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

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

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

A strategic digital infrastructure platform 

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

Key infrastructure features include: 

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

International security standards 

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

ELIDZ ICT Service Portfolio 

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

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

Enabling the Eastern Cape’s digital economy 

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

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

Partner with ELIDZ digital infrastructure 

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

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

Also see:

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

This reputation for hosting world-class gatherings was further solidified last week at the Sandton Convention Centre during Meetings Africa 2026. As the 20th anniversary of the event, it demonstrated Gauteng’s unmatched ability to facilitate thousands of confirmed business meetings, directly linking African products to global buyers and generating significant economic impact.

To that effect, Gauteng recently attracted R27-billion in Foreign Direct Investment from key global markets like the UK and the United States. Gauteng is clearly gaining momentum, with the inaugural Gauteng Investment Conference (2025) securing R312-billion in commitments, while the province claimed the lion’s share of last year’s Presidential Investment Conference, with over R180-billion in pledges.

Global industry leaders are moving beyond talk and are physically expanding their operations in Gauteng. Microsoft is currently investing R5.4-billion into local data centre infrastructure, while Heineken Global has committed R1.9-billion to its operations in Midvaal. The automotive sector is also seeing a boost with Chery International establishing local manufacturing, and the creative economy is set for a massive leap with the R4-billion Cradle Film Studios project which is destined to be the largest production facility in Africa.

What keeps Gauteng ahead of the curve is its connectivity. International arrivals hit 3.8-million this year, supported by new strategic air routes linking the province directly to North America and Australasia. With major infrastructure projects like the Gautrain expansion and a R50-billion dry port on the horizon, the province is effectively streamlining the region’s logistics.

Gauteng it the premier meetings destination in Africa while serving as a powerful catalyst for global opportunity. The 2026 Gauteng Investment Conference (GIC 2026) will provide another opportunity to turn conversations into investment.

Investing in Gauteng

Find out more about the economic and investment environment of Gauteng Province and explore projects in progress, insights and investment opportunities in the region.

No longer a back-office function, procurement today sits at the centre of cost optimisation, risk management, ESG accountability, supplier transformation, localisation, and digital innovation. The Smart Procurement Leaders Awards were established to honour the professionals who are not only managing supply chains, but also strategically transforming them.

“With procurement influencing up to two-thirds of organisational expenditure and playing a central role in supplier development and localisation, it has become one of the most significant levers for economic transformation. The Smart Procurement Leaders Awards celebrate the leaders who are driving innovation, governance excellence and measurable impact across the continent. Recognising their achievements strengthens Africa’s entire supply chain ecosystem,” states Debbie Tagg, CEO of Smart Procurement World.

The 2026 awards will spotlight measurable impact across both public and private sectors, recognising excellence in categories including:

• The Transformation Trailblazer (Sponsored by Zycus)
• Digital Game-Changer of the Year
• The Sustainability & Impact Champion (Sponsored by SLR Consulting)
• The People Architect (Sponsored by Commerce Edge SA)
• African Leader of the Year (Sponsored by Zycus)
• Supply Chain Finance Leadership (Sponsored by Addendum)
• Rookie of the Year – Procurement
• Lifetime Achievement Award (Sponsored by COUPA)

Each category evaluates demonstrable results, governance excellence, strategic alignment to business performance, and contribution to economic growth.

As regulatory complexity, geopolitical uncertainty, and supply chain disruption continue to shape global markets, African procurement leaders are increasingly required to deliver resilience, agility, and innovation at scale.

Backed by respected industry partners and solution providers, the Smart Procurement Leaders Awards serve as a benchmark for excellence within Africa’s procurement ecosystem.

Winning or even being shortlisted signals leadership credibility, operational excellence, and forward-thinking strategy within one of the most business-critical functions in modern enterprise.

Call for Entries and Nominations

Senior executives, procurement teams, state entities, corporates, and industry stakeholders are invited to submit entries or nominate outstanding professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and measurable results.

Full criteria, category details, and submission guidelines are available at:
https://smartprocurementworld.com/smart-procurement-leaders-awards/

Nominations and entries close: 6 March 2026

Through it’s conferences, executive engagement platforms, and industry recognition initiatives, Smart Procurement World continues to position procurement as a strategic enabler of growth, transformation, and sustainable enterprise development across the continent.

