The East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) is advancing the digital economy in the Eastern Cape through secure, scalable and locally hosted ICT infrastructure designed to support enterprise operations, government digitisation and technology-driven investment. 

At the core of this offering is the ELIDZ Data Centre, a state-of-the-art facility designed on Tier III principles, providing highly available, resilient infrastructure for organisations requiring secure digital environments and reliable data hosting. 

The facility enables organisations to host data locally, strengthen cybersecurity, and ensure operational continuity while complying with national information governance and data management standards. 

A strategic digital infrastructure platform 

The ELIDZ Data Centre forms part of a broader digital infrastructure ecosystem designed to support enterprise operations, government digital transformation, and technology-enabled industries. 

Key infrastructure features include: 

• Tier III-aligned data centre design: Designed for 99.982% uptime, ensuring continuity of operations for mission-critical systems.  
• Secure local data hosting: Supports data sovereignty and compliance with regulatory frameworks, providing organisations with secure and locally hosted infrastructure. 
• Carrier-neutral connectivity: High-speed fibre connectivity from multiple providers enabling resilient, high-performance digital operations.  
• Scalable infrastructure capacity: The facility is designed to expand as demand grows, supporting long-term digital infrastructure requirements. 

International security standards 

ELIDZ operates under internationally recognised information security frameworks including ISO 27001, ISO 27017 and ISO 27018, ensuring strong governance and cloud security standards. 

ELIDZ ICT Service Portfolio 

ELIDZ provides integrated ICT solutions designed to support operational resilience, data protection and digital transformation. 

• Data centre co-location: Secure rack hosting within a high-availability facility designed for enterprise and government workloads. 
• Private cloud services: Scalable and secure cloud environments that support modern digital operations. 
• High-speed fibre connectivity: Reliable network connectivity enabling seamless data transmission and digital communication. 
• Telephony and internet services: Robust communications infrastructure for enterprise and institutional clients. 
• Backup and disaster recovery (BaaS & DRaaS): Business continuity solutions designed to protect critical systems and data. 
• Managed ICT services: 24/7 infrastructure monitoring, technical support and proactive ICT management. 

Enabling the Eastern Cape’s digital economy 

ELIDZ’s investment in digital infrastructure supports broader economic objectives including government digitisation, enterprise innovation, investment attraction and technology sector growth. 

By providing secure, locally hosted digital infrastructure, ELIDZ is helping position the Eastern Cape as an emerging digital services and technology hub. 

Partner with ELIDZ digital infrastructure 

Organisations seeking secure, resilient and scalable ICT infrastructure are invited to engage with ELIDZ to explore tailored digital solutions. 

Tel: +27 (0) 43 702 8200 | E: ictsales@elidz.co.za 
Visit: www.elidz.co.za  

Also see:

ELIDZ: A cost-effective base for scaling digitally-oriented business operations
Invest in the ELIDZ ecosystem: Innovation, Impact and Inclusion

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:

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

Current progress

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

Project info

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

Contact Whetstone Business Park

Investment opportunities in Durban

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

Mobile-first trading platforms have opened doors for younger investors and first-time participants. They have also raised the bar for discipline, platform selection, and risk control. Access expanded quickly. Skill still decides outcomes.

The phone became the brokerage

The most important change is the default device. When investing moves to a smartphone, it stops feeling like a formal event. It becomes a habit that competes with social apps, messaging, and daily spending decisions. That proximity pulls new investors into markets that once felt distant.

Mobile-first platforms also reduce friction in practical ways. Account onboarding often finishes faster than traditional processes. Funding options tend to match local rails. Market monitoring becomes continuous, which suits active traders and long-term investors who prefer frequent check-ins.

This access has a cultural effect too. Communities form around shared screenshots, strategy threads, and quick reactions to news. That social layer can help beginners learn the language of markets faster. It can also amplify bad habits, especially when people copy trades or chase short-term moves without a plan.

Access scales fast, education must keep pace

Democratized access improves participation, yet it also shifts the burden onto the investor. Markets reward preparation, and mobile platforms make it easy to act before thinking. Many first-time investors start with a simple idea: “Buy something and watch it grow.” The market rarely respects simple narratives for long.

