) Eastern Cape is taking steps to prepare the province for EVs through its eMobility and Climate Change Support Business Unit.

A high-profile aspect of the unit’s work has been the creation of EV charging stations in different parts of the Eastern Cape, including Gqeberha, East London and Tsitsikamma. Education, research and the promotion of the idea of EV travel, including through the conversion of bus fleets, form important parts of the work of the unit.

Located near De Aar in the Northern Cape, the project benefits from some of the country’s best wind resources and direct access to the main transmission corridor connecting the Cape provinces to the industrial north-east of South Africa. Castle will supply Sibanye’s South African operations via a wheeling agreement with Eskom. ACED and Sibanye-Stillwater’s early market entry secured vital grid access, avoiding current capacity constraints that limit new wind project development.

Castle Wind Farm will provide 309GWh of clean energy annually to Sibanye-Stillwater’s South African operations, reducing emissions by 321 000t CO2e per year and securing long-term energy cost savings. This project also demonstrates how private-sector-led renewable initiatives can drive energy security and economic growth.

Castle Wind Farm will provide 309GWh of clean energy annually to Sibanye-Stillwater’s South African operations…

The Castle consortium is led and cosponsored by ACED, with African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) IDEAS Fund and Reatile Renewables as shareholders. AIIM is a division of Old Mutual Alternative Investments (OMAI) and its IDEAS Fund is one of South Africa’s largest domestic infrastructure equity funds. Reatile Renewables is a strategic empowerment investor in renewables. ACED and AIIM affiliate, Energy Infrastructure Management Services Africa (EIMS Africa), will manage the project during operations.

Castle is one of two renewable energy projects that the ACED consortium and Sibanye are executing together, with the 140MW Umsinde Emoyeni Wind Farm in the Western Cape being the other one. The latter is due to reach commercial operation in late 2026.

This project brings the total delivery by the ACED and EIMS Africa teams to over 600MW of hydro, wind and solar projects to financial close and construction in a two-year period, enhancing the consortium’s collective drive to be a leader in renewable energy development and operation in South Africa and across the continent. This builds on over a gigawatt of projects it has already developed and operates via the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).

James Cumming, CEO of ACED, explains: “We are pleased to bring Castle Wind Farm into operation for Sibanye and the project shareholders. Projects such as these require huge amounts of collaboration and cooperation between a vast array of stakeholders and we are very grateful for the role played by all. Benefits extend way beyond ‘Buyer and Seller’, with renewables projects driving sustainable economic growth on a macro and micro level for South Africa, and we are very proud of this.”

Sunette Smith, Business Development Executive of Reatile Group, added, “Reaching COD is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the extended teams of Sibanye-Stillwater, our partners AIIM, ACED and EIMS Africa as well as our appointed contractors. We could not have done it without their commitment and expertise. We are proud to be playing our role in South Africa’s energy transition and delivering sustainable energy solutions for the country.”

According to a report by the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), wind energy is increasingly turning into a leading driver of South Africa’s transition to a future built on renewable energy. The country has world-class wind resources, especially along its extensive 3 000km coastline, particularly in the Eastern and Western Cape.

As of March 2025, SAWEA estimates that over 3.5GW (gigawatts) out of 63.4GW of installed capacity is generated from the 37 wind power plants currently operating in the country. These wind farms are estimated to contribute over 46 480GWh (gigawatt hours) annually.

South Africa has world-class wind resources, especially along its extensive 3 000km coastline, particularly in the Eastern and Western Cape.

“Although solar power is more widely adopted – especially at the residential level – wind farms are purely mechanical and don’t rely on complex chemical processes,” says Reid. “But the logistics and planning behind getting a wind farm operational are highly complex.”

The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP 2024) allocates a total of 76.4GW of new capacity to be provided by wind energy by 2050. “This presents significant opportunities for investment, industrialisation and job creation,” Reid adds.

Infrastructure to deliver

While wind power generation uses a simpler mechanical process, the components are large and heavy, requiring precise logistics management to enable efficient rollout of wind farms.

In the wind-rich landscapes of the Eastern and Western Cape, Concord Cranes is helping power the country’s renewable energy future, one turbine at a time.