The 2026 Awards ceremony will convene senior executives, CPOs, supply chain leaders, and key stakeholders to celebrate excellence at the highest level.

This high-level summit is designed to address the urgent need for resilient, future-ready security strategies in an increasingly complex threat landscape.

The summit will convene 200+ C-level executives, CISOs, cybersecurity leaders, and technology decision-makers to exchange insights on protecting digital ecosystems while enabling innovation and growth. With organizations embracing cloud platforms, AI-driven services, and interconnected technologies, safeguarding data, infrastructure, and digital trust has never been more critical.

Through expert keynotes, panel discussions, and real-world case studies, attendees will explore practical approaches to AI-powered threat detection, cloud and identity security, zero-trust frameworks, threat intelligence, security automation, and regulatory compliance. The agenda will also examine how enterprises can strengthen operational resilience, ensure business continuity, and stay ahead of evolving cyber risks.

A strong emphasis will be placed on aligning cybersecurity with business strategy, empowering leadership to make informed, risk-aware decisions that support sustainable digital transformation. Discussions will also highlight the importance of upskilling security teams, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and embedding security into innovation initiatives from the outset.

Supported by the ISC2 Gauteng Chapter and the Cloud Security Alliance, the Cyber Security Summit South Africa 2026 reinforces its commitment to advancing professional development, knowledge sharing, and cybersecurity excellence across the region.

Through visionary leadership perspectives and collaborative dialogue, the summit will equip organizations with the tools, insights, and partnerships needed to secure South Africa’s digital future with confidence and resilience.

For more details on the Cyber Security Summit – South Africa 2026, visit: https://exito-e.com/cybersecuritysummit/south-africa/ 

Project background

The Developer, Sultex Holdings is a group of local Durban businesspersons who are collectively undertaking this prestigious project. Sultex Holdings is a black-owned company with a level one BBBEE score.

The company has employed a professional team, led by Nathoo Mbeyane Engineers and Re-Invent Property Development Managers, which led to the successful commencement of this project.

The project seeks to rejuvenate and further develop Giba Business Park, supporting the eco-tourism aspect of Giba Gorge, whilst having a massive social impact on the local informal community. These impacts support both the job market, whilst increasing business opportunities for the logistics industry and SMME light industrial sector.

The Developers are committed to the eThekwini region, and their massive investment in this project is testimony to their confidence in the region.

Economic sectors

• • Light Industrial
  • Warehousing
  • Logistics

Project description

The Giba Business Estate development is situated south of the Mariannhill Toll Plaza, along the N3 freight and logistics corridor (Durban-Johannesburg).

The Project is aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP) which encourages developments along the N3 corridor that promotes freight and logistics to take advantage of the Port of Durban and the existing road network.

• Development size: 20 hectares (200,000 square meters).
• Phase 1: Construction of 22 platforms and engineering services roads, water, on-site sewer package plant, electricity.
• Phase 2: Top structures.

Investment Opportunities

• Turnkey Development Opportunities
• Investor Opportunities
• Logistics & Warehousing
• SMME Opportunities
• End User Opportunities

Investment value

• • The total capital investment for the development is about R1.9-billion.
  • It is estimated that the direct benefits to the City through rates revenue will be in excess of R23-million into the city coffers per annum for the first year of commissioning, increasing to R46-million in the second year and could rise to R69-million in the third year.
  • Will contribute an additional R137.9-million in GDP to KwaZulu-Natal Province.

Sources of funding

• Private Development

Incentives available

• Possible rates rebates.

No. of jobs to be created 

• Approximately 492 jobs in the construction phase.
• Approximately 4 661 permanent jobs post-construction.

Project Status¹

Implementation:

• • TIA, EIA, SPLUMA approvals obtained.
  • Contractor established on site on the 3rd of July 2023 to commence construction of platforms and engineering services.

Watch VIDEO: GIBA Business Estate Progress, May 2024

Regulatory requirements of the project

• Building applications.

Unblocking issues needed to be resolved

• None at this stage

Partnerships

• Council resolves for the City to collaborate with the Developers for the implementation of road and water engineering services in order to facilitate this development (Council Decision 11/12/2023).

