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

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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.

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.  

Cornubia is planned to be a mixed-use, mixed-income development, incorporating industrial, commercial/retail, social to middle income residential and open space uses to be implemented over a 20–30-year period. This includes transit orientated development to promote live, work and play principles.

Current progress

• First 2,666 residential units in Housing Phase 1a and 1b delivered and occupied.​
• Housing is currently busy with the civils and top structure contracts for the phase 2A & B housing
• Cornubia Retail Park with Cornubia Shopping Mall, MMI offices and filling station operational.
• N2 Business Estate with a Makro and warehouses operational.
• CIBE (Cornubia Industrial and Business Estate) is largely complete, with businesses operational.​
• Fundamentum have come in as the new developer for CTC (Cornubia Business Park Precinct) – Planning stage
• Tenders out for key link portions of Cornubia Boulevard.

Next steps

Construction of the Cornubia Boulevard Roadworks (C9 WP6A – Ph1):

• • Procurement – Q4 2025
  • Implementation Start – Q1 2026
  • Implementation Complete – Q1 2028

Upgrade of Blackburn to Phoenix 1 Pipeline:

• • Procurement – Q4 2025
  • Implementation Start – Q1 2026
  • Implementation Complete – Q1 2028

Funding application with BFI:

• • Feasibility Study by DBSA – Q1 & Q2- 2026
  • Completion of CBA by CRI – Q3 -2026
  • BFI application – Q4 – 2026

Project info

• Investor: Tongaat Hulett Properties
• Investment value: R50-billion
• City contribution: TBC
• Construction period: 2010 – 2040

Contact

Potential investors seeking more information about upcoming opportunities in this development are encouraged to contact the project promotors:

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

Current progress

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

Project info

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

Contact Whetstone Business Park

Investment opportunities in Durban

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

Kings Estate is a 623ha mixed use industrial/commercial and residential development, with 322ha being located within eThekwini Municipality and the remaining 298ha within KwaDukuza Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Current progress

• SPLUMA approvals secured in both eThekwini & KwaDukuza Municipalities
• Environmental Authorisation finalised, including approved amendments
• Construction commenced (access infrastructure completed) 2020
• Bulk sewer interim solution agreed, pending Tongaat WWTW upgrade (2026)
• Phases 2D & 2E progressing within approved phasing framework
• Residential components gaining strongest
• Recognised as a Provincial Catalytic Project

Next steps

• Engagements underway with the new pension fund ownership entity for Phases 2D & 2E
• Phasing adjustments to align with available bulk services and investment priorities
• Rezoning and Land Use Scheme alignment progressing to meet SPLUMA conditions
• Finalisation of bulk water supply design from Burbreeze Reservoir in progress
• Current focus: securing approval for the proposed pipeline alignment

Project info

• Investor: KDC Projects and Developments
• Investment Value: R18-billion (all 11 phases)
• City Contribution: TBC
• Construction Period: TBC

Contact Kings Estate

Investment opportunities in Durban

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

The Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) stands at the forefront of industrial infrastructure development in Mpumalanga, offering a strategically positioned and diversified property portfolio designed to unlock enterprise growth, stimulate regional economies, and catalyse sustainable investment.

MEGA’s extensive property portfolio spans key economic nodes, including well-established small industrial parks located in:

• City of Mbombela,
• Nkomazi Local Municipality,
• Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipalities,
• Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality, and
• Thembisile Hani Local Municipality’s areas of jurisdiction.

These parks provide accessible, cost-effective operational space for SMMEs, light manufacturers, agro-processors, logistics operators, and emerging industrial enterprises. Positioned within vibrant local economies and transport corridors, they serve as incubation platforms for scalable growth and regional trade.

Complementing these are MEGA’s large-scale industrial parks located in:

• Kabokweni,
• Ekandustria, and
• Siyabuswa.

These flagship industrial zones are purpose-built to accommodate medium to heavy industrial operations, advanced manufacturing, warehousing, and large-scale agro-processing facilities, with expansive footprints and growth-ready infrastructure, they provide investors with space, stability, and strategic advantage.

Infrastructure that enables investment

MEGA’s industrial portfolio is anchored in:

• Serviced industrial stands and factory units
• Established utilities infrastructure (electricity, water, sanitation)
• Proximity to national road networks and cross-border trade routes
• Scalable facilities for expansion and sector clustering
• Secure environments conducive to operational continuity

This integrated infrastructure offering reduces entry barriers for investors while accelerating time-to-operation for new and expanding businesses.