“Since June 2025, we started supporting African Clean Energy Developments in the construction of a 144MW wind farm. Our 260-ton crawler crane, operated by a team of 12 to 20 experts over an 11-month project, offloads equipment from vessels in the laydown area at Port of Coega in Gqeberha, and then reloads it on demand for delivery to the site in Murraysburg,” says Reid.

While this may sound straightforward, he emphasises the sheer scale of the work. “The planning and detail required to get these projects completed is enormous and the financial commitment is equally significant.” In broad terms there are three tasks that need to be undertaken, and the requirements for each vary quite considerably.

Phase 1: discharging the vessel

The first step focuses on logistics in the port: offloading all the turbine components such as blades, tower sections and nacelles, into the port laydown area for storage. “This 24-hour round-the-clock operation requires cranes, specialised vehicles and rigging crews and can take up to seven days,” Reid explains.

Once this is completed, reloading the components – some weighing up to 130 tons, 90 metres long and six metres wide – are reloaded onto specialised vehicles for transport to site. Detailed route surveys identify obstacles along the way, and all the necessary permits and police escorts must be arranged well in advance.

“A delivery of a set of three blades will require a convoy of up to 10 vehicles, excluding the delivery trucks themselves. By car, the drive from Port of Coega to Murraysburg takes about
four hours, but with these oversized loads and the complexity of the operation, a layover is often required,” he says.

Phase 2: building the turbines

Once components arrive on site, assembly cranes offload them in a detailed logistics operation. “The turbines themselves can reach heights of 120m,” says Reid. “Positioning the nacelle, containing the drive train and weighing between 80 to 120 tons, and then attaching the rotor and blades at heights up to 130 metres must be done in near wind-free conditions, often in the freezing early hours.”

Here, the contractor must adhere to strict safety standards using cranes with between 800 and 1 000 tons, as well as a variety of support and tailing cranes.

Phase 3: maintenance

The third operation is repairs and maintenance of existing turbines. “This involves getting spare components to site, providing cranes, riggers and the removal of damaged parts,” he says.

As with the previous phases, safety and compliance remain central. “Every employee or subcontractor must have valid medical certificates, working at height certificates and certificates of competence,” Reid adds. “Then there’s letters of appointment, labour market information, letters of good standing, professional driving permits and confirmation of public liability cover. Plus, every contract must include a detailed risk assessment, method statement, safe operating procedure and lifting plan.”

While wind farming itself is a relatively simple and scalable way of producing electricity, setting it up is an intricate logistical ballet, with countless moving parts.

“Each of these must be managed carefully, with continuous improvements in processes to ensure that South Africa can take full advantage of its abundant wind resources and power the country’s economic growth and a sustainable future for the
next generation,” says Reid.

About Concord Cranes

Concord Cranes is the gold standard across Southern Africa when it comes to crane hire. Operating in South Africa, Namibia and Mozambique, Concord Cranes is equipped with a versatile fleet of more than 180 cranes, ranging from eight tons to 800 tons sourced from high-quality global manufacturers. Concord Cranes delivers reliable lifting solutions to a wide range of industries, which include mining, construction, warehousing, logistics, renewable energy, petrochemical, civil infrastructure, oil and gas and maritime.

Built on a legacy of family values, passion and determination, these principles guide Concord Cranes and its commitment to unmatched reliability and safety remaining your complete lifting partner.

For more information visit concordcranes.com

The vision for the Smart Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant (SSPMP) was born from a deep-rooted belief in Africa’s potential to lead its own energy transition. Against the backdrop of South Africa’s growing energy crisis, reliance on imports, and the urgent need for localised solutions, the idea crystallised: build a future-facing, locally empowered solar panel manufacturing facility.

The journey began with strategic groundwork — engaging government stakeholders, aligning with energy policies like SAREM and JET, and securing a footprint within the Northern Cape SEZ to maximise incentives and export potential. Parallel to this, we conducted a comprehensive pre-feasibility study, which confirmed the project’s financial viability and market appetite, setting the stage for the next phase.

The vision evolved beyond conventional manufacturing. SSPMP integrates smart technologies: AI-enabled panels, digital twin testing, smart monitoring systems, and the ability to generate IRECs for energy traceability. It is a plant designed for circularity, powered by renewables and recycling water, setting new ESG benchmarks for the sector.

