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

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

Position your operation strategically along the Maputo Development Corridor

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

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

Focused industrial sectors

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

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

Strategic Objectives of the Nkomazi SEZ

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

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

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

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

Investors to date

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

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

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The Nkomazi SEZ is set to provide One-Stop-Shop services, incentives, an innovative platform, a competitive and transparent market environment and timeous and efficient responses to investors’ market requirements.

Contact

Potential investors are encouraged to contact the Nkomazi SEZ team to discuss all available options and opportunities:

More information about the Nkomazi SEZ:

About Special Economic Zones

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are geographically designated areas set aside for specifically targeted economic activities that are supported through special tax incentives. An SEZ aims to be an economic development tool to promote rapid economic growth by using various support measures to attract targeted foreign and domestic investments and technology. 

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

With more than its fair share of diseases, the World Economic Forum estimates that the total demand for packaged medicines in Africa is around $18-billion per year. Interestingly, 61% of that is serviced through imported products, with only 36% being locally produced. Of the 36%, 40% of the production capabilities are confined to packaging and labelling with the remaining 40% limited to filling and finishing (Who Owns Whom, 2023).

For Africa to effectively service the medical requirements of its 1.4 billion people, countries on the continent acknowledge the need to enhance their pharmaceutical and medical production capabilities.

In recognition of this, the OR Tambo International Airport SEZ has designed and is in the process of developing, a globally competitive medical manufacturing cluster that will enhance the production and export of medical products from South Africa.

OR Tambo SEZ’s bold ambitions

Comprising 265 000m² of developable space, the OR Tambo SEZ Precinct 2 development is well positioned to support the production and export of time-sensitive products such as medicines.

Located on the doorstep of OR Tambo International Airport, the SEZ is an ideal location for the production and export of high-value, light-weight products that utilise air freight as a mode of transport.

In support of its competitive value proposition, the OR Tambo SEZ completed industry-specific research that identified different elements essential for the establishment of a globally competitive medical manufacturing cluster. The result of this research is a bold plan, that aims to secure international as well as continental buy-in, thereby ensuring that the cluster is well positioned to support the manufacturing of different elements that form part of the broader pharmaceutical and medical product value chain in Africa.

Competitization of the OR Tambo SEZ pharma and medical cluster

The cluster-based approach is globally acknowledged as an effective approach to enhance economic growth and development.

For it to be competitive, any cluster must pursue and ensure the existence of linkages between different elements that form part of the production process; these include basic inputs, manufacturers, role players that approve the products for consumption, and those that move the goods to market. Equally important are the research, development and innovation institutions.

The OR Tambo SEZ’s planned pharma and medical manufacturing precinct will have all the above inclusive of a variety of medical production processes such as pharmaceutical mixing, medical device component manufacturing, sub-assembling, labelling and packaging, warehousing and storage, training, standard testing, patent compliance and regulatory approval institutions.

Through this approach, the SEZ, which already boasts a competitive location, is destined to become a world class pharma and medical products manufacturing destination.

The OR Tambo SEZ’s planned pharma and medical manufacturing precinct will have all the above inclusive of a variety of medical production processes…

Available Incentives

As a designated Special Economic Zone, the OR Tambo SEZ will also provide manufacturers looking to set up operations with the opportunity to access incentives that reduce the cost of production. This is particularly key, given that manufacturing costs remain a major impediment in the enhancement of manufacturing in Africa.

Available incentives include duty-free importation of production-related materials and assets, as well as VAT exemption on export.

OR Tambo SEZ: The competitive choice

Underpinned by factors such as a skilled labour force, South Africa has long been a location of choice for multi-nationals looking to locate in Africa. The country also has an established supply chain to foster medical manufacturing expansion.

All the above, coupled with the Gauteng City Region’s competitive positioning serving as a gateway to sub-Saharan Africa, make the OR Tambo SEZ an ideal location for the production, export and trade of pharmaceutical and medical products within Africa.

Contact

Interested parties are encouraged to contact the OR Tambo SEZ investment facilitation team with your details:

[contact-form-7]

For more information on the pharmaceutical and medical cluster being developed at OR Tambo International Airport SEZ, visit: www.ortambosez.co.za

Dube TradePort is a designated SEZ, strategically located adjacent to the King Shaka International Airport in Durban, South Africa.