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Catalysing inclusive economic development

Through our property and infrastructure portfolio, MEGA advances:

• Industrialisation and localisation
• Township and rural economic participation
• Job creation and enterprise development
• Agro-processing and beneficiation value chains
• Public-private investment partnerships

By activating underutilised industrial assets and aligning infrastructure to provincial economic growth priorities, MEGA ensures that economic opportunity extends beyond urban centres into district and community economies.

A strategic investment partner

As a provincial development-finance agency, Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) combines infrastructure provision with investment facilitation, financial support mechanisms, and sector-focused growth strategies.

This integrated approach positions the agency not merely as a landlord, but as a long-term development partner committed to investor success.

From small industrial enterprises in City of Mbombela, Chief Albert Luthuli and Nkomazi to large-scale operations in Ekandustria, Kabokweni and Siyabuswa, MEGA’s industrial parks are more than physical spaces, they are platforms for productivity, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.

“Industrial infrastructure is a strategic economic instrument and at the MEGA, we deploy it with precision. Our property portfolio is deliberately structured to respond to sector demand, spatial economic priorities, and long-term industrialisation objectives within Mpumalanga.

We do not merely provide space; we engineer investment-ready environments, serviced, strategically located, and scalable which reduces operational risk but accelerate’s time-to-market for manufacturers, agro-processors, logistics operators, and emerging industrial enterprises.

From township-based industrial nodes to large-format parks capable of accommodating advanced manufacturing, our infrastructure strategy is anchored in sustainability, asset optimisation, and catalytic impact. We are repositioning industrial property as a driver of competitiveness, localisation, and inclusive growth. Infrastructure, when properly structured and professionally managed, becomes a decisive enabler of economic transformation.”

— Eric Nyathikazi, General Manager: Infrastructure and Property Management.

Invest in infrastructure that works,
Invest where growth is intentional,
Invest with MEGA.

Contact MEGA

To discuss opportunities or find out more, please contact the Infrastructure and Property Management team at MEGA:

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:

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The vision for the Smart Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant (SSPMP) was born from a deep-rooted belief in Africa’s potential to lead its own energy transition. Against the backdrop of South Africa’s growing energy crisis, reliance on imports, and the urgent need for localised solutions, the idea crystallised: build a future-facing, locally empowered solar panel manufacturing facility.

The journey began with strategic groundwork — engaging government stakeholders, aligning with energy policies like SAREM and JET, and securing a footprint within the Northern Cape SEZ to maximise incentives and export potential. Parallel to this, we conducted a comprehensive pre-feasibility study, which confirmed the project’s financial viability and market appetite, setting the stage for the next phase.

The vision evolved beyond conventional manufacturing. SSPMP integrates smart technologies: AI-enabled panels, digital twin testing, smart monitoring systems, and the ability to generate IRECs for energy traceability. It is a plant designed for circularity, powered by renewables and recycling water, setting new ESG benchmarks for the sector.

SSPMP integrates smart technologies: AI-enabled panels, digital twin testing, smart monitoring systems, and the ability to generate IRECs for energy traceability.

Crucially, this journey has been underpinned by building strong coalitions — from local funders to international partners, policy makers to private sector collaborators — each recognising the project’s contribution to localisation, job creation, and energy security.

Today, the SSPMP is poised for implementation, with feasibility funding in motion, multiple investors engaged, and a clear roadmap to supply both domestic and regional markets. It is not just a factory — it’s a catalyst for South Africa’s energy sovereignty and industrial revival.

Project description

Project Scope: 300MW Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant

1. Project Priorities

The 300MW Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant is a strategic initiative designed to localize solar panel production in South Africa, reduce dependency on imports, and drive economic growth through renewable energy development.

The project prioritizes:

• Local Manufacturing & Economic Development: Establishing a fully operational solar panel production facility to boost local industry and job creation.
• Energy Security & Sustainability: Enhancing South Africa’s renewable energy capacity by ensuring a steady supply of high-quality, locally manufactured solar panels.
• Job Creation & Skills Development: Providing direct employment opportunities for over 300 workers and supporting thousands more through supply chain activities, logistics, and maintenance.
• Competitive & Technologically Advanced Production: Incorporating the latest mono PERC and bifacial solar panel technologies to ensure efficiency, affordability, and global competitiveness.
• Export Market Expansion: Positioning South Africa as a key supplier of solar panels across Africa and international markets.
• Alignment with Government Policies & Climate Goals: Supporting the South African Just Energy Transition plan and national renewable energy targets to reduce carbon emissions.

2. Project Deliverables & Expected Outcomes

The project will deliver tangible economic, environmental, and social benefits, ensuring long-term sustainability and profitability.

