Ehlanzeni District Municipality Investment Prospectus by Global Africa Network Media

EHLANZENI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

INVESTMENT PROSPECTUS

EHLANZENI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

EHLANZENI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY INVESTMENT PROSPECTUS

1 MESSAGE

From Jesta Sidell, Executive Mayor of Ehlanzeni District Municipality

2 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

Ehlanzeni District Municipality (EDM) is a beacon of opportunity and promise, beckoning investors to partake in its vibrant economic landscape

3 STATISTICAL OVERVIEW

Mpumalanga Province and Ehlanzeni District Municipality at a glance

4 MAIN SECTORS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

An overview of the key elements of the district economy

5 RESOURCES AND COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES

The district as a whole and its four local municipalities each have distinct comparative advantages for inward investment

8 AGRICULTURE

Investment opportunities in a strong and varied sector

9 TOURISM

Investment opportunities abound where the Kruger National Park is just one of many superb assets

10 MINING AND SKILLS

Investment opportunities in existing and new mining ventures and in training 11 INFRASTRUCTURE

Investment opportunities in renewable energy, water, recycling and maintenance

12 NKOMAZI SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE (SEZ)

A treasure of opportunities awaits in this newly designated Special Economic Zone astride the Maputo Development Corridor

13 REASONS TO INVEST

In Mpumalanga and Ehlanzeni District Municipality

IMAGE CREDITS: Front cover: SA Tourism and Forestry South Africa. Outside back cover: University of Mpumalanga. Other: Ngodwana Mill, SAPPI; tomatoes, Deniz Altindaz on Unsplash; giraffe, Dietmar Rabich, Wikimedia Commons; logistics truck on road, Nelson Gono on Unsplash; red truck with fruit, vitpho on iStock; train on bridge over Sabie River, Motsamayi Tourism Group; Wellness Centre, University of Mpumalanga; Lydenburg Head, Mike Peel on Wikimedia Commons; refinery, MMC; elephants at water, SA Tourism; viewsite at Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains, Tony Ferrar/UNESCO; Quarry, Tom Fisk, Pexels; electrician, Pexels; District Municipality building, Co-Arc International Architects; water plant, Ivan Bandura on Unsplash; roadworks, SANRAL; Mbombela Stadium, Mbombela Stadium; forest from below, Mondi South Africa; traditional architecture and Fish Eagle, Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency.

INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

Ehlanzeni District Municipality

South Africa is one of the world’s most sophisticated emerging markets, with a highly developed first-world economic infrastructure and dynamic investment environment.

Nestled in the north-eastern expanse of Mpumalanga Province, the Ehlanzeni District Municipality (EDM) emerges as a beacon of opportunity and promise, beckoning investors to partake in its vibrant economic landscape. Bordered by Mozambique and Swaziland, this district pulsates with the energy of cross-border trade and cultural exchange, making it a melting pot of diversity and economic dynamism.

Home to over 1.8-million residents, representing a significant portion of Mpumalanga’s population, Ehlanzeni is not merely a geographic entity but a thriving community teeming with potential. Its strategic location, with three border gates facilitating seamless connectivity with neighbouring countries, renders it a pivotal hub for regional commerce and investment.

The heartbeat of this district resonates from the bustling streets of the City of Mbombela, the provincial capital and economic nucleus of Mpumalanga. As the home of the provincial government, Mbombela exudes vitality, serving as a vibrant epicentre for business activities and innovation.

Moreover, the district boasts a diverse array of local municipalities, each contributing its unique essence to the tapestry of Ehlanzeni’s economic fabric. From the agricultural richness of Bushbuckridge to the industrial prowess of Nkomazi and the scenic allure of Thaba Chweu, Ehlanzeni epitomises a mosaic of opportunities waiting to be explored and harnessed. The City of Mbombela has all the attributes you would expect of a provincial capital, and then some. In addition to hosting educational institutions such as the University of

Mpumalanga and the provincial legislature, Mbombela is a gateway to a myriad of tourism experiences while the availability of subtropical fruits of every description will delight the palate.

At the core of Ehlanzeni’s economic vision lies a portfolio of catalytic projects meticulously designed to propel the district towards unprecedented growth and prosperity. From the development of a Fresh Produce Market to the establishment of a Light Industrial Park and Packaging Hub, these initiatives epitomise the district’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development.

Furthermore, Ehlanzeni’s strategic significance extends beyond its borders, as evidenced by its integral role in regional spatial development initiatives such as the Maputo Development Corridor Spatial Initiative and the Limpopo Transfrontier Park. These endeavours underscore the district’s pivotal position within an international, regional and Southern African context, amplifying its allure as a prime investment destination.

