The 2024 edition of Eastern Cape Business is the 17th 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 Development Corporation (ECDC) is supporting this issue of the journal, both in providing up-to-date information for editorial use and in sharing information about its activities. It will also distribute the journal through its regular channels.
While the Eastern Cape has deservedly earned the title of South Africa’s wind energy province, there are other developments taking place in East London, the Coega SEZ and near Humansdorp that promise to give new meaning to new energy. Vanadium batteries, green ammonia and green hydrogen are among the aspects that form part of the Special Feature on energy that appears in this journal.
The centenary of the massively important automotive industry is celebrated with reference to Ford Motor Company’s start in the “Auto City” of Port Elizabeth, as it was known, in 1924. The province’s two Special Economic Zones are attracting investors and exports are on an upward trajectory, which will be helped by upgrades of the Eastern Cape’s three ports.
Overviews are provided on the other key economic sectors of the province and the potential of the oceans economy and the prospects of oil and gas for this coastal province are examined. The major business chambers in the province have made contributions to the journal and the newest chamber, the Maritime Business Chamber, which has its headquarters a short distance up the hill from the Port of Gqeberha, makes its second appearance in the journal.
THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS
THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT IN THE EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE THE GUIDE THE TO GUIDE BUSINESS TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT AND INVESTMENT IN THE EASTERN THE EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE CAPE PROVINCE Explore Explore southern Africa southern Africa EASTERN EASTERN CAPE CAPE THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT THE AND INVESTMENT IN THE PROVINCE PROVINCE BUSINESS EASTERN EASTERN CAPE CAPE BUSINESS BUSINESS THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT IN THE EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE THE EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE 47556 Fly Airlink, a proudly South African airline offering endless Fly possibilities. Airlink, a proudly South African airline offering endless possibilities. As the largest privately-owned regional feeder airline in As southern largest Africa, privately-owned regional feeder airline in southern Africa, JOIN US ONLINE JOIN US ONLINEour independence WWW.GLOBALAFRICANETWORK.COM offers even more freedom. From 11 June, our independence 2020, all Airlink offers even more freedom. From 11 June, 2020, all Airlink | WWW.EASTERNCAPEBUSINESS.CO.ZA | flights will operate under its own 4Z flight code. We continue flights to will operate more under its own 4Z flight code. We continue to operate more than 5 600 flights per month across our network, comprising than 5 of 600 more flights than per month across our network, comprising of more than JOIN US ONLINE WWW.GLOBALAFRICANETWORK.COM JOIN US ONLINE | WWW.EASTERNCAPEBUSINESS.CO.ZA WWW.GLOBALAFRICANETWORK.COM | WWW.EASTERNCAPEBUSINESS.CO.ZA 55 routes in southern Africa and St Helena island, with an 55 on-time routes in performance southern Africa and St Helena island, with an on-time performance consistently at 95%. flyairlink.com @fly_airlink Fly Airlink consistently at 95%. flyairlink.com @fly_airlink Fly Airlink 47810 SA Airlink 4Z April Skyways Ad.indd 1 47810 SA Airlink 4Z April Skyways Ad.indd 1 2020/02/14 14:47 2020/02/14 14:47 47556 JOIN US ONLINE WWW.GLOBALAFRICANETWORK.COM JOIN US ONLINE | WWW.EASTERNCAPEBUSINESS.CO.ZA WWW.GLOBALAFRICANETWORK.COM | WWW.EASTERNCAPEBUSINESS.CO.ZA CONTENTS EasternCapeBusiness2024 edition Introduction Foreword 6 A unique guide to business and investment in the EasternCape. Special features Regional overview of the EasternCape 10 In a year which celebrated a century of automotive investment in the province, new sectors such as renewable and alternative energy are growing, and large infrastructure projects are underway. The province’s ports and Special Economic Zones are receiving upgrades and investments. The renewable energy landscape is expanding 16 The EasternCape is the site of several exciting and innovative projects. A century of automotive manufacturing 18 The EasternCape celebrated an important milestone in 2024 and welcomed a new motor marque to its OEM stable. Economic sectors Agriculture and agro-processing 32 Sustainable agriculture is rewarding. Manufacturing: general 40 SEZs are