Phase 1: Plant Design & Construction (Year 1-3.5)

• Secure strategic land for the factory in a high-potential industrial zone, Northern Cape with the sun irradiation of circa 6.6kW/m2.
• Construct a 50,000-square-meter manufacturing facility with integrated R&D, quality control, and testing units.
• Procure and install state-of-the-art smart solar panel production lines with an initial capacity of 300MW annually, Korean technology partners are already in negotiations.
• Develop an efficient logistics and supply chain network to source raw materials locally where possible, fortunately all these materials are available in South Africa.

Phase 2: Workforce Development & Operations Launch (Year 2-3)

• Recruit and train a skilled workforce, including engineers, technicians, and assembly-line workers.
• Implement cutting-edge automation and quality control systems to ensure the highest efficiency and reliability.
• Establish partnerships with local universities and technical institutions to foster skills transfer and innovation in solar manufacturing.

Phase 3: Full-Scale Production & Market Expansion (Year 3-4)

• Begin commercial-scale production, targeting both local renewable energy projects and export markets.
• Drive cost efficiencies to make locally produced solar panels competitive against imports.
• Expand product offerings, including customized solar modules for different applications (residential, commercial, industrial, and utility-scale projects).
• Work with the South African government and energy stakeholders to integrate locally manufactured solar panels into national energy programs.

Long-Term Outcomes & Impact

• Increased Local Manufacturing – Reducing reliance on imported solar panels, ensuring stable supply and pricing.
• Economic Growth & Employment – Creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boosting industrial and economic development.
• Energy Transition Acceleration – Supporting South Africa’s renewable energy targets and reducing carbon emissions.
• Regional Export Opportunities – Strengthening South Africa’s role as a renewable energy hub for Africa and beyond.

Direct Beneficiaries of the 300MW Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant

The establishment of a 300MW solar panel manufacturing plant in South Africa will have far-reaching socio-economic benefits, directly impacting multiple groups within the country. This initiative is not just about energy production but also about economic empowerment, industrial development, and social upliftment.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the primary beneficiaries of this project.

1. Local Workforce & Job Seekers

Impact: Direct employment for 300+ workers and thousands of indirect jobs.

• Unemployed Youth & Job Seekers: With youth unemployment exceeding 60%, this project will provide stable job opportunities in manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and quality control.
• Skilled & Semi-Skilled Workers: Training and employment in solar panel assembly, machinery operation, and maintenance, offering long-term career opportunities.
• Women in the Workforce: Promoting gender inclusivity by actively hiring and training women in manufacturing, administration, and management roles.
• Technical & Vocational Graduates: Collaborations with TVET colleges and universities will create employment pathways for recent graduates in engineering, electronics, and industrial production.

By reducing reliance on imports, fostering local skills development, and strengthening South Africa’s green economy, this project will directly benefit thousands of people across multiple sectors.

2. Local Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Impact: Business opportunities for suppliers, logistics providers, and service contractors.

• Manufacturing & Component Suppliers: Local businesses involved in glass production, aluminium framing, junction boxes, and other raw materials will benefit as suppliers to the plant.
• Logistics & Transport Companies: The plant will require warehousing, distribution, and transportation services to move solar panels across South Africa and for export.
• Construction & Engineering Firms: Local firms specializing in infrastructure development will gain contracts for building the plant and maintaining its facilities.
• Recycling & Waste Management Companies: With a focus on sustainability, waste reduction, and recycling, the plant will create demand for solar panel recycling services and sustainable disposal solutions.

3. Local Communities & Underprivileged Groups

Impact: Community development, skills training, and social upliftment.

• Communities in the Manufacturing Zone: Residents in industrial development zones (IDZs) where the plant is established will benefit from infrastructure improvements, better services, and increased business activity.
• Underprivileged & Low-Income Groups: The project will initiate community training programs, scholarships, and learnerships to equip disadvantaged individuals with the skills needed for employment in solar manufacturing.
• Social Enterprise Development: The plant’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives may support entrepreneurs in the renewable energy sector, fostering the growth of locally owned small businesses.

4. Renewable Energy Developers & Solar Installers

Impact: More affordable, locally sourced solar panels for energy projects.

• Independent Power Producers (IPPs): The availability of cost-competitive, locally made solar panels will benefit large-scale renewable energy projects under South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).
• Small-Scale Solar Installers: Entrepreneurs and SMEs involved in residential and commercial solar installation will have access to high-quality, locally produced panels at lower costs.
• Off-Grid & Rural Electrification Projects: Organizations working on solar mini-grids and rural electrification will have a local supply of solar panels, reducing reliance on expensive imports.