With a GDP soaring to R131-billion in 2019, Ehlanzeni has emerged as a formidable economic powerhouse within Mpumalanga, contributing significantly to the province’s economic prosperity. Its sustained growth trajectory, coupled with a resilient economy, positions the district as a lucrative investment frontier poised for exponential expansion.

In essence, investing in Ehlanzeni District Municipality transcends mere financial transactions; it embodies a commitment to harnessing the boundless potential of a vibrant community, fostering sustainable development and forging lasting partnerships. As the district embarks on its journey towards a brighter future, investors stand at the threshold of unparalleled opportunities, poised to write their own chapters in Ehlanzeni’s storied legacy of success.

Mpumalanga, Ehlanzeni District Municipality

ECONOMIC OVERVIEW

Political leadershipPremier Mandla Ndlovu

Executive Mayor Jesta Sidell

Capital city Mbombela Mbombela

DISTRICT ECONOMY MAIN SECTORS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture stands as one of the foundational pillars of Mpumalanga’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, food security and export earnings. Ehlanzeni District Municipality boasts a diverse agricultural landscape, encompassing fertile lowlands, rolling hills and subtropical climates.

Crop production: The region supports the cultivation of a wide range of crops, including citrus fruits, subtropical fruits such as mangoes and avocados, vegetables, maize and sugarcane. With its favourable climatic conditions and abundant water resources, there are opportunities for smallholder and commercial-farming ventures.

Livestock farming: Cattle, sheep, goats and poultry thrive and the availability of grazing land is supplemented by fodder production and feedlot facilities.

Agroforestry and forestry: Agroforestry practices, combining tree crops with agricultural production, are gaining prominence and the region’s extensive forestry resources support timber production, pulp and paper manufacturing and value-added wood processing.

Horticulture and floriculture: A favourable climate and fertile soils create conducive conditions for greenhouse farming, flower production and ornamental-plant cultivation.

AVIATION

Ehlanzeni District Municipality is a strategic hub, poised to leverage its assets and infrastructure to attract aviation-related ventures.

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport: KMIA offers direct flights to Cape Town, Johannesburg and select European destinations. This strategic connectivity enhances the region’s accessibility and attractiveness.

Cargo handling and logistics: The airport’s infrastructure and location provide an opportunity to alleviate congestion on the N4 highway.

Airline operations: FlySafair and Airlink are among the airlines that fly to KMIA. There is significant potential for airline expansion and increased flight frequencies.

Investment opportunities

Infrastructure development: Terminal expansions, runway upgrades and modernised facilities to accommodate growing passenger and cargo traffic.

Aerospace manufacturing: Aerospace-manufacturing facilities for aircraft components, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services present lucrative opportunities.

Aviation services: Aircraft maintenance, ground handling, catering and fuelling.

ICT

Ehlanzeni District Municipality is poised to embrace Smart City initiatives to enhance liveability, sustainability and economic prosperity. By integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, particularly around the Barberton area, Ehlanzeni can transform into a model Smart City. Investment in Smart City solutions will have a wide-ranging impact on: efficient infrastructure management; sustainable urban development; enhanced mobility and connectivity; digital inclusion and accessibility; and economic competitiveness.

Barberton

The Barberton area, with its historical significance and economic potential, presents an ideal opportunity for Smart City investment. Initiatives such as smart-energy grids, digital-heritage preservation and sustainable tourism development can revitalise the area while preserving its cultural heritage and natural beauty.

LOGISTICS

Ehlanzeni District Municipality stands at the crossroads of regional trade routes, making it a strategic location for logistics and transportation development and an excellent site for investment in logistics infrastructure and services. Key features of the municipality’s logistics landscape include: Maputo Corridor: This major trade route linking South Africa’s industrial heartland with the Port of Maputo in Mozambique passes through the municipality.

N4 Route: The N4 connects South Africa’s Gauteng province with Mozambique, and runs through Ehlanzeni.

Intermodal connectivity: The municipality’s strategic location offers opportunities for intermodal connectivity, integrating road, rail and air transport networks to optimise freight movement and enhance supply-chain efficiency. Industrial nodes: Ehlanzeni has several industrial nodes and logistics parks, providing warehousing, distribution and logistics services.

Investment opportunities

Transportation infrastructure: Road upgrades, rail expansions and port facilities.

Logistics hubs: Modern warehousing, distribution centres and logistics facilities.