Experienced investors recognize the gap. The toolset expanded, yet the typical investor workflow still needs structure. That means defined risk, clear time horizons, and repeatable rules for entries and exits. Without that, faster access turns into faster mistakes.

Two behaviors stand out across mobile-first trading communities:

• Short feedback loops drive overtrading. Constant notifications create pressure to do something, even when the best action is to wait.
• Convenience blurs the line between investing and impulse. A one-tap trade can feel like a quick decision, even when it carries long-term consequences.
• Copying replaces understanding. Social features help discovery, yet they can encourage mimicry without context.
• Volatility becomes entertainment. Fast markets look exciting on a chart, and that excitement can override risk limits.

The opportunity sits on the other side of this learning curve. When investors pair access with process, they can build strategies that suit local realities, including income patterns, liquidity needs, and currency considerations.

Why reliable platforms matter in the middle of this shift

As participation grows, platform quality becomes a central part of investor protection. A reliable platform supports execution, transparency, and account controls. It also sets the tone for how investors behave, especially those still building instincts.

A practical example shows why this matters. A trader might plan to scale into a position during a liquid session, set a stop level, and track margin usage closely. If the platform freezes during volatility, re-quotes frequently, or makes fees hard to understand, the trading plan collapses. That is not a small inconvenience. It is a risk in disguise.

Online trading South Africa has a large base of market participants and a strong culture of trading education. Many traders also evaluate platforms with a professional lens, focusing on execution quality, clear pricing, and tools that support risk control. The same standards apply across Africa, even when local market access and funding methods differ.

Platform selection should follow the same logic used for any investment decision. Due diligence first, convenience second. Two checks provide an immediate signal:

• Operational clarity: fees, spreads, and margin rules should read clearly, without hidden complexity.
• Control features: risk tools, account protections, and reliable order handling should work consistently under stress.

A platform cannot replace a strategy. It can either support discipline or encourage chaos.

How younger investors are building portfolios differently

Mobile-first access changes portfolio building in two key ways. First, investors experiment earlier. They test small positions, explore more asset classes, and learn by doing. Second, they adapt strategies to cashflow reality. Many investors manage irregular income, so they prefer flexible sizing and frequent adjustments.

This has created a more modular approach to investing. Instead of building one large, long-term position, many investors run a “core plus satellite” style. The core might track broad market exposure. The satellite layer might include short-term trades, hedges, or currency-aware positions, depending on local needs.

Risk management becomes the separating line. Experienced investors focus less on “what to buy” and more on “how to survive bad sequences.” That means position sizing rules, predefined exit logic, and a clear view of leverage. It also means accepting that skipping a trade is a valid decision, even when the app makes trading feel effortless.

Another shift shows up in information flow. Investors increasingly learn from creators, communities, and platform education hubs. That can improve market literacy fast. It can also concentrate everyone into the same crowded ideas, which increases correlation risk during stressed markets.

What this reshaping means for the next wave of investing

Online trading across Africa will keep evolving toward better access, smoother funding, and wider product menus. The more interesting change will come from investor maturity. As the market base becomes more experienced, demand will move toward better tools, stronger transparency, and education that goes beyond basic definitions.

For investors who already know the space, the edge comes from tightening the workflow. A clear plan, a reliable platform, and disciplined risk control turn access into durable participation. Mobile-first trading opened the gate. Long-term success will come from how investors use what sits on the other side.

The Greater Tygerberg Partnership’s (GTP) Buy-Back Centre, recently recognised both nationally by PETCO and internationally by the International Downtown Association (IDA), is emerging as a blueprint for tackling waste and joblessness, two of South Africa’s biggest challenges.

Launched in 2019 as part of the Trolley and Recycling Project, the initiative was designed to offer homeless and unemployed individuals a safer, more structured path to earning a living through recycling. What began as a small-scale effort has grown into an internationally recognised model of urban regeneration, green innovation, and social empowerment that is now ready to be replicated in other regions across the country.