Investment Opportunities

• Turnkey Development Opportunities
• Investor Opportunities
• Logistics & Warehousing
• SMME Opportunities
• End User Opportunities

Find out more and visit the GIBA Business Park website: https://www.gibabusinesspark.co.za/

Project promoted via Invest Durban / eThekwini Municipality

Contact Invest Durban:

To find out more about any of these investment opportunities, please contact the investment facilitation team at Invest Durban:

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

Why early-stage project preparation matters

• According to the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), there is on average an 8–9 year gap between project identification and actual implementation.
• Early-stage project preparation — including feasibility studies, environmental & social assessments, and risk analyses — is often underfunded, leaving many projects “unbankable.”
• A recent IRENA analysis found that while well-structured renewable energy projects can reach financial close in 6–15 months, many languish for years due to inadequate development funding.
• In Sub‑Saharan Africa, the lack of early-stage capital disproportionately affects local developers, who often rely on their own equity or grants, rather than structured financing.

Early-stage bottlenecks highlighted

The event will shine a light on several common obstacles:

1. Limited access to prefeasibility funding

• In the SADC region, only seven development finance institutions provide early-stage project preparation facilities.
• Only three cross-border project preparation facilities serve all 16 SADC countries: DBSA Project Preparation Facility, SADC Project Preparation Development Facility, and the Southern African Power Pool’s Project Advisory Unit Fund.
• There are no dedicated regional facilities in SADC exclusively for renewable energy project preparation.

2. Lengthy, unstandardized approval processes

• Terms and conditions for accessing early-stage facilities vary wildly across DFIs, even within the same country.
• For many local developers, completing required prefeasibility work (before applying for funding) means stretching limited resources just to qualify.

3. Capacity & risk challenges

• Local developers often lack technical and financial expertise, making it difficult to structure and de-risk deals in ways that appeal to financiers.
• According to IRENA, 45% of projects submitted via its Energy Transition Accelerator Financing (ETAF) platform are rejected because they lack adequate readiness.
• Around 25% are rejected due to poor financial planning; of these, roughly half are turned down for inadequate equity commitment.
  Financing Gap Despite Available Capital.
• Analysis by AGBI shows that although there is “capital ready to be deployed,” there is a shortage of commercially viable, bankable climate projects, especially in developing markets.
• DFIs and donor-backed project preparation facilities are under-utilized or hard to access due to high capacity and procedural barriers.

How the Event Will Help

The Project Preparation: From Concepts to Bankability event aims to address and de-risk these early-stage challenges through:

• Strategic Partnerships
  Bringing together DFIs, governments, private developers, and technical partners to co-design and fund project preparation facilities.
• Technical Assistance (TA)
  Offering targeted TA for feasibility studies, environmental and social impact assessments, and financial modeling. These services help de-risk projects and make them more attractive to investors.
• Transaction Advisory Support
  Connecting projects with experienced transaction advisors who can help structure financing, negotiate offtake or PPA agreements, and align project structure with bankability criteria.
• Capacity Building
  Building the skill sets of local developers to improve their bankability (technical, financial, legal know-how), reducing their reliance on external consultants.
• Innovation in Financing Mechanisms
  Exploring or scaling up instruments such as Project Preparation Facilities (PPFs), Development Impact Bonds (DIBs), risk-sharing facilities, and blended finance.
  • Example: the DREAM programme in Ethiopia was funded with US$ 8 million via a PPF, helping bridge early-stage bottlenecks.

“Bridging the gap between project concept and bankability is our greatest challenge – without it, even the most promising projects never reach financial close,” stated Liz Hart, Managing Director of Infrastructure Africa. “This event is about catalyzing deal flow: giving developers the tools, guidance and financing they need to make their projects investable.”

As an essential part of the country’s transformation goals, this event aims to encourage conversation, collaboration, and innovation in the critical field of infrastructure development. With the South African infrastructure market valued at $193-billion, the event serves as a timely platform to address the nation’s infrastructure needs and opportunities, aligning with the objectives of the National Development Plan 2030 and the National Infrastructure Plan 2050.

At the South Africa Infrastructure Expo, our aim is clear: to provide a dynamic platform for industry stakeholders to exchange ideas, showcase innovations, and forge partnerships that shape the nation’s infrastructure development.

