The 2016/17 edition of Limpopo Business is the eighth issue of this highly successful publication that, since its launch in 2007, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide to the Limpopo province.
Limpopo is unique in terms of its abundant natural and human resources, and is also one of the key drivers behind the South African economy.
This edition of Limpopo Business is officially endorsed by the Office of the Premier of Limpopo.
MESSAGE Geared for
MESSAGE Geared for growth Managing Director of the Limpopo Economic Development Agency, Benjamin Mphahlele, is keen for businesses and investors to explore the strategic advantages of Limpopo Province. It is my pleasure to welcome readers not only to the 2016/17edition of the LimpopoBusiness publication but to the entire province of Limpopo. This strategically located province, with its vast potential, has much to offer local businesspeople and international investors. The Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) is happy to be a first port-of-call for those seeking information on opening a business here or advice on identifying potential partners within the province. This is an exciting time for those interested in exploring Limpopo as a potential business and investment destination. Construction on the De Hoop Dam has been completed and the first unit of the Medupi power station is now in operation. Furthermore, business is bustling at the massive Mall of the North. “LIMPOPO’S GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION MAKES IT AN IDEAL HUB FOR THE MANUFACTURE OR PRODUCTION OF GOODS DESTINED FOR EXPORT ELSEWHERE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA.” Benjamin Mphahlele Perhaps most significant is the fact that Cabinet has approved the designation of an area in Musina-Makhado as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). A consortium of Chinese investors will be ploughing more than R40-billion into the energy and metallurgical industrial park and there will be numerous opportunities for construction professionals, manufacturing concerns and mineral beneficiation businesses. Another SEZ is proposed for Tubatse and we urge you to consider whether your business might benefit from an operation in one of these zones, both of which offer specific tax incentives and advantages for qualifying investors. The two SEZs speak directly our vision of a province that doesn’t focus primarily on the LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2016/17 12
MESSAGE export of raw materials but contributes directly to their beneficiation. The “double whammy” of a decline in commodity prices coupled with severe drought has underlined the urgency of this objective. Limpopo’s geographical location makes it an ideal hub for the manufacture or production of goods destined for export elsewhere in South Africa or Southern Africa. Opportunities in our traditional and established sectors such as agriculture and tourism have not been exhausted and we welcome enquiries from entrepreneurs with fresh business ideas relating to agro-processing or niche travel experiences. Our province prides itself on offering a range of cultural and natural/wildlife experiences for both domestic and international visitors but astute businesspeople are sure to recognise gaps in the offering that could be positively exploited. After some years of consolidation following the amalgamation of four provincial agencies, the team at LEDA is keen to promote the next phase of economic development in the province. The increasing percentage of goods undergoing some form of value-add within Limpopo itself keeps us motivated. We invite readers to study the articles on the SEZs elsewhere in this publication and to contact us should they be interested in investigating the feasibility of setting up an operation there. Those unfamiliar with Limpopo will soon discover – within the pages of this guide or, preferably, in person –a province rich in bounty from the earth, people and opportunity. Website: www.lieda.co.za 13 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2016/17
