The delegation, comprising Inner City Regeneration Programme Manager Lungelo Buthelezi and Nomalanga Sokhela from the Economic Development Directorate, engaged global shipyards, captains, manufacturers and investors.  

They were supported on the ground by Brian Ngiba, Managing Director of Ziziba Holdings, Navigo’s strategic local partner. 

A major highlight of the visit was the ceremonial handover of the Letter of Intent (LOI) between eThekwini Municipality and Navigo, custodians of the YARE programme and widely regarded as the global leader in superyacht destination development. 

The LOI, signed by eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele, was formally presented by Buthelezi to Navigo President Katia Balducci at a high-profile event attended by industry leaders and international media in Viareggio, Italy. 

Through this partnership, Navigo has confirmed its commitment to mobilise significant private-sector investment towards Durban’s superyacht infrastructure and refit capabilities, with projected investment estimated at over R1.9-billion. 

The delegation also extended formal invitations to over 100 superyacht captains and more than 100 global yacht manufacturers to attend the YARE Symposium to be held in Durban in November this year.  

Durban will become the first African city ever to host this globally recognised event. 

Sentiments from shipyards and captains have been positive, signalling strong confidence in Durban’s emerging value proposition and market potential. 

The anticipated economic impact of this partnership is significant. Projections indicate that more than 2,500 direct jobs could be created by 2030 across marine engineering, refit services, advanced manufacturing and tourism. 

Parallel to this, eThekwini and the Durban University of Technology are advancing plans for Africa’s first Professionalised Superyacht Academy, which will train young South Africans in high-demand skills such as welding, marine engineering and advanced composites fabrication. 

Throughout the visit, from 8 to 16 March, Durban’s delegation held strategic engagements with senior executives from leading shipyards.  

The City’s proposed superyacht precinct, located on a 24-hectare site within the Port of Durban, was presented as a compelling and competitive offering for future investment.

In terms of the TNPA Ship Repair Strategy, this site is specifically reserved for the refit market, which includes superyacht servicing and maintenance, a key selling point for international investors. 

Reflecting on the historic moment, Buthelezi said that presenting the signed LOI to Navigo’s leadership on behalf of the City Manager was an honour, adding that the ceremony signalled Durban’s readiness and unwavering commitment to establishing a world-class superyacht ecosystem. 

Navigo President Katia Balducci affirmed the organisation’s confidence in Durban, stating: “This partnership represents the beginning of a historic chapter for Africa’s participation in the global superyacht industry. Durban has the vision, the infrastructure and the commitment to succeed.”

The Municipality is now moving into the next phase of implementation. Preparations are underway to host the YARE Symposium in Durban this November, alongside detailed planning for the proposed superyacht precinct. 

Strengthening Durban’s ocean economy

Participation in international platforms such as YARE – Yachting Aftersales & Refit Experience forms part of eThekwini Municipality’s broader strategy to grow the city’s ocean economy and attract global investment into the maritime sector.

By building strategic relationships with industry leaders and investors, Durban aims to unlock new opportunities for marine manufacturing, tourism development, skills transfer and job creation.

As the global superyacht industry continues to expand, Durban’s engagement with YARE demonstrates the city’s commitment to strengthening its position as a competitive maritime destination and a future hub for superyacht services in the Southern Hemisphere.

Contact the team!

International superyacht builders, refit specialists and global marina developers should contact Invest Durban as soon as possible to discuss opportunities in Durban.

Tender information for all 5 opportunities can be downloaded here.  

Here is a summary of the key bid requirements and deadlines for the listed tenders: 

1. Bid Number: MTPA/20252026/COM/04   

Description: Appointment to source an operator to invest, upgrade, operate, and manage the Zithabiseni Holiday Resort.   

• • Closing Date & Time: 06 May 2026 at 11:00 AM. 
  • Briefing Session/Site Visit:
    • Site Visit: 17 March 2026 at 14:00, Siyabuswa Industrial Park.
    • Non-compulsory Briefing Session: 21 April 2026 at 11:00 (Virtual via MS Teams; link available upon request from Priscilla.Gwebu@mtpa.co.za).   
  • Bid Document Collection: Available on the MTPA website or at the MTPA Complex Office for R200 (non-refundable).   
  • Submission Location: Supply Chain Management Unit, Procurement Office, Hall’s Gateway, Mataffin, MTPA Finance Block E, Mbombela.

2. Bid Number: MTPA/20252026/COM/05 

Description: Request for proposal for an operator to invest, operate, and manage a bush camp concession at Songimvelo Nature Reserve for 15 years.

