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Eastern Cape Business 2021-22

  • Text
  • Coastal
  • Windpower
  • Energy
  • Renewable
  • Transnet
  • Transportation
  • Ports
  • Trade
  • Economy
  • Provincial
  • Investment
  • Business
  • Banking
  • Economic
  • Nedbank
  • African
  • Nelson
  • Municipality
  • Mandela
  • Cape
The 2021/22 edition of Eastern Cape Business is the 14th edition of this successful publication that, since its launch in 2006, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide for the Eastern Cape. The Eastern Cape’s investment and business opportunities are highlighted in this publication. The fact that the province is home to the majority of wind power projects as part of the country’s drive to promote renewable energy is the subject of a special feature. Overviews are provided on the key economic sectors of the province, including the vital contribution that the agricultural and automotive sectors continue to make on the province’s economic trajectory. References are made to the potential of the Oceans Economy and to the prospects of oil and gas for this coastal province. The major business chambers in the province have made contributions to the journal.

CONTENTS

CONTENTS Eastern Cape Business 2021 Edition Introduction Foreword 6 A unique guide to business and investment in the Eastern Cape. Special features Regional overview of the Eastern Cape 8 The province’s Special Economic Zones are attracting investors in traditional sectors such as automotive and in new sectors such as aquaculture. The national ports authority has set up new headquarters at the Port of Ngqura. The wind power province 14 The Eastern Cape is attracting the lion’s share of investment in wind energy. Economic sectors Agriculture and agro-processing 26 Cannabis producers are thinking of automotive applications. Water 28 The Umzimvubu project is a national priority. Construction and property 29 Gqeberha is expanding westwards. Manufacturing 30 Ford wants to see a rail corridor to Gauteng established. Tourism 31 East London’s beachfront is being upgraded. Education and training 32 Curro has expanded its Eastern Cape footprint. Banking and financial services 34 New banks are offering more choices. Development finance and SMME support 36 Supply chains are providing chances for small businesses. ABOUT THE COVER: Credit: Courtesy of Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA). The eMendi building at the Port of Ngqura is within the Coega Special Economic Zone (Coega SEZ) and is shown with the busy port and Algoa Bay behind it. The building, designed by Dominic Bonnesse Architects and completed in 2017, became the national headquarters of the TNPA in 2021.

Unlocking growth in the Eastern Cape Standard Bank is helping businesses thrive. While the Eastern Cape faces many challenges it also presents an array of opportunities for those willing to invest the time and money needed to unlock its growth potential. As the second-largest province in South Africa the Eastern Cape is a fusion of manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, mining, construction and tourism opportunities. Each of these sectors presents avenues for employment, growth and trade, both locally and internationally. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the lifeblood of the Eastern Cape. They play a crucial role in its growth, providing employment, boosting new economies, and connecting the continent to the rest of the world. At Standard Bank we are proud of our long history in the province, which stretches back to 1862. We continue to look for relevant ways to partner with businesses across the province as they seek to uplift the communities in which they operate, and these partnerships include providing key services and products to make doing business the right way easier. CONTACT DETAILS Jonty Bouw, Head of Enterprise Direct Tel: 084 850 0594 Email: Jonathan.Bouw@standardbank.co.za Innovative products Standard Bank’s business banking products and services are innovative and relevant and can help businesses thrive. Some examples: Our business account is designed to help you set your business up for success. MyMoBiz provides simple, affordable banking services for small business. With MyMoBiz you get everything you need to run your business and manage your finances on the go, including dedicated support from a team of business bankers. To help clients make the move to digital, seamless banking, Standard Bank launched SimplyBlu, an innovative, all-inone payment solution that enables business owners to take their business online all from a single, secure platform. Then there is PocketBiz, designed for entrepreneurs on the go. It offers you a secure card payment solution that eliminates the need to accept or carry cash or follow up on invoice payments. At Standard Bank, our purpose is to drive Africa’s growth. We enable businesses that align with our purpose, and this contributes to the growth of our economy and the growth of our continent, South Africa and our own province, the Eastern Cape. ■ Leigh-Anne de Witt, Head of Business Clients Eastern Cape Tel: 083 447 3875 Email: Leigh-anne.Dewitt@standardbank.co.za

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