KwaZulu-Natal Investment Opportunities 2019 - 2021

The province of KwaZulu-Natal has a number of characteristics that makes it a compelling investment destination on the African continent. This installment of the KwaZulu-Natal Investment Opportunities Booklet provides investors with an updated broad overview of the investment opportunities across various key sectors in the economy. It also highlights the key features that we believe make doing business in KwaZulu-Natal an attractive proposition. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the information contained herein is made available to the public by Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal and was deemed to be correct at the time of compilation. The intent of the information is to assist an individual seeking to learn about South Africa as an investment opportunity country, and KwaZulu-Natal as an investment destination for his or her business. Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product or process disclosed in this document. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, service, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal.

12 eTHALA BIOFUELS

12 eTHALA BIOFUELS WWW.ETHALA.CO.ZA UGU ECONOMIC SECTOR Agro-processing DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND ETHALA BIOFUELS • eThala BioFuels is a South African BEE Level 1, 100% Black-owned and Black female-led company, with locals having a reserved stake through their land contribution. The project entails biorefinery of sweet sorghum (iMfe) syrup to biodegradable, renewable biomaterials (Bagasse; Bioethanol; Farnasene; Biogas) that can be processed to bioelectricity, heat and power, biofuels, bio-base oils, renewable jet fuel, renewable diesel, with CO2 and biofertiliser as sellable by-products. • 35 000 ha of land has been secured from the communities for plantation of raw material; • Whilst the bioethanol policy is in discussion, the project promoter has prioritised production of biodegradable lubricants from sweet sorghum. This initiative is supported by a technological partner from USA, Novvi. The project promoter has approached IDC and African Development Bank for funding; and • The energy that will be generated from biomass (waste from iMfe) will generate 30 MW of electricity which can supply 30 000 households. Job opportunities will largely benefit black communities from the plantation phase through to processing phase. 42

TOTAL INVESTMENT VALUE R5 BILLION (2 MILLION) at full completion JOBS CREATION • Temporary Jobs: 5 000 • Permanent jobs: 200 PROJECT STATUS • Project pre-feasibility, business plan and project costings completed • Feasibility and preliminary designs are in progress FINANCED BY • Project seeking private investors PARTNERSHIPS • National and provincial government • Private sector • Local government • Economic development agencies • African Development Bank RESPONSIBLE INSTITUTION CONTACT DETAILS Mr Innocent Hlongwana General Manager: Investment Promotion Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal +27 31 368 9600 innocent@tikzn.co.za PROJECT PROMOTER Mr Pita Jabulani L Mbatha eThala Group COO +27 83 760 2900 pita@ethala.co.za If there is interest in this project please contact both the Project promoter at the responsible institution and the project manager to ensure that your query is addressed promptly 43