5. Government & Public Sector

Impact: Economic growth, energy security, and industrialization.

• Job Creation & Economic Stimulus: The government will benefit from reduced unemployment, increased tax revenues, and local industrial growth.
• Energy Security & Grid Stability: The production of solar panels will support energy diversification, reducing dependence on coal and mitigating power shortages.
• Reduction in Trade Deficit: By manufacturing solar panels locally, South Africa will reduce its import bill, keeping economic value within the country instead of spending billions on foreign solar panel purchases.
• Support for Just Energy Transition: The project aligns with national goals to transition from coal to renewable energy, ensuring that displaced coal workers have new opportunities in the solar sector.

6. Rural & Urban Households (Energy Consumers)

Impact: Lower energy costs and increased access to solar power.

• Lower Solar Panel Prices: The local production of solar panels will help bring down costs, making solar energy more affordable for households and businesses.
• Improved Energy Access for Rural Communities: The availability of affordable solar technology will expand electrification efforts in off-grid and underdeveloped areas, reducing reliance on expensive diesel generators.
• Resilience Against Load Shedding: Households installing locally produced solar panels will experience greater energy independence, mitigating the impact of frequent power cuts.

7. African & International Markets

Impact: Positioning South Africa as a solar technology leader in Africa.

• Regional Export Opportunities: The factory will position South Africa as a solar panel supply hub for neighbouring African countries, strengthening trade relationships.
• Increased Foreign Investment: A strong solar manufacturing industry will attract foreign investors, research institutions, and multinational renewable energy companies looking to establish operations in South Africa.

A Transformational Project for South Africa

The 300MW SPMP is more than just an industrial development, it is a catalyst for economic empowerment, job creation, and renewable energy progress. By reducing reliance on imports, fostering local skills development, and strengthening South Africa’s green economy, this project will directly benefit thousands of people across multiple sectors.

Through local employment, SME growth, affordable solar energy access, and industrial expansion, this initiative will play a crucial role in South Africa’s transition to a cleaner, more resilient, and inclusive energy future.

Partnerships 

• Three strategic global investors are on board.
• Discussions underway with Northern Cape Economic Development Agency for proposed project development locations and incentives.
• Discussions with AfCFTA Secretariat.
• Proposal submitted to Just Energy Transition Fund for Feasibility support.
• Department of Energy & Electricity (SAREM) appears to be supportive.

Investment Value

The total value of the project is estimated at USD 200 000 000-00 (Two Hundred Million US or ZAR 3.8 billion).

Number of jobs to be created

• • Direct 300 including Management
  • Indirect 1000 Est
  • Construction Phase +/- 5 000

Targeted sectors

The project focuses on the following sector/s:

• IPPs
• C&Is
• Utilities – Eskom 2.0 Strategic Support
• NC Green Hydrogen scheme
• Residential

Contact

The project currently seeks equity partners. Interested parties are encouraged to send the project team a brief introduction in order to initiate further discussions:

Project history

The Port Nolloth Atlantic Salmon Project forms part of a broader regional aquaculture initiative led by South African Atlantic Salmon (SAAS), developed in partnership with African Aquaculture Company (AAC) and Norwegian technology partners. The concept originated when a group of Norwegian aquaculture pioneers recognised the unique potential of the Benguela Current, which provides cold, nutrient-rich seawater ideal for salmon farming along the west coast of southern Africa.

Initially, AAC established offshore salmon operations in Lüderitz, Namibia, under Namibian Atlantic Salmon (NAS), using sea-based production methods. As part of the natural evolution of this initiative, a land-based expansion model was conceived for South Africa, where offshore conditions are too rough for traditional sea cages but the marine water quality is ideal for onshore flow-through systems.

SAAS was established in 2024 as a dedicated South African entity to develop this new onshore salmon farming industry. The project is based on Norwegian flow-through technology developed by Andfjord Innovation, which combines the biological advantages of sea farming with the environmental control and efficiency of land-based systems. This technology ensures high fish welfare, energy efficiency, and minimal ecological impact.

Following extensive site investigations supported by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), two sites were identified for development:

• Paternoster (Western Cape) – Phase 1 pilot project (20 tonnes) and Phase 2 expansion site
• Port Nolloth (Namaqua Mariculture Park, Northern Cape) – Phase 2 expansion site

The Port Nolloth project will be the first large-scale onshore salmon operation in the Northern Cape, forming part of the Namaqua Mariculture Development Zone under the Operation Phakisa Oceans Economy Programme. It represents the regional expansion of SAAS’s model and a key step toward achieving a long-term production capacity of 100 000 tonnes per annum of sustainably farmed Atlantic salmon in Southern Africa.