the focus of manufacturing investment. Global Business Services 41 Employment is picking up as the sector grows. Education and training 42 Skills training is a priority. Water 43 The Mzimvubu Dam project is back on track. Oceans economy 46 Infrastructure upgrades are underway at the EasternCape’s ports. Film 50 Jobs are being created in the creative sector. Development finance and SMME support 52 Recyling is bringing employment to Bedford. Banking and financial services 53 Banks are supporting sustainability. Tourism 54 The World Bank is putting R65-million into conservation. EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS JOIN US ONLINE 2020 EDITION 2019 EDITION 2020 EDITION 2019 EDITION 2021/22 EDITION 2024 2023 EDITION WWW.GLOBALAFRICANETWORK.COM | WWW.EASTERNCAPEBUSINESS.CO.ZA 2021/22 EDITION ABOUT THE COVER: Main image, then top right and clockwise down; huge wind turbines are bringing power to the national grid and development to the Mfengu people of the Tsitsikamma (Cennergi Services); the EasternCape is a popular destination for TV and film (ECDC); diverse businesses are choosing the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ); H&M is running a sustainability programme with sheep farmers (Mark Sampson); the Isuzu D-MAX is made in Gqeberha (Motus Isuzu); dairy is a vibrant sector (ELIDZ); home to the Big Seven, including Great Whites and whales (Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism); Valley of Desolation, Graaff-Reinet (Graaff-Reinet Tourism).
A beacon of innovation and progress Renewable energy investors can expect sustainable growth and profits in the ELIDZ. FOCUS In a world where sustainability is paramount, the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) Renewable Energy Sector stands as a beacon of innovation and progress. Renowned for its commitment to green energy initiatives, the ELIDZ has emerged as a global leader in fostering a sustainable future. Recently, the ELIDZ’s efforts were recognised on a global scale. The prestigious Global Africa Eco-Parks, under the auspices of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), bestowed upon the ELIDZ the esteemed title of the leading Eco-Park in the world. The ELIDZ has been flagged as the lighthouse for Eco-Industrial Parks in South Africa. This not only reaffirms the ELIDZ commitment to environmental stewardship but also underscores its status as a global leader in sustainable development. With the growing importance of green energy and sustainable development goals, the ELIDZ’s strategy in terms of renewable energy sector is two-pronged. The zone is targeting investors in renewable manufacturing as well as the production and transfer of green power. The ELIDZ facilitates the location of renewable energy projects in suitable areas in the industrial park with favourable wind and solar characteristics, thereby supporting the ability of other tenants to get access to renewable energy. Contact details Sector Manager, Renewable Energy & ICT: Dr Chris Ettmayr Tel: +27 43 702 8214 Email: chris@elidz.co.za Website: www.elidz.co.za/renewable-energy/ Attractive to investors Key added-value features include the IDZ’s green credentials with good ICT connectivity and logistical infrastructure (port, airport, roads) supported by the availability of affordable labour and a strong manufacturing base. In addition, the ELIDZ offers: • Access to secure and stable green energy • Cost-effective, reliable, sustainable and high-quality water supply • Supportive cluster to feed into business processes • Strong green ambitions and a range of shared services are offered to investors (ICT, clinic, Science and Technology Park) • A modern customised space in a technology-enabled zone ready for future smart requirements • Fast connectivity • Powered by renewable energy The ELIDZ Renewable Energy Sector is a thriving ecosystem of innovation, collaboration and sustainability. Businesses have access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting-edge technology, providing a conducive environment for renewable energy manufacturing and production. Additionally, the ELIDZ’s strategic location and access to key markets make it an attractive destination for investors seeking to capitalise on the growing demand for renewable energy solutions. Central to the ELIDZ’s commitment to sustainability is its relentless pursuit of green hydrogen. The ELIDZ’s Renewable Energy Sector is spearheading efforts to harness the power of green hydrogen, driving innovation and progress in the field of renewable energy. By choosing the ELIDZ as a potential partner in sustainability, your business is becoming part of a global movement towards a greener and more sustainable world. ■ 7