SSPMP integrates smart technologies: AI-enabled panels, digital twin testing, smart monitoring systems, and the ability to generate IRECs for energy traceability.

Crucially, this journey has been underpinned by building strong coalitions — from local funders to international partners, policy makers to private sector collaborators — each recognising the project’s contribution to localisation, job creation, and energy security.

Today, the SSPMP is poised for implementation, with feasibility funding in motion, multiple investors engaged, and a clear roadmap to supply both domestic and regional markets. It is not just a factory — it’s a catalyst for South Africa’s energy sovereignty and industrial revival.

Project description

Project Scope: 300MW Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant

1. Project Priorities

The 300MW Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant is a strategic initiative designed to localize solar panel production in South Africa, reduce dependency on imports, and drive economic growth through renewable energy development.

The project prioritizes:

• Local Manufacturing & Economic Development: Establishing a fully operational solar panel production facility to boost local industry and job creation.
• Energy Security & Sustainability: Enhancing South Africa’s renewable energy capacity by ensuring a steady supply of high-quality, locally manufactured solar panels.
• Job Creation & Skills Development: Providing direct employment opportunities for over 300 workers and supporting thousands more through supply chain activities, logistics, and maintenance.
• Competitive & Technologically Advanced Production: Incorporating the latest mono PERC and bifacial solar panel technologies to ensure efficiency, affordability, and global competitiveness.
• Export Market Expansion: Positioning South Africa as a key supplier of solar panels across Africa and international markets.
• Alignment with Government Policies & Climate Goals: Supporting the South African Just Energy Transition plan and national renewable energy targets to reduce carbon emissions.

2. Project Deliverables & Expected Outcomes

The project will deliver tangible economic, environmental, and social benefits, ensuring long-term sustainability and profitability.

Phase 1: Plant Design & Construction (Year 1-3.5)

• Secure strategic land for the factory in a high-potential industrial zone, Northern Cape with the sun irradiation of circa 6.6kW/m2.
• Construct a 50,000-square-meter manufacturing facility with integrated R&D, quality control, and testing units.
• Procure and install state-of-the-art smart solar panel production lines with an initial capacity of 300MW annually, Korean technology partners are already in negotiations.
• Develop an efficient logistics and supply chain network to source raw materials locally where possible, fortunately all these materials are available in South Africa.

Phase 2: Workforce Development & Operations Launch (Year 2-3)

• Recruit and train a skilled workforce, including engineers, technicians, and assembly-line workers.
• Implement cutting-edge automation and quality control systems to ensure the highest efficiency and reliability.
• Establish partnerships with local universities and technical institutions to foster skills transfer and innovation in solar manufacturing.

Phase 3: Full-Scale Production & Market Expansion (Year 3-4)

• Begin commercial-scale production, targeting both local renewable energy projects and export markets.
• Drive cost efficiencies to make locally produced solar panels competitive against imports.
• Expand product offerings, including customized solar modules for different applications (residential, commercial, industrial, and utility-scale projects).
• Work with the South African government and energy stakeholders to integrate locally manufactured solar panels into national energy programs.

Long-Term Outcomes & Impact

• Increased Local Manufacturing – Reducing reliance on imported solar panels, ensuring stable supply and pricing.
• Economic Growth & Employment – Creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boosting industrial and economic development.
• Energy Transition Acceleration – Supporting South Africa’s renewable energy targets and reducing carbon emissions.
• Regional Export Opportunities – Strengthening South Africa’s role as a renewable energy hub for Africa and beyond.

Direct Beneficiaries of the 300MW Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant

The establishment of a 300MW solar panel manufacturing plant in South Africa will have far-reaching socio-economic benefits, directly impacting multiple groups within the country. This initiative is not just about energy production but also about economic empowerment, industrial development, and social upliftment.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the primary beneficiaries of this project.

1. Local Workforce & Job Seekers

Impact: Direct employment for 300+ workers and thousands of indirect jobs.

• Unemployed Youth & Job Seekers: With youth unemployment exceeding 60%, this project will provide stable job opportunities in manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and quality control.
• Skilled & Semi-Skilled Workers: Training and employment in solar panel assembly, machinery operation, and maintenance, offering long-term career opportunities.
• Women in the Workforce: Promoting gender inclusivity by actively hiring and training women in manufacturing, administration, and management roles.
• Technical & Vocational Graduates: Collaborations with TVET colleges and universities will create employment pathways for recent graduates in engineering, electronics, and industrial production.