The initiative combines Norwegian expertise and technology transfer with South African empowerment and local participation, in partnership with the Basani Marine Group (a 71% black-owned aquaculture investment company). It will contribute significantly to job creation, food security, export revenue, and regional economic diversification in the Northern Cape.

• Targeted sector: Aquaculture – Onshore Salmon Farming

Development area:

Description of the project

Southern African Atlantic Salmon (SAAS) aims to establish the first large-scale onshore Atlantic salmon farming operation in South Africa, using cutting-edge Norwegian flow-through technology. The company is looking at multiple locations along the coastline in the Western and Northern Cape provinces. The project will commence with a 20-tonne phase one in Paternoster, followed by a full-scale 10 000-tonne production phase.

SAAS is targeting to build a sustainable and ecologically sound fish farming industry in South Africa based on the learnings obtained in Norway over the last decades. Hatching eggs of salmon and trout in order to increase fish abundance in rivers and (re)introduction of fish in closed waters have a 170 years tradition in Norway and the industry has grown significantly over the last decades. The long term target is to produce 100,000 tonnes per annum of Atlantic Salmon in South Africa.

The West coast of southern Africa, from Gansbaai and up to Lüderitz, has ideal water temperatures for farming of Atlantic salmon. The Benguela current is transporting cold water from the Antarctic with typical water temperatures from 10 ºC to 16 ºC. East of Cape Agulhas, the water temperature is assumed to be too high for farming of Atlantic salmon. However, the South African coastline has very few sheltered bays that can be utilized for traditional net pen production and the available bays have depth restrictions, thus the farming is assumed to start onshore in controlled environment whereas offshore production units may be installed in the future.

SAAS will spear-head this potentially new industry in South Africa based on recent technological innovations from Norway. The company is searching for sites in South Africa and the team has visited multiple sites along the coastline of Northern and Western Cape based on recommendations from DFFE. Currently, two sites have been identified for salmon farming, the Namaqua Mariculture Park in Port Nolloth and the Oyster farm in Paternoster and the company has started to work on high level development plans for these areas.

The team has over the last years put in significant time and resources for development of salmon farming in South Africa. Combined knowledge of salmon farming and in-depth understanding of the specific sites and sea conditions provide the intellectual property to ensure success of this exciting venture.

Being a first in its kind in South Africa, the development will consist of multiple stages:

• Smolt will initially be produced at the Fizantakraal freshwater site in the vicinity of Paarl for continued supply of smolt. For commercial quantities a new company, “Benguela Smolt SA”, was incorporated to operate all future smolt requirements.
• Phase One to showcase the concept of farming salmon onshore in South Africa.
• Phase Two with construction of 8 pools for grow-out of salmon in commercial quantities of 10 000 tonnes to meet increasing demand domestically as well as for export.

A site has been secured for the initial smolt production, Fizantakraal, which takes place in fresh water. The site has been operating for more than 20 years and has also produced salmon smolt before, in addition to trout ova for export.

The project will follow the aquaculture regulations in South Africa and the project development will be based on the outcome of the pilot and the environmental impact assessment (the EIA report).

The company will import ova from leading suppliers, hatch the ova and grow the smolt to 100-150 grams in its facility in South Africa, and transport the smolt by road to the grow-out site in Paternoster. The salmon will be grown to 3,5 – 5 kg in onshore basins, before slaughtering and selling the salmon into the Southern African market until volumes reach the marked size where after export markets have been identified.

Operations are planned to start, subject to regulatory constraints, with import of ova in 2025 to start production of smolt. After approximately one year, the smolt can be transferred to the sea-water basins for the grow out phase which takes another year (12-14 months). After demonstrating commercial viability in South Africa, SAAS is planning a production ramp-up in steps of 10 000 tonnes towards the long-term goal of 100 000 tonnes production capacity in onshore basins split at different locations. Each production step of 10 000 tonnes is expected to give an annual revenue of around 80-million EUR based on the average salmon price of 8 EUR/kg .

The Pilot stage is expected to last for 2 – 3 years and with an expected corresponding investment of 3-million EUR.

For each 10 000 tonnes step, the capex investment is estimated to around 1,3-billion Rand.

The initiative aligns with South Africa’s Operation Phakisa Oceans Economy strategy and contributes to national goals for food security, job creation, and foreign currency generation.

Partnership

• Private sector
• Local municipality
• DFFE
• Stellenbosch University

Invest / Partner 

Potential private sector investment or business partners are encouraged to make contact with the project team. Please provide a brief introduction and summary of potential level of engagement: