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.

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.  

At the ELIDZ CAS Laboratory, we provide precise, reliable analytical services that support industries, municipalities, and communities in making informed decisions.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology and supported by a multidisciplinary team of chemists, microbiologists and environmental scientists, our laboratory delivers accurate results you can trust.

Why choose the ELIDZ-STP Laboratory? 

• Trusted accuracy
  SANAS-accredited laboratory delivering high-precision testing and dependable results.
• Comprehensive analytical services
  From potable water testing to industrial effluent monitoring and microbiological food analysis.
• Supporting environmental and public health standards
  Contributing to compliance with national initiatives such as Blue Drop, Green Drop, and Blue Flag programmes.

Our core services

• Potable water testing: Testing of tap water, bottled water, and treated surface or groundwater to confirm suitability for human consumption.
• Wastewater testing: Testing wastewater and its compliance with environmental standards.
• Surface water analysis: Analysis of water from rivers, lakes, dams, and pools to assess its quality and potential contaminants.
• Groundwater /Borehole water analysis: Evaluation of water from boreholes, wells, and spring sources to verify its safety for human consumption.
• Industrial effluent: Analysis of industrial discharge to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
• Microbiological Analysis: Detection and identification of microorganisms in water and food samples..
• Microbiological Food Analysis: Testing of raw, cooked, frozen and processed meats, dairy products, seafood, fruits and vegetables to assess microbial contamination and food safety.

Take the next step towards reliable testing

Partner with the ELIDZ Science and Technology Park CAS Laboratory for accurate, trusted analytical services that support environmental compliance, public health and industry standards. 

Submit your samples or contact our laboratory specialists today to discuss your testing needs.

Connect with us today!

• Ludwe Macingwane – T: 043 702 8248 | E: Ludwe@elidz.co.za
• Khayakazi Nonkonyana – T: 043 702 8209 | E: Khayakazi@elidz.co.za
• Nomfundo Krakra – T: 043 101 0750 | E: Nomfundo@elidz.co.za
• www.elidzstp.co.za

The golf coaching clinic took place at the Durban Country Club ahead of the main tournament.   

Tournament organisers partnered with eThekwini Municipality’s Recreation and Parks Directorate to expose young people to the sport and provide professional training and mentorship. 

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Following the development clinic, 14 young golfers who excelled during training have been selected to participate in a five-day golfing bootcamp. The bootcamp will equip them with golf kits, equipment and advanced skills development to help them realise their dreams of becoming professional golfers. 

Seventeen-year-old Langelihle Mkhize from Umkomaas has been selected to join the bootcamp. “I started practising and playing four years ago, and I have never looked back. I owe my progress to my coach, Lindani Mthiyane, for his constant encouragement and for reminding me that everything is possible, regardless of your background,” said the grade 10 learner.  

Acting Senior Manager for the municipality’s Sports Development and Recreation division, Zola Ndlovu, said these coaching clinics are being rolled out across participating districts and continue to grow in impact and reach. 

“The Municipality wanted to give these young golfers a platform to share the stage with world-class athletes who can coach and propel their careers in a sport often perceived as taboo in townships and rural areas. We started this initiative last year and hope to attract more sponsors who believe in our vision of developing youth through sport,” said Ndlovu. 

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

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

Mpumalanga economy

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

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

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

Governance

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

Transport

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

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

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

Maputo Development Corridor

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

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

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

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

Unique selling proposition

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

How to invest in Mpumalanga

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

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

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

MEGA services

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

• Trade and Investment Promotion
• Properties and Infrastructure
• Funding

Planning the way forward

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

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

Invest in Mpumalanga — Contact MEGA 

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

More investment opportunities in Mpumalanga:

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

Mpumalanga Trade and Investment Profile

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

The 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

These initiatives form part of ELIDZ’s ongoing commitment to strengthening digital capabilities, fostering innovation, and building technical competencies among unemployed youth, students, and emerging entrepreneurs throughout the province.

The programmes focus on high-demand areas such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing), Game Development and Animation, digital technologies, and related innovation-driven disciplines.

Through practical, hands-on training workshops delivered in partnership with key stakeholders, including technology partners and training institutions, ELIDZ STP is equipping participants with industry-relevant skills that enhance employability, support entrepreneurship, and enable meaningful participation in the digital economy.

Interest in these programmes continues to grow, reflecting the increasing demand for future-oriented skills in the province. Participation in each training intervention is carefully structured to ensure quality learning outcomes, practical engagement, and meaningful skills transfer. Participants who complete the various programmes receive certificates of participation, further strengthening their professional profiles.