• • Closing Date & Time: 06 May 2026 at 11:00 AM. 
  • Briefing Session/Site Visit:
    • Non-compulsory Briefing Session: 31 March 2026 at 10:00 (Virtual via MS Teams; link available upon request from zanele@mtpa.co.za).   
    • Site Visit: Book through Tekani.shilenge@mtpa.co.za or robertmasango7@gmail.com.
  • Bid Document Collection: Available on the MTPA website or at the MTPA Complex Office for R200 (non-refundable).   
  • Submission Location: Supply Chain Management Unit, Procurement Office, Hall’s Gateway, Mataffin, MTPA Finance Block E, Mbombela.   

3. Bid Number: MTPA/20252026/COM/06   

Description: Request for proposal for an operator to invest, design, upgrade, operate, and manage a 24-bed lodge in Sara Bank at Manyeleti Nature Reserve.

• • Closing Date & Time: 06 May 2026 at 11:00 AM. 
  • Briefing Session/Site Visit: No briefing session.   
  • Bid Document Collection: Available on the MTPA website or at the MTPA Complex Office for R200 (non-refundable).  
  • Submission Location: Supply Chain Management Unit, Procurement Office, Hall’s Gateway, Mataffin, MTPA Finance Block E, Mbombela.   

Mpumalanga has an abundance of wildlife

1 of 8

4. Bid Number: MTPA/20252026/COM/07   

Description: Appointment of an investor to invest, design, develop, operate, and manage a 24-bed lodge facility at Dixie Koppie.   

• • Closing Date & Time: 18 May 2026 at 11:00 AM. 
  • Briefing Session/Site Visit: No briefing session.
  • Bid Document Collection: Available on the MTPA website or at the MTPA Complex Office for R200 (non-refundable).   
  • Submission Location: Supply Chain Management Unit, Procurement Office, Hall’s Gateway, Mataffin MTPA Finance Block E, Mbombela.   

5. Bid Number: MTPA/20252026/COM/08   

Description: Request for proposal for an operator to invest, design, develop, operate, and manage a 24-bed tented bush camp lodge at S8 Dam in Manyeleti Nature Reserve.

• • Closing Date & Time: 06 May 2026 at 11:00 AM. 
  • Briefing Session/Site Visit: No briefing session.   
  • Bid Document Collection: Available on the MTPA website or at the MTPA Complex Office for R200 (non-refundable).   
  • Submission Location: Supply Chain Management Unit, Procurement Office, Hall’s Gateway, Mataffin MTPA Finance Block E, Mbombela.   

For all bids, proposals must be clearly marked with the respective tender reference number and submitted to the specified location before the closing date and time.    

All Photos Credit: Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency

Contact for more information

Potential investors seeking more information are encouraged to make contact with the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA). Also see official tender information in the link above.

Zithabiseni Resort and Conference Centre, located in Mpumalanga’s “Cultural Heartland,” is managed by the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) as of 2023. The resort has faced financial challenges over the past five years, with expenditures consistently exceeding revenue, leading to infrastructure deterioration and reduced tourist activity. Although 48 chalets were recently renovated with funding, the resort still requires significant refurbishment, with an estimated cost of R101.8-million.   

The resort spans 102 hectares and offers 56 operational chalets, accommodating 196 guests. The resort is fully functional, with the main facilities in daily use. However, the remaining 389 chalets are in need of renovation. This could increase guest capacity to over 1,000.   

The facilities include conference halls and rooms with a combined seating capacity of 160, a 100-seater fully licensed restaurant, swimming pools, a braai lapa for 500 guests, a picnic area, sports bar with a pool and big screen television, an outdoor gym, an educational trail and quad and 4×4 trails. The resort employs 72 staff members, with no recent changes in staffing.   

Zithabiseni Resort and Conference Centre is located within the 13,300 hectares of Mabusa Nature Reserve, along the road between Groblersdal and Bronkhorstspruit.

Zithabiseni hosted 921 guests and 14,100 festival attendees in 2024, with visitors drawn to leisure, business, and cultural activities. The resort plans to expand its accommodation options, introduce new tourism activities, and transform one facility into a museum showcasing Ndebele culture.   

The MTPA is considering two business models for the resort: concession and timeshare. A turnaround strategy is being developed to address infrastructure challenges, improve marketing, and create economic opportunities for the local community. Revitalizing the resort is expected to generate employment, support local businesses, and enhance tourism in the region.

Vision 

The MTPA aims to restore Zithabiseni Resort to its former glory, combining natural wilderness with high-quality service to attract visitors and promote sustainable tourism.

