Positioning the Northern Cape as the new growth front for South Africa, the event intends to help unlock investment in the vast untapped natural resources of the province, these include minerals and renewable energy resources.

The conference will be hosted by the Northern Cape Premier, Dr. Zamani Saul, and the MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Ms. Venus Blennies-Magage, together with leading industry partners.

“The Northern Cape is a competitive, investment-ready province committed to economic transformation and job creation. The province continues to record significant achievements across key sectors and remains firmly committed to improving service delivery and bettering the lives of its people,” says Dr. Zamani Saul.

The province aims to catalyse the creation of over 60,000 sustainable new jobs in the next three years through investment and development of the mining, renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, tourism and manufacturing sectors. This job creation target is closely aligned with both the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) and the Provincial Growth and Development Plan (PGDP) Vision 2040, underscoring the province’s proportional contribution to the nation’s broader employment objectives.

A new growth front

The Northern Cape’s rich mineral resources position the region as a new growth point for rare earth mineral mining. With billions already invested in manganese, iron ore and diamond mining and associated value chains, there remain significant untapped opportunities for mining and beneficiation of lithium and other rare earth minerals. The province has the potential to become one of the world’s largest and lowest cost new producers of minerals that are needed for smartphones, lithium batteries and other products.

Highlighting the province’s growth potential, the Industrial Development Corporation recently announced more than R300-million in funding for the Frontier Rare Earths Project in the Northern Cape.

The province is also a hub of the Southern African renewable energy sector and hosts half of the country’s major solar and wind farm installations. However, significant future growth opportunities exist for grid expansion and battery storage projects, as well as for green hydrogen, ammonia and power-to-X (P2X) projects.

“Our province produces nearly three times more renewable energy than it consumes, accounting for more than 60% of the country’s renewable energy projects,” says Dr. Saul.

Industrialisation and logistics also represent key growth areas. With over R100-billion in anticipated investment, industrialisation of the Northern Cape could encompass mining, energy, minerals beneficiation, agro-processing and logistics, and manufacturing.

Driven by major infrastructure projects including the Boegoebaai deep water port and Upington special economic zone and dry port, key opportunities exist for enhancing trade routes to Namibia, servicing massive manganese and iron ore mining operations, and transport, cold chain and logistics for agro-processing. Tourism integration and agriculture and agro-processing also offer high-value investment opportunities. 

Unpacking key opportunities

The Northern Cape Investment and Jobs Conference will bring together local and international investors; the diplomatic corps; provincial, national and local government; business and industry leaders; academia and community stakeholders in Kimberley from 13 – 15 April 2026 for talks on investment and development opportunities and the way forward.

In plenary sessions and panel discussions, speakers will unpack topics such as:

• why the Northern Cape represents the future of South African economic growth;
• mining opportunities, future minerals, and value chain beneficiation;
• the Northern Cape as Africa’s renewable energy hub;
• critical infrastructure and logistics enablement;
• the development of transport corridors, integrating tourism into industrial development strategies;
• building resilient agricultural ecosystems; and
• pathways for Northern Cape industrialisation.

For more information about the conference and to register your interest in participating, please visit https://ncijc.org.za or contact: sandra@blueberryconcepts.co.za

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

1. Plug-and-play industrial land

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

2. Strategic automotive port access

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

3. A deep automotive skills base

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

4. An established supplier network

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

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5. Strong government coalition

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

6. Green energy and smart manufacturing

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

7. A proven automotive zone

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

8. Supporting localisation

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

9. Improving project economics

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

10. A de-risked investment environment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gauteng Investment Conference 2026

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

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

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

Position your operation strategically along the Maputo Development Corridor

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

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

Focused industrial sectors

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

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

Strategic Objectives of the Nkomazi SEZ

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

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

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

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

Investors to date

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

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

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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. 

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

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

Sustainable Energy positioning

The Sustainable Energy Sector at the East London Industrial Development Zone is a strategic pillar of clean industrial development.

Recognised by UNIDO as one of Africa’s leading Eco-Industrial Parks (EIPs), the ELIDZ delivers a structured eco-industrial platform designed for renewable energy manufacturing and sustainable operations.

Located within the Eastern Cape Renewable Energy Corridor, the zone enables the development and localisation of solar PV, wind, biomass, green hydrogen, energy-efficient technologies, waste-to-energy, and battery systems manufacturing, supported by coordinated infrastructure planning and institutional partnerships.

Investment opportunities

Investment opportunities are positioned across high-impact segments of the renewable and clean-technology value chain:

Renewable technology manufacturing

• • Solar PV manufacturing and assembly
  • Wind turbine components and systems
  • Green hydrogen production and storage infrastructure

Bioenergy & resource recovery

• • Biomass and bioenergy projects
  • Waste-to-energy initiatives

Energy systems & efficiency

• • Energy efficiency solutions
  • Smart-grid technologies

Alongside these manufacturing and technology opportunities, the ELIDZ is also advancing the development of a 15MW solar PV rooftop installation across its industrial facilities, integrated with battery storage to strengthen embedded generation capacity and energy resilience within the zone.

Potential funders are invited to engage with the ELIDZ Sustainable Energy Sector to explore participation in this 15MW solar PV and battery storage initiative.

Why invest in the ELIDZ Sustainable Energy Sector?

1. Globally recognised sustainability platform
2. Operate within a UNIDO-certified Eco-Industrial Park aligned to international sustainability benchmarks
3. SEZ investment incentives
4. Benefit from competitive tax, customs, and investment advantages under the Special Economic Zone programme
5. Dedicated innovation infrastructure
6. Access applied research, certification and technology testing, through the ELIDZ Science and Technology Park (STP)
7. Renewable-ready industrial utilities
8. Infrastructure is designed to support clean energy production and advanced manufacturing
9. Skilled technical base
10. A regional talent pipeline supporting engineering and clean-tech capability

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Value proposition

The ELIDZ Sustainable Energy Sector offers investors a structured, innovation-led, and sustainability-driven industrial platform designed for renewable manufacturing competitiveness.

By combining certified eco-industrial standards, sector-specific incentives, renewable resource access, and an integrated innovation ecosystem, the zone enables clean energy enterprises to establish production capacity, scale efficiently within the value chain, and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s green industrial transition.

Competitive advantages

• Strategic Renewable Resource Location
• Exceptional solar, wind, and biomass potential within the Eastern Cape Renewable Energy Corridor
• Circular Industrial Integration
• Industrial symbiosis strengthened through linkages with the E-Waste and Solar PV Recycling Initiative
• Policy & Strategic Alignment
• Supported by national green industry frameworks and just transition strategies.
• Export Connectivity
• Proximity to the Port of East London strengthens access to AfCFTA, SADC, BRICS, and EU markets.
• Demonstrated Renewable Leadership
• Hosting of initiatives such as the Green Hydrogen Feasibility Project reflects the zone’s role in advancing emerging renewable industries

Sectoral fast facts

• UNIDO-recognised Eco-Industrial Park
• Located within a designated renewable energy corridor
• Integrated Science and Technology Park supporting clean-tech innovation
• Industrial symbiosis embedded in sector design
• ESG-aligned governance systems

To explore investment opportunities in the ELIDZ Sustainable Energy Sector, contact Chris@elidz.co.za / www.elidz.co.za

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.