Spanning 2,840 hectares, it is the only facility in Africa that integrates an international airport with a dedicated cargo terminal, warehousing and logistics platforms, commercial offices, retail developments, and high-tech agricultural zones all within a single, secure precinct.

Current progress

• Trade Zone 1: Fully operational + 50 investors
• Trade Zone 2: Serviced and operational
• Trade Zone 3: EIA approved; engineering report to support SPLUMA (Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act) submission
• Agri Zone 1: Fully Operational 
• Agri Zone 2: Development ready
• Support Zone 1: Development ready
• Support Zone 2: SPLUMA underway

Project info

• Investor: Dube TradePort Corporation (DTPC) (executing entity)
• Investment Value: R13-billion (to date)
• Construction Period: 2008 – 2068

Contact Dube TradePort

The City of Johannesburg (CoJ’s) Alternative Waste Treatment Technology (AWTT) project aims to enhance waste management and sustainability by reducing landfill waste and generating approximately 88MW of green energy. The initiative includes buy-back centres, waste separation at the source, and integrating informal recyclers into the formal sector.

Additionally, the city plans a waste-to-energy project that extracts methane from seven landfill sites and installs biodigesters at wastewater treatment plants. The resulting biogas will be used for electricity generation, industrial heating and fueling city buses, promoting renewable energy and environmental conservation.

This project presents a strategic investment opportunity in clean energy, waste management and sustainable urban infrastructure, positioning Johannesburg as a leader in environmental conservation and green innovation.

Details

• Sponsoring department / project promoter: City of Johannesburg (CoJ)
• Project partners: Gauteng Infrastructure Financing Agency (GIFA), Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)
• Sector: Energy
• Project delivery model: PPP
• Project status: Feasibility studies completed. The project is in structuring phase.
• Project start date: 2026
• Project completion date: 2027
• Project requirements / investor opportunity: Private sector partners to implement the AWTT Project.

Contact / Enquire

Interested parties are encouraged to contact the investment facilitation team with a brief message of introduction, including a brief description of your organization’s business and investment objectives:

[contact-form-7]

Hosted from 24–26 February 2026 by the ELIDZ in partnership with the GIZ Natural Resources Stewardship Programme II (NatuReS II), the gathering brought together delegates from South Africa, Ethiopia, Zambia and Tanzania, uniting government leaders, private sector representatives, water managers, academia, civil society and development partners under one shared mission.

From the outset, the event centered on the theme “From Source to Industry: Stewardship Multi‑Stakeholder Partnerships for Socio‑Ecological Transformation and Water‑Smart Industrial Futures.” This theme shaped the flow of discussions, grounding every conversation in the reality of a changing climate, increasing water risks and the urgent need for collective, systems‑level approaches to sustainable industrial development.

“This theme is not aspirational for us—it reflects who we are today and the future we are deliberately building. It speaks to our long‑standing commitment to environmentally responsible industrialisation and our intentional transition toward a water‑smart, eco‑industrial model grounded in science, governance and partnership,” said Ayanda Ramncwana, Chief Operations Officer of the ELIDZ.

She noted that operating in a water‑stressed province demands responsibility, foresight and discipline, which is why the ELIDZ embeds environmental governance, monitoring systems, green‑building principles and risk‑based management into its operations. “At the centre of this transition is water, because our priority sectors are water‑dependent, and secure, well‑governed water systems are now fundamental to competitiveness, investor confidence and long‑term resilience.”

A major thread running through the exchange was the recognition that industries can no longer depend on a single, traditional water source.

Speakers and technical experts repeatedly highlighted the need for decreasing water risk, especially as climate variability intensifies. A task which cannot be tackled successfully by one sector alone, rather requires collaborative action including a wide range of stakeholders – including public and private sector and civil society.

Delegates explored a range of alternative water sourcing methods, examining how each contributes to building long‑term operational stability and resilience.

Rainwater harvesting featured strongly in the discussions, not as an idea but as a practical, underused solution with immense potential. Several speakers emphasised how harvesting rainwater can reduce pressure on municipal systems, offer an emergency buffer during shortages, and help industries lower their operational and environmental footprint.