ELIDZ remains committed to positioning itself as a key enabler of inclusive economic growth and socio-economic transformation. By leveraging innovation, technology, and strategic partnerships, the organisation continues to unlock opportunities for communities across both urban and rural areas of the Eastern Cape.

These skills development initiatives align with ELIDZ’s Vision 2030, which prioritises innovation-led growth, industrial competitiveness, and community empowerment. Through its Science and Technology Park, ELIDZ delivers a comprehensive range of programmes across the province, including digital skills training, business incubation, technical capacity building, youth and SMME development initiatives, and community-focused innovation programmes.

In addition, ELIDZ STP, as a CISCO Networking Academy Partner, offers free, self-paced online training programmes in areas such as cybersecurity, programming, networking, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). These online learning opportunities are accessible to young people throughout the Eastern Cape, with further information regularly shared via ELIDZ’s official communication platforms.

Through sustained investment in digital and innovation-focused skills development, ELIDZ continues to contribute to building a capable, competitive, and future-ready Eastern Cape economy.

For more ELIDZ-STP opportunities, visit www.elidzstp.co.za  | +27 43 702 8200 

Project background

The Mayibuye Precinct is located in Galeshewe and was selected as it has great potential to be developed as a tourism attraction in the area. The Mayibuye Precinct has many of the characteristics of a successful tourism precinct, such as the clustering of several tourist attractions, offering several tourism services and activities, giving tourists several reasons for visiting.

It also allows for tourists and residents to interact with the host community. There are a variety of land uses and forms of ownership with public access. The Mayibuye Precinct is in Greater No 2, which is rich in history. Greater No 2 was established soon after the De Beers Mine opened in 1886, one of the first townships in Kimberley.

Some of the main attractions in Mayibuye Precinct include:

• Mayibuye Uprising Memorial, in remembrance of the innocent victims who lost their lives during the Mayibuye Uprising.
• Robert Sobukwe’s office, where he practised law.
• Aids Memorial, in honour of all those who lost their lives to Aids.
• Beer Hall, site where the Mayibuye Uprising started.
• Abantu Batho Hall, where Sol Plaatje gave his last public lecture in 1932.
• First barber shop in Galeshewe.

Project description

The project will entail the following elements:

• Redevelopment of Mayibuye Square as a major tourist magnet for Galeshewe.
• Restoration of Robert Sobukwe’s office to preserve and exhibit the life and the role he played in the liberation struggle.
• Development of the Entrance Arch to activate the precinct, giving it a sense of place.
• Development of the Heroes Garden as a place of honour, reflection and especially remembrance of the fallen heroes and heroines of Galeshewe.
• Public library and resource centre, incorporating modern technology and resources.
• Arts and craft centre – workshop facilities that will enable local artists to create their crafts.
• Parking area – safe and secure parking facilities.

Targeted sectors:

• Infrastructure
• Real Estate
• Construction

Project finance:

• Equity Partners
• Property Developers
• Investors

Investors are needed to finance the project, while government will ensure provision of enabling infrastructure and various incentives as part of the project support.

Partnerships;

• Northern Cape Department of Public Works
• Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism
• Northern Cape Economic Development Agency
• Sol Plaatje Municipality
• Private Sector

Contact / Enquiries

Potential investors interested in this project are encouraged to contact the project team below. Please use Mayibuye Precinct Development as reference. 

Across its six chambers, the merSETA funds training that strengthens productivity and builds new pathways into decent work. These chambers include Metals and Engineering, Automotive Manufacturing and Assembly, Automotive Components Manufacturing, Motor Retail and Aftermarket, New Tyre Manufacturing and Plastics Manufacturing.

Each year, thousands of learners participate in occupational programmes in priority areas such as welding, toolmaking, automotive diagnostics, mechatronics and polymer processing. These programmes help establish a reliable pipeline of skilled workers while opening valuable opportunities for young people to enter the labour market.

Over the past five years, the organisation has increased its reach significantly. More than 123 000 learners have been supported through apprenticeships, learnerships, internships, bursaries and occupational qualifications. This has created clear routes into employment, artisan registration and further study for many participants.

A further 20 000 employed workers have been upskilled in areas that support industrial performance and technological adaptation, helping companies remain competitive in a fast-evolving economy.

Partnerships lie at the heart of the merSETA’s approach to skills development and strategic focus. Collaborative work with employers, TVET colleges, universities and government departments ensures that training responds directly to industry needs. Recent examples include a training partnership with Hesto Automotive in KwaZulu-Natal, which is strengthening engineering, electronics and manufacturing capacity.