In South Africa, approximately 80% of post-consumer waste is processed through the informal economy, with thousands of waste pickers collecting recyclables daily for minimal returns. The GTP model formalises this activity, connecting waste pickers to legal, accessible buy-back centres, providing them with training, stipends, upgraded equipment, and safety-focused trolleys.

The results have been transformative. In the past year alone, the initiative processed over 113,000 kilograms of recyclables, and created 23 jobs for previously homeless or unemployed individuals. Each receives daily stipends and access to ongoing training, life skills development, and addiction recovery support through partners like MES Cape Town and Green Cape.

Bellville faces challenges like poverty, unemployment, and waste overload which mirror those of many cities across South Africa. This model proves that through collaboration between communities, government, and the private sector, we can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth, dignity, and sustainability. 

—Warren Hewitt, CEO at GTP

The addition of South Africa’s first electric waste collection vehicles (EVs) in 2024 further boosted efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, while linking waste pickers to formal recycling markets ensuring they earned more for their collections. Today, over 180 local businesses and schools in Bellville participate in the recycling network, helping build a cleaner city and a more inclusive economy.

A scalable solution with global recognition

The project’s success has earned it the PETCO “Kerbside Collection and Sorting Superhero” Award for its community-driven, long-running, and efficient approach to separation-at-source. Internationally, it received the IDA Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence, placing Bellville alongside leading global cities recognised for innovative urban management and sustainable place-making.

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For Warren Hewitt, CEO of the Greater Tygerberg Partnership, the recognition represents an opportunity to scale impact.

“Bellville faces challenges like poverty, unemployment, and waste overload which mirror those of many cities across South Africa. This model proves that through collaboration between communities, government, and the private sector, we can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth, dignity, and sustainability,” he says.

The Buy-Back Centre’s success is rooted in multi-sector partnerships that bridge divides between informal workers, municipalities, NGOs, and private enterprises. By connecting these networks, the model demonstrates how social justice and environmental sustainability can reinforce each other.

Through collaboration with organisations such as the Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District, MES Cape Town, Green Cape, and eWASA, the GTP has built a model that is financially viable, socially inclusive, and environmentally restorative. It integrates informal waste collectors into a circular economy, while reducing municipal waste burdens and improving urban cleanliness.

“What makes this model remarkable is its adaptability. It works just as effectively in a dense urban centre like Bellville as it could in smaller towns or rural districts. Its low-cost electric collection vehicles, community partnerships, and skills development framework make it scalable without the need for large municipal budgets,” adds Hewitt.

It is also replicable across regions looking to tackle unemployment and waste, simultaneously creating a pathway to sustainable livelihoods, cleaner cities, and stronger communities.

In a nation grappling with unemployment and inequality, Bellville’s Buy-Back Centre offers a glimpse of what’s possible when innovation meets compassion. It’s a story of people once marginalised, now earning with dignity, and a revolution in urban renewal, rooted in community, and ready to scale nationwide.

Reference: Statistics South Africa on Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) – Q1: 2025 | South African Government

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]

Location

• Waaihoek Precinct is located immediately to the south of Bloemfontein CBD, in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Free State Province, South Africa.

Developer

• Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality

Project description

The precinct is near the Bloemfontein CBD and interchange zones. The area’s significant heritage value will unlock tourism potential if it is redeveloped, including:

• An urban park,
• restoration of the Old Fort Estate,
• an amphitheater,
• pedestrian walkways and links between nodes,
• hawker trading zone,
• conversion of old power station into accommodation, galleries and offices.

Project status

• R20-million spent on planning and designs of Phase 1 (St Georges Bridge)

Stakeholders

• Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality,
• Free State Provincial Government,
• National Government departments,
• Private Sector

Issues to be resolved

• Project funding

Interventions

• Design completed for Phase 1, final precinct plan completed and presented to National Treasury

Project cost

• R5.7-billion

Job creation

• 5 000 possible employment opportunities

Investment Enquiry

Interested investors are encouraged to contact the project team. Please include Waaihooek Precinct as reference.