The discussions around rainwater collection illustrated how even simple interventions can significantly strengthen resilience when built into a broader diversified approach.

The ELIDZ’s own Sea Water Pump Station emerged as a compelling real-world case study of alternative source in action. Delegates had the opportunity to explore how seawater abstraction, supported by appropriate treatment technologies, can supplement freshwater supplies and serve process‑specific industrial needs. The visit demonstrated how such systems could enhance resilience in coastal industrial zones that face growing water stress, positioning seawater as a viable and increasingly necessary component of future water portfolios.

The ELIDZ’s own Sea Water Pump Station emerged as a compelling real-world case study of alternative source in action.

Experts also unpacked the role of groundwater supplementation and Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) as part of a holistic water strategy. These insights underscored the importance of responsible governance, careful monitoring and strong catchment‑level collaboration to ensure groundwater use is both safe and sustainable. Complementing this, several case studies illustrated how treated wastewater can be effectively reused in industrial processes, reducing dependency on potable water and advancing the shift toward circular resource management.

Across all sessions, one message was clear: integrated multi‑source water planning is no longer optional. Delegates echoed the need for industrial zones to adopt diversified portfolios combining municipal supply, rainwater harvesting, groundwater use, seawater sourcing and wastewater reuse — a strategic safeguard in a climate‑stressed future.

Reflecting on these insights, Sarah Beerhalter, Head of Programme for GIZ–NatuReS, noted that the discussions and technical visits demonstrated the value of integrated, multi‑source planning and evidence‑based decision‑making. She added that broader water stewardship supported by strong partnerships and scientific insight is essential for building resilient, water‑smart industrial regions capable of withstanding climate pressures and supporting sustainable growth.

The knowledge-rich panel discussions served as the backbone of the exchange, offering regional insights into policy, governance and economic imperatives. Conversations on water resilience and industrial competitiveness demonstrated how water insecurity can disrupt supply chains, undermine export reliability and weaken investor confidence. Experts highlighted the importance of building redundancy through multiple water sources and by applying water efficiency measures, emphasising that coordinated catchment‑level action is now essential for safeguarding the continent’s industrial output.

Conversations on water resilience and industrial competitiveness demonstrated how water insecurity can disrupt supply chains, undermine export reliability and weaken investor confidence.

Industry representatives participating in the business case dialogue shared how stewardship partnerships are helping them de‑risk operations, comply with water efficiency and reuse regulations, and strengthen ESG performance—factors that increasingly influence global investor decisions.

Meanwhile, delegates from Ethiopia, Zambia and Tanzania provided reflective insights into the governance mechanisms needed for effective multi-stakeholder collaboration, underscoring the importance of trust, transparency and locally appropriate partnership models.

From a national perspective, Thami Klaasen, Director for Regional Industrial Development at the dtic, said the exchange directly supports South Africa’s work on strengthening water stewardship in industrial parks and SEZs. He noted that the dtic, together with GIZ, is developing standard operating procedures grounded in accurate data and research, supported through pilots at the ELIDZ, Richards Bay SEZ and parks like Rosslyn. Klaasen stressed that multi‑stakeholder engagement is central to identifying risks and co‑creating solutions and emphasised that decisions on alternative water sources must be informed by scientific evidence rather than assumptions.

The technical tours added an invaluable practical dimension to the exchange. Delegates visited the Science and Technology Park (STP) CAS Laboratory, the ELIDZ Seawater Pump Station and the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) Wastewater Treatment Plant. These three sites together reflect long-term commitment to a Net Zero Water future.

These visits showed how industrial zones and municipalities can integrate multiple water sources, apply scientific monitoring and build water systems that extend beyond traditional boundaries.

The tours illustrated how the Zone is transitioning from conventional water management to broader water stewardship—where risks are understood and addressed both within the zone and across the surrounding catchment. Such stewardship partnerships not only support economic development but also focus strongly on environmental health and socially fair sharing of resources.