Furthermore, collaboration with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has enabled hundreds of young people to access training in priority fields. A long-standing partnership with the Department of Defence has expanded apprenticeship opportunities and recognition for technically experienced personnel. Working with the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) is preparing artisans for solar and electrical trades, which are increasingly important to South Africa’s transition to cleaner energy.

Innovation is another area where the merSETA is making meaningful progress. Through the TVET 4.0 programme, the merSETA has taken a step forward to assist colleges in adopting modern training technologies. Virtual simulations and extended reality tools are used to expose students to advanced manufacturing systems and automotive technologies in a safe and accessible way. Research collaborations with universities continue to inform curriculum development and future skills planning.

The merSETA has also aligned its programmes with South Africa’s Just Energy Transition by expanding training in renewable-energy technologies, electric mobility, hydrogen-related occupations and green manufacturing processes. The aim is to support workers in vulnerable sectors and create opportunities for meaningful participation in emerging industries.

A commitment to inclusion guides all these efforts. Women, youth and persons with disabilities are receiving targeted support that widens access to high-value training and promotes equity within the labour market.

The merSETA remains focused on building a workforce that is skilled, adaptable and ready for the future of manufacturing and engineering in South Africa.

Visit the merSETA website at https://www.merseta.org.za

Bridging the gap between education, training and the labour market

The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (the merSETA) is assisting South Africa’s transition towards advanced manufacturing, digitalisation and green innovation.

In an interview with Acting CEO of the merSETA, Naphtaly Mokgotsane, he says that more needs to be done to deepen collaboration with academia, based on data-driven planning and accountability.

Full interview in Opportunity Magazine, Issue 116. Read it here.

The Northern Cape has its first designated Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the Namakwa SEZ. Then Department of Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel designated Namakwa Special Economic Zone on 21 May 2024.

On 23 May 2024, the Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul, announced the designation of the Namakwa SEZ, heralding a new era of industrial and economic prosperity for the province. Spanning 1 270 hectares, the Namakwa SEZ opens up huge opportunities for businesses in the province. This groundbreaking project aligns with national industrial policy, underscoring the province’s commitment to economic growth, innovation and sustainable development.

The SEZ has secured a significant investment of R29.3-billion, led by anchor investors Vedanta Zinc International and Frontier Rare Earths, demonstrating confidence in the province’s potential. This substantial investment will catalyse economic growth, create jobs and stimulate innovation across various sectors.

The Namakwa SEZ is the cornerstone of the Northern Cape Industrial Corridor, harnessing the province’s abundant natural resources and transforming them into economic catalysts. It will enable the province to pioneer sustainable industrial pathways, contributing to the global green economy and aligning with the Northern Cape Green Hydrogen Strategy.

This SEZ will create a robust, diversified economic ecosystem, fostering Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and stimulating innovation. It will provide enhanced opportunities for the people of the Northern Cape, from direct employment to new business ventures within the ecosystem and value chains.

The Namakwa SEZ is more than an economic project; it’s a pledge to transform the socio-economic landscape of the province, making the Northern Cape a hub of economic activity and a beacon of growth. The SEZ represents the province’s commitment to harnessing the power of collaboration, innovation and sustainable development to shape a prosperous future.

Since the designation of Namakwa SEZ, significant momentum has been gained in advancing the project development pathways. This designation is aligned with the guidelines and strategy of the SEZ Act, which outlines the steps following designation, focusing on actual implementation.

The Northern Cape views this milestone as a crucial step towards its industrial ambitions, particularly in unlocking the Industrial Corridor. This effort is strongly supported as we enter into the 7th Administration’s commitment to streamline mega projects towards implementation.

Next steps

The next critical steps involve capacitating the Namakwa SEZ entity to facilitate project preparation activities. This includes prioritising the detailed engineering designs for bulk and link infrastructure. Furthermore, appointing personnel to oversee development in partnership with the Project Management Unit (PMU) at the Northern Cape Economic Development Agency (NCEDA) is vital for the project’s success.

The Namakwa SEZ is also poised to catalyse the Boegoebaai Green Hydrogen (GH2) development programme by attracting Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to the SEZ, thereby enabling green transformation and pathways to net-zero emissions by 2050.

Join the journey

Connect with the team and secure prime space within the zone and be part of this tremendous journey the province is embarking on to challenge and make inroads to the industrialisation of the Northern Cape.

Join us on this journey as we embark on transforming the Northern Cape into a dynamic hub of economic activity, driven by the vision of a sustainable, inclusive and innovative industrial future. The work starts here, and together, we will shape the future.

Be part of this modern, growing and successful province. Contact the team to secure your prime space within Namakwa SEZ today:

Also see:

• SEZ provides solid base of operations for operations targeting western SADC
• Key industry opportunities in the Namakwa SEZ