Feature image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/south-african-tourism/20511459716/in/photostream/ 

The East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) is positioning itself as a leading hub for South Africa’s Digital Economy, driving the transition toward an innovation-enabled, information-driven industrial ecosystem.

The sector integrates ICT hardware manufacturing, software development, business process outsourcing (BPO), and digital services, creating opportunities across both production and service-based technology industries.

Through the ELIDZ Science and Technology Park (STP), the zone provides an enabling environment for digital R&D, innovation incubation, and Industry 4.0 technology development connecting academia, industry, and government to accelerate applied research, software prototyping, and smart technology adoption.

Aligned with sustainability and ESG principles, the ELIDZ incorporates energy-efficient ICT infrastructure and responsible digital practices, offering investors a secure, future-ready platform to build scalable, globally competitive digital enterprises.

Targeted investors include BPO operators, ICT manufacturers, software developers, data service providers, and smart technology innovators seeking a cost-effective SEZ base serving both domestic and export markets.

Sector composition

The ELIDZ’s Digital Economy cluster encompasses:

• ICT hardware and component manufacturing
• Software development and digital service solutions
• Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and shared services
• Smart city systems and IoT applications
• Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and data analytics

This sector attracts technology-driven enterprises of varying scales from global ICT manufacturers and digital service providers to startups and innovators developing next-generation smart solutions.

Mid- to large-scale firms benefit from reliable infrastructure, SEZ incentives, and advanced connectivity, while SMEs and startups gain access to innovation, incubation, research support and prototyping facilities through the STP.

Export-oriented companies leverage AfCFTA, BRICS, and EU trade frameworks to reach global markets, while market-seeking investors can serve South Africa’s growing demand for digital services and technology integration.

Why Invest in the ELIDZ Digital Economy sector?

• Smart, connected infrastructure: High-speed fibre connectivity, 5G readiness, and IoT-enabled utilities provide a robust digital foundation for technology operations.
• Science & Technology Park (STP) R&D access: Co-located innovation labs and research partnerships support prototyping, testing, and development in software, electronics, and automation.
• Smart City development platform: The ELIDZ serves as a living laboratory for Smart City and Industry 4.0 applications, integrating data systems for efficient, sustainable operations.
• Proven BPO and ICT ecosystem: Operational BPO facilities demonstrate the zone’s capacity to host globally competitive service operations and digital enterprises.
• Sustainability and ESG alignment: Energy-efficient infrastructure and ethical digital practices support responsible investment and green technology growth.
• Digitally skilled workforce: Partnerships with universities, TVET colleges, and digital academies ensure a steady pipeline of ICT, AI, and coding professionals.
• SEZ incentives and market access: Tax benefits, customs relief, and preferential access to African and international digital markets through AfCFTA, EU, and BRICS frameworks.

Value Proposition

The ELIDZ offers an innovation-led digital ecosystem that connects technology, research, and infrastructure to enable smart industry transformation and scalable growth.

Investors benefit from advanced connectivity, digital R&D access, and cost-effective operations within a secure, sustainability-aligned SEZ environment.

By merging automation, data intelligence, and digital skills development, the ELIDZ empowers technology enterprises to innovate, expand, and compete globally shaping the foundation for a smart, sustainable, and inclusive digital economy.

Competitive Advantages

• Integrated digital innovation ecosystem: Access to STP labs, incubation hubs, and research networks accelerating product development and applied innovation.
• Smart infrastructure readiness: High-capacity fibre backbone, 5G readiness, and digital utilities designed for data-intensive and connected operations.
• Proven BPO and ICT operations: Demonstrated success in attracting and sustaining globally competitive ICT investments.
• Skilled, adaptive workforce: Continuous digital skills pipeline developed through university and TVET partnerships.
• Cost-effective operating environment: Competitive costs simplified regulatory processes, and strong SEZ investor facilitation.
• Market connectivity: Seamless access to regional and global digital markets via AfCFTA, EU, and BRICS frameworks.
• Sustainability integration: ESG-conscious practices and energy-efficient infrastructure aligned with global sustainability standards.
• Smart City synergy: The ELIDZ functions as a digital living lab for integrated, technology-enabled industrial development.