On the final day, discussions centered on the Natural Resources Risk and Action Framework (NRAF), a methodology that helps stakeholders and organizations to operationalize stewardship partnerships and design implementable, risk reducing strategies tailored to realities in African countries. Delegates explored how the framework enhances risk assessment, aligns interests across sectors, and supports multi-stakeholder decision‑making—a critical component in regions facing layered water challenges.

As the programme drew to a close, delegates reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaborative water governance and scaling multiple water‑source initiatives across Africa.

The ELIDZ and GIZ NatuReS renewed their pledge to continue supporting regional partners in advancing water‑smart and climate‑resilient natural resource management for a broad range of stakeholders – including industry.

The gathering ended with a shared recognition that Africa’s industrial future depends on stewardship, innovation and a sustained commitment to resource‑use efficiency, circular models and redesigned water systems for long‑term resilience — indicating that Stewardship Multi‑Stakeholder Partnerships remain a powerful model for collective action on water security across Africa and beyond.

Hosted by the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) through the Natural Resources Stewardship Programme II (NatuReS II), the three-day regional exchange will take place from 24 – 26 February 2026 at the ELIDZ Conference Centre.

The gathering comes at a time when water security is increasingly becoming a defining challenge for economic growth and industrial sustainability across Africa. Delegates from South Africa, Ethiopia, Zambia and Tanzania — including representatives from government, industry, water utilities, academia, civil society and development institutions will share practical approaches aimed at strengthening water stewardship while sustaining industrial competitiveness and economic resilience.

Held under the theme: “From Source to Industry: Stewardship Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships for Socio-Ecological Transformation and Water-Smart Industrial Futures,” the exchange will explore how collaborative partnerships between industry, government and communities can respond to growing climate pressures and water scarcity challenges affecting industrial regions across the continent.

The programme will further showcase how industrial zones can serve as innovation platforms for sustainable resource management, highlighting the ELIDZ’s implementation of water stewardship initiatives as part of advancing integrated, climate-responsive industrial development.

Event details

• Event: Natures II Regional Learning Exchange 2026
• Dates: 24-26 February 2026
• Time: 08:30-17:00
• Venue: ELIDZ Conference Centre, East London

Programme highlights

Media will have opportunities to cover:

• Opening leadership addresses outlining regional priorities for water security and sustainable industrialization
• High-level discussions on the link between water resilience and industrial competitiveness
• African case studies demonstrating multi-stakeholder stewardship partnerships
• Industry dialogue on the business case for water stewardship
• Guided site visits showcasing ELIDZ water stewardship infrastructure, including water testing and alternative water-sourcing facilities
• Interview opportunities with programme leaders, technical experts, and participating stakeholders

Members of the media are invited to attend selected sessions and engagements during the programme. Media representatives are requested to confirm attendance in advance for accreditation and logistical arrangements.

Media RSVP & enquiries

• Siphosethu Tikana (CPRP)
• Acting Manager: Marketing & Corporate Communications
• East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ)
• Email: siphosethuti@elidz.co.za | Website: www.elidz.co.za

About East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ)

The East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) is a prime industrial site in South Africa. It is geographically designated and positioned for specialised industrial activity. The ELIDZ was one of the first IDZs in South Africa to be awarded a provisional operator’s licence in September 2002.

Renowned for its leadership sustainability, the ELIDZ has earned the prestigious title of being named one of the world’s leading Eco-Parks. This recognition, awarded by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation’s (UNIDO) Global Eco-Industrial Park Programme (GEIPP), highlights the ELIDZ’s unparalleled commitment to environmental conservation.

Serving as a global model for eco-industrial parks, the ELIDZ epitomises innovation, infrastructure, and skills development as crucial elements for unlocking economic opportunities, not only in South Africa but worldwide.

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

During this mission, IPD experts will conduct visits to selected companies to evaluate key aspects such as product quality, export readiness, and compliance with European standards.

This initiative is fully funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), which means that all services provided by the IPD are offered at no cost.

Additionally, participating companies will gain access to valuable resources, including training sessions, workshops, and personalized coaching on EU market regulations, product quality assurance, certifications, and export documentation.

• Download the German Import Promotion Desk brochure from the ECDC website here
• To register, please follow the link below:
  Company Profile – Natural Ingredients South Africa
• Enquiries should be directed to exporthelpdesk@ecdc.co.za.

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