By reducing reliance on imports, fostering local skills development, and strengthening South Africa’s green economy, this project will directly benefit thousands of people across multiple sectors.

2. Local Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Impact: Business opportunities for suppliers, logistics providers, and service contractors.

• Manufacturing & Component Suppliers: Local businesses involved in glass production, aluminium framing, junction boxes, and other raw materials will benefit as suppliers to the plant.
• Logistics & Transport Companies: The plant will require warehousing, distribution, and transportation services to move solar panels across South Africa and for export.
• Construction & Engineering Firms: Local firms specializing in infrastructure development will gain contracts for building the plant and maintaining its facilities.
• Recycling & Waste Management Companies: With a focus on sustainability, waste reduction, and recycling, the plant will create demand for solar panel recycling services and sustainable disposal solutions.

3. Local Communities & Underprivileged Groups

Impact: Community development, skills training, and social upliftment.

• Communities in the Manufacturing Zone: Residents in industrial development zones (IDZs) where the plant is established will benefit from infrastructure improvements, better services, and increased business activity.
• Underprivileged & Low-Income Groups: The project will initiate community training programs, scholarships, and learnerships to equip disadvantaged individuals with the skills needed for employment in solar manufacturing.
• Social Enterprise Development: The plant’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives may support entrepreneurs in the renewable energy sector, fostering the growth of locally owned small businesses.

4. Renewable Energy Developers & Solar Installers

Impact: More affordable, locally sourced solar panels for energy projects.

• Independent Power Producers (IPPs): The availability of cost-competitive, locally made solar panels will benefit large-scale renewable energy projects under South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).
• Small-Scale Solar Installers: Entrepreneurs and SMEs involved in residential and commercial solar installation will have access to high-quality, locally produced panels at lower costs.
• Off-Grid & Rural Electrification Projects: Organizations working on solar mini-grids and rural electrification will have a local supply of solar panels, reducing reliance on expensive imports.

5. Government & Public Sector

Impact: Economic growth, energy security, and industrialization.

• Job Creation & Economic Stimulus: The government will benefit from reduced unemployment, increased tax revenues, and local industrial growth.
• Energy Security & Grid Stability: The production of solar panels will support energy diversification, reducing dependence on coal and mitigating power shortages.
• Reduction in Trade Deficit: By manufacturing solar panels locally, South Africa will reduce its import bill, keeping economic value within the country instead of spending billions on foreign solar panel purchases.
• Support for Just Energy Transition: The project aligns with national goals to transition from coal to renewable energy, ensuring that displaced coal workers have new opportunities in the solar sector.

6. Rural & Urban Households (Energy Consumers)

Impact: Lower energy costs and increased access to solar power.

• Lower Solar Panel Prices: The local production of solar panels will help bring down costs, making solar energy more affordable for households and businesses.
• Improved Energy Access for Rural Communities: The availability of affordable solar technology will expand electrification efforts in off-grid and underdeveloped areas, reducing reliance on expensive diesel generators.
• Resilience Against Load Shedding: Households installing locally produced solar panels will experience greater energy independence, mitigating the impact of frequent power cuts.

7. African & International Markets

Impact: Positioning South Africa as a solar technology leader in Africa.

• Regional Export Opportunities: The factory will position South Africa as a solar panel supply hub for neighbouring African countries, strengthening trade relationships.
• Increased Foreign Investment: A strong solar manufacturing industry will attract foreign investors, research institutions, and multinational renewable energy companies looking to establish operations in South Africa.

A Transformational Project for South Africa

The 300MW SPMP is more than just an industrial development, it is a catalyst for economic empowerment, job creation, and renewable energy progress. By reducing reliance on imports, fostering local skills development, and strengthening South Africa’s green economy, this project will directly benefit thousands of people across multiple sectors.

Through local employment, SME growth, affordable solar energy access, and industrial expansion, this initiative will play a crucial role in South Africa’s transition to a cleaner, more resilient, and inclusive energy future.