Source:*ABIQ

For more information, go to https://www.southafricainfrastructureexpo.com/

Co-located event:

Scheduled for November 21 in Johannesburg, the program will feature a series of high-level fireside chats examining the role of international capital, development finance and local expertise in transforming Africa’s energy landscape, in line with G20 priorities on infrastructure, energy security and private-sector mobilization.

Highlighting deepening ties between Africa and the Middle East, one session will examine how Saudi-led investment is driving Africa’s energy transformation. As Saudi companies expand their commitment to the continent – with Saudi Arabia pledging $41-billion over the next decade to support Sub-Saharan Africa – the conversation will spotlight cross-border partnerships delivering renewable and conventional energy projects. These initiatives provide the scale, expertise and capital needed to accelerate the continent’s energy transition while meeting rapidly growing demand.

Development finance institutions and multilateral organizations will take center stage in a discussion on enhancing local market access. Speakers will examine strategies for reducing barriers to investment and creating financing frameworks that can mobilize private capital across Africa. Efficient capital deployment at this moment is critical for determining the pace of the continent’s energy growth and achieving G20-aligned development objectives.

Another session will provide insight into Africa’s gas potential and its role in both regional industrialization and the global energy transition. By positioning gas as both a transitional and strategic resource, the conversation will highlight how the continent can strengthen energy security while advancing its own economic development.

A fireside chat on de-risking capital and removing investment barriers will focus on practical approaches to mitigating investment risks, structuring finance and creating investment-ready projects that can attract both regional and international private capital – an essential step for turning Africa’s energy opportunities into tangible development outcomes.

“Africa’s energy transformation depends on connecting global investors with African projects, while giving local stakeholders a central role in shaping outcomes. These sessions will turn discussions into action, helping unlock the capital and partnerships needed to power growth, create jobs and support sustainable development,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

As global attention turns to Africa ahead of the G20 Summit, the forum will not only showcase the continent’s energy potential but also demonstrate how strategic investment, collaboration and innovative finance can deliver results. From mobilizing private capital to strengthening local markets and advancing the energy transition, these conversations are set to define the next chapter of Africa’s energy story and its growing role in the global investment ecosystem.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Hon. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Energy and Electricity, South Africa
• Alfred Seem, Group Executive: Strategic Delivery Unit, Eskom
• Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the Nigerian President on Energy, Nigeria
• Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC)
• Acha Leke, Chairman, McKinsey Africa
• Sesakho Magadla, Interim CEO, PetroSA
• Wale Tinubu, CEO, Oando
• Titus Mathe, CEO, SANEDI
• Nick Rowley, Managing Director, Green Asset Exchange
• Rene Awambeng, CEO, Premier Invest
• Kara Neale, Commercial Leader, Clarke Energy
• Nzan Ogbe, CEO, Levene Energy
• Simon Karikari, CEO, Vodacom Mozambique
• Samira Mensah, Managing Director, Head of Ratings Africa, S&P Global
• Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary, ARDA
• Dele Kuti, Global Head: Energy and Infrastructure, Standard Bank
• Adrian Strydom, Executive Director/CEO, SAOGA
• Lida Preyma, Founder & CEO, Cēlandaire Capital
• Simon Van Wyk, Director of Sustainability & ESG, Deloitte Africa
• Selma Shimutwikeni, Founder & CEO, RichAfrica Consultancy
• Tamsin Donaldson, Head of Communications and Public Relations, Petredec
• NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC)
• Sesakho Magadla, Interim CEO of PetroSA
• Olu Arowolo Verheijen, Nigeria’s Special Advisor to President Bola Tinubu
• Rene Awambeng, Founder and Managing Director of Premier Invest

To register for the Forum, click here.

Following record-breaking attendance of over 700 delegates in 2025, GTR Africa is firmly established as the premier forum for Africa’s trade, supply chain, infrastructure, and commodity finance sectors.

Featuring a highly focused and thought-provoking discussion agenda incorporating unmatched opportunities to network with numerous industry leaders, this flagship event will once again bring the market together to share expertise, build partnerships, and shape the future of African trade.

6 big topics in 2026

• Making supply chain finance work for Africa
• Export diversification and the south-south opportunity
• Bridging Africa’s infrastructure financing gap
• Sustainability-linked trade and supply chain finance
• Driving growth through African banks, funds and capital
• Assessing the trade digitalisation opportunity

Learn more, visit www.gtreview.com/gtrafrica