Future plans include the following:

• Expand accommodation (camping, bush camps, student housing, chalet upgrades).
• Transform a facility into a museum showcasing Ndebele culture with Dr. Esther Mahalangu as a tourism ambassador.
• Introduce new activities like ziplining, water slides, quad biking, horse riding, wellness center, cultural village, and sports facilities.  

Private sector collaboration

Revitalizing the resort requires collaboration between the private sector and government.

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is seeking to source an operator that will invest, upgrade, operate and manage the Zithabiseni Holiday Resort.

BID NUMBER: MTPA/20252026/COM/04

View or download the official tender information on the link below. 

Closing date for submissions: 6 May 2026

Contact for more information

Potential investors seeking more information are encouraged to make contact with the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA). Also see official tender information in the link above.

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

1. Plug-and-play industrial land

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

2. Strategic automotive port access

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

3. A deep automotive skills base

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

4. An established supplier network

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

1 of 8

5. Strong government coalition

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

6. Green energy and smart manufacturing

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

7. A proven automotive zone

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

8. Supporting localisation

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

9. Improving project economics

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

10. A de-risked investment environment

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

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

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

Recognized as one of the most important international platforms dedicated to the superyacht refit and aftersales sector, the event connects shipyards, captains, yacht managers and marine service providers through structured networking meetings, technical discussions and industry forums focused on innovation, sustainability and the future of yacht servicing.

Building on Durban’s strong presence in 2025

Durban’s presence at the 2026 event builds on the momentum established during YARE – Yachting Aftersales & Refit Experience 2025, where Invest Durban played a highly visible role in promoting the city as a strategic superyacht destination.

During the 2025 event, Invest Durban sponsored the prestigious Gala Dinner, one of the key networking highlights of the programme, bringing together superyacht captains, shipyards and global industry leaders. The sponsorship provided a unique opportunity to position Durban within high-level industry discussions and to showcase the city’s potential as a marine services hub.

In addition to the sponsorship, Invest Durban’s brand presence was prominently displayed through event banners and promotional material, significantly enhancing the city’s visibility among international participants attending the event from across the global yachting industry.

Advancing international investment partnerships

A key outcome of the 2025 engagement was the signing of a mutual Letter of Intent (LOI) aimed at fostering cooperation and promoting foreign direct investment opportunities into Durban’s marine sector.

The agreement focuses on attracting investment from international superyacht builders, refit specialists and global marina developers, supporting Durban’s ambitions to expand its maritime infrastructure and strengthen its role within the international superyacht ecosystem.

For Durban, this partnership represents an important step toward developing world-class facilities that can support visiting superyachts through refit, repair and maintenance services while also creating opportunities for marina development and associated tourism infrastructure.

Positioning Durban within the global refit market

The superyacht refit sector continues to experience strong global growth, representing a significant portion of industry activity and offering opportunities for cities with the right infrastructure, technical skills and strategic location.

Durban’s geographic position along key Indian Ocean cruising routes, combined with the capabilities of the Port of Durban, provides a strong foundation for developing a competitive superyacht servicing ecosystem in the Southern Hemisphere.

Through participation in YARE – Yachting Aftersales & Refit Experience 2026, the Invest Durban delegation is actively engaging with global industry leaders to:

• Promote Durban as an emerging superyacht refit and maintenance destination
• Strengthen partnerships with international shipyards and marine service providers
• Encourage foreign direct investment in marina infrastructure and marine manufacturing
• Position Durban as a gateway to the African and Indian Ocean yachting markets

1 of 2

Strengthening Durban’s ocean economy

Participation in international platforms such as YARE – Yachting Aftersales & Refit Experience forms part of eThekwini Municipality’s broader strategy to grow the city’s ocean economy and attract global investment into the maritime sector.

By building strategic relationships with industry leaders and investors, Durban aims to unlock new opportunities for marine manufacturing, tourism development, skills transfer and job creation.

As the global superyacht industry continues to expand, Durban’s engagement with YARE demonstrates the city’s commitment to strengthening its position as a competitive maritime destination and a future hub for superyacht services in the Southern Hemisphere.

Contact the team!

International superyacht builders, refit specialists and global marina developers should contact Invest Durban as soon as possible to discuss opportunities in Durban.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gauteng Investment Conference 2026

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

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

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

Position your operation strategically along the Maputo Development Corridor

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

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

Focused industrial sectors

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

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

Strategic Objectives of the Nkomazi SEZ

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

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

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

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

Investors to date

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

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

1 of 12

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.  

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