Partnerships 

• Three strategic global investors are on board.
• Discussions underway with Northern Cape Economic Development Agency for proposed project development locations and incentives.
• Discussions with AfCFTA Secretariat.
• Proposal submitted to Just Energy Transition Fund for Feasibility support.
• Department of Energy & Electricity (SAREM) appears to be supportive.

Investment Value

The total value of the project is estimated at USD 200 000 000-00 (Two Hundred Million US or ZAR 3.8 billion).

Number of jobs to be created

• • Direct 300 including Management
  • Indirect 1000 Est
  • Construction Phase +/- 5 000

Targeted sectors

The project focuses on the following sector/s:

• IPPs
• C&Is
• Utilities – Eskom 2.0 Strategic Support
• NC Green Hydrogen scheme
• Residential

Contact

The project currently seeks equity partners. Interested parties are encouraged to send the project team a brief introduction in order to initiate further discussions:

Now in its 18th year, the Africa Energy Indaba has evolved into a strategic platform where government, utilities, regulators, investors, project developers and industry leaders engage in outcome-driven dialogue to accelerate Africa’s energy security and transition agenda.

Africa’s energy sector represents one of the most significant growth opportunities globally. With rapidly expanding populations, increasing urbanisation, industrialisation ambitions and abundant natural resources — including gas, renewables, critical minerals and emerging green hydrogen potential — the continent is positioned for substantial energy infrastructure expansion. Power demand is projected to rise significantly over the coming decades, requiring large-scale investment across generation, transmission, storage and regional interconnectivity. The opportunity lies not only in closing the energy access gap, but in building modern, resilient energy systems that underpin economic growth and industrial competitiveness.

At a time when infrastructure gaps remain a key constraint to economic expansion, the 2026 programme will focus on:

• Strengthening regional power markets and cross-border trade
• Unlocking gas-to-power and domestic gas market development
• Accelerating transmission and grid expansion
• Mobilising blended finance and private sector capital
• Advancing regulatory certainty and investment readiness

Unlike broad sector exhibitions, the Africa Energy Indaba is structured around curated high-level forums, ministerial engagements and targeted investment discussions designed to facilitate collaboration and tangible progress.

The programme will feature ministerial participation, regulatory authorities, power pool representatives, development finance institutions and private sector executives from across the energy value chain — spanning power, gas, infrastructure and emerging technologies.

With energy security, affordability and economic growth at the forefront of Africa’s priorities, the 2026 Africa Energy Indaba will provide a focused environment for dialogue that moves beyond rhetoric toward practical implementation.

Africa Energy Indaba 2026

3–5 March 2026
Cape Town International Convention Centre

For more information and registration details, visit: https://africaenergyindaba.com

There is an opportunity for Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) to develop an Aviation Park at Upington International Airport.

The development can accommodate aircraft maintenance, repair and overhauling (MRO) facilities as well as services such as aircraft storage, end-of-lease refurbishment or scrapping, parts distribution and cargo development.

The climate and space for aircraft storage, the viability for green (solar) energy and a greenfield site to construct a state-of-the-art facility make Upington International Airport a favourable location for an MRO facility.

Targeted sectors

• Infrastructure
• Real estate
• Construction
• Renewable energy

Project description

Upington International Airport’s 4.9 km runway allows it to land the largest aircraft. Airports Company South Africa is a partner in the application to run the Upington Industrial Park (UIP) and has allocated 55 ha for the creation of an Aviation Park to store and maintain aircraft and a further 30 ha for commercial development.

The planned storage facility could also support a variety of related sectors such as modification and demolition, parts manufacturing and warehousing and ground support equipment (GSE) repair.

Project elements

• Parking and storage of aircraft: includes the parking and stripping of aircraft and the recycling of spare parts for maintenance purposes
• Cargo hub: increase of cargo facility for important export purposes including truck stop
• Car rental facilities: providing improved facilities for car rental companies
• Electronics hub
• Solar farm project

Project finance 

• • Public Private Partnership
  • Equity Partners/Investors
  • Property Developers

Project status

A feasibility study was concluded which indicated that the projects present a viable business opportunity for ACSA and the local community. The study indicated that the development could be very lucrative.

Partnerships

• • ACSA
  • Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)

Contact / Enquire

Also see: Opportunities in Upington Industrial Park – superb infrastructure in key location