With its advanced connectivity, innovation infrastructure, and proven BPO foundation, the ELIDZ is shaping South Africa’s next-generation digital innovation hub where technology drives opportunity, and innovation powers growth.

Interested in Digital Economy investment opportunities with the ELIDZ?

Contact Chris Ettmayr at 082 888 3297 or chris@elidz.co.za.

Or send Chris a message here:

[contact-form-7]

The launch of ORTIA Precinct 2 builds on the proven success of Precinct 1, a 7.5-hectare development that has already attracted nearly R1-billion in private investment and facilitated the creation of more than 2 500 operational jobs.

This strong foundation has bolstered investor confidence and demonstrated the catalytic power of industrial development anchored around Africa’s busiest airport.

Scaling up for more growth and impact

The economic impact of ORTIA Precinct 2 is expected to be even more significant. Current projections indicate the creation of over 6 000 operational jobs once the precinct is fully functional. The development is set to contribute over R4-billion to the national GDP and generate an estimated 7 557 construction-phase jobs, highlighting its potential to stimulate both short-term and long-term economic activity.

For the Gauteng IDZ, a subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) and developer of the OR Tambo SEZ, these projections reinforce confidence in its ability to deliver a globally competitive industrial ecosystem. Following the successful delivery of Precinct 1, which measures 62 000m², the organisation now enters a new phase of expansion with advanced expertise and capability.

Strategic location and investor incentives

ORTIA Precinct 2 offers unmatched proximity to OR Tambo International Airport and direct access to high-performing logistics infrastructure, making it a prime location for export-oriented manufacturers.

Investors locating within the zone also benefit from a suite of nationally packaged Special Economic Zone incentives, including:

• VAT exemptions on products manufactured in the zone and subsequently exported.
• Zero-rated VAT on eligible manufacturing inputs procured for use within the zone.
• Access to the Employement Tax Incentive (ETI), which reduces PAYE obligations for qualifying employers.
• A modern industrial environment designed for operational efficiency, reliability and global manufacturing standards.

These incentives significantly strengthen the value proposition for companies seeking a competitive entry point into African and global markets.

Building a high-value cluster: pharmaceuticals and medical manufacturing

Central to the development of ORTIA Precinct 2 is a cluster-based approach, ensuring infrastructure and services are closely aligned to the needs of targeted sectors. For this precinct, the primary focus is on pharmaceuticals, medical technologies and other high-value lightweight manufacturing.

Through the cluster approach, innovation, operational efficiency, skills development and “co-opetition” will be established, creating an ecosystem where companies benefit from collaboration while advancing their own competitive edge.

Specific to the pharmaceutical and medical sector, clustering will include access to shared laboratory facilities, proximity to regulatory and licensing authorities, access to advanced cold-chain and temperature-controlled storage as well as a range of flexible, shared-use facilities tailored to strict industry requirements

A partnership-driven model

Beyond infrastructure, the OR Tambo SEZ development emphasises a collaborative partnership model. Working closely with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and the Gauteng Provincial Government, the OR Tambo SEZ team will work with investors to streamline processes, support regulatory navigation and ensure smooth project delivery.

This service-driven approach has become a defining feature of the OR Tambo SEZ and a key contributor to its growing reputation as an investor-friendly destination.

Looking towards 2026: a year of acceleration

As momentum continues to build, 2026 is expected to be another breakthrough year for investment into the OR Tambo SEZ.

In April 2026, Gauteng will host the second Gauteng Investment Conference, convening government leaders, investors and industry experts to discuss opportunities within the province’s high-growth sectors. The investment opportunities available at ORTIA Precinct 2 will further be showcased for companies seeking to expand or establish operations within South Africa’s strongest economic region.

The message is clear: the OR Tambo SEZ is open for business.

Companies interested in joining this dynamic manufacturing and export ecosystem are invited to connect with the OR Tambo SEZ and explore investment opportunities within ORTIA Precinct 2.

Contact OR Tambo SEZ