MANUFACTURING

An extremely diverse range of manufacturing enterprises already exists in Ehlanzeni District Municipality, including processing related to fruit, timber, dissolving pulp and electrolytic manganese metal. Key features include:

Strategic location: Proximity to major transport routes.

Abundant natural resources: Rich agricultural land, abundant water resources and significant mineral deposits.

Skilled workforce: A growing population, access to educational institutions and a skilled and adaptable workforce.

Infrastructure development underway: Upgrades to transport networks, power supply and telecommunications further enhance the municipality’s attractiveness.

Investment opportunities:

Agro-processing: Leveraging the region’s agricultural abundance, food processing, beverage production and agrochemical manufacturing.

Mining-equipment manufacturing: Proximity to major mining operations means that manufacturing facilities for equipment, parts and supplies can capitalise on growing demand.

Renewable-energy components: Manufacturing of solar panels, wind-turbine components and biomass equipment.

Tourism-related manufacturing: Furniture, decor and recreational equipment.

Value-added wood products: Timber products, furniture manufacturing and paper production.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

With its abundant natural resources and growing energy demand, the municipality is well located to host investments in renewable energy.

Grid advantage

Most of South Africa’s coal-fired power stations are located in Mpumalanga. As these power stations are retired, the opportunity to use their grid connections presents a major opportunity for renewableenergy investors. The multi-phase hybrid-power facility being built by Seriti Green in Mpumalanga will be the country’s biggest wind farm. Solar energy: Ehlanzeni enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year.

Wind energy: The region’s elevated terrain offers opportunities for wind-energy development.

Biomass energy: The agricultural and forestry sectors generate organic waste and biomass residues which can be converted through processes such as anaerobic digestion, biofuel production and biomass cogeneration.

Hydropower: With its network of rivers and waterways, Ehlanzeni has the potential to harness hydropower. Small-scale hydropower projects, including run-of-river schemes and microhydro installations, offer great potential.

TOURISM

Ehlanzeni District Municipality boasts a rich tapestry of natural wonders, cultural heritage and adventure opportunities, making it a prime destination for tourists seeking unforgettable experiences. From the iconic landscapes of the Kruger National Park to the enchanting waterfalls of Sabie, Ehlanzeni offers a diverse array of attractions that captivate travellers. With convenient access through Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and a range of accommodation options, the municipality is a leading regional tourism hub.

Tourist attractions:

Kruger National Park: As one of Africa’s largest game reserves, Kruger is the crown jewel in Ehlanzeni’s tourism offerings.

Panorama Route: Showcases some of Mpumalanga’s most breathtaking scenery, including the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window.

Sabie: Nestled in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains, Sabie is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors can hike through indigenous forests, swim in crystal-clear rock pools and marvel at the majestic Mac-Mac Falls and Lone Creek Falls.

Pilgrims Rest: Step back in time at Pilgrims Rest, a living museum that preserves the gold-rush era of the late 19th century.

Chimp Eden: Visitors can observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.

Tourism infrastructure and services: Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport; rental car companies; wide range of accommodation from luxury lodges and boutique hotels to cosy guest houses and self-catering cottages; experienced tour operators and guides.

COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES EHLANZENI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Each of the four local municipalities has unique characteristics and attractions.

Comparative advantages LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES

Four local municipalities lie within Ehlanzeni District Municipality, each with its own distinct comparative advantages in terms of location, resources and infrastructure. Educational opportunities are available to all, including South Africa’s newest university, the University of Mpumalanga, the seven campuses of the Ehlanzeni Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, two sites of the Mpumalanga Regional Training Trust (MRTT), the Southern African Wildlife College near Orpen Gate and a SMART Skills Centre offered by CHIETA and SAFCOL at Sabie.

CITY OF MBOMBELA COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES

Towns: Barberton, Emoyeni, Hazyview, Kaapschehoop, Kabokweni, Matsulu, Mbombela, Msogwaba, Ngodwana, Skukuza, Tekwane and White River.

The City of Mbombela is the capital of Mpumalanga Province. It lies on the Crocodile River and has a subtropical climate. Mbombela was one of the host cities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and has become a popular venue for the Springbok rugby team.

Manganese Metal Company (MMC), pictured, is the only refinery in the world outside of China that makes high-grade electrolytic manganese metal (EMM) and the world’s largest refinery of 99.9% selenium-free EMM. The company has 400 employees and about 200 additional contractors. The company is spending R150-million to allow it to start supplying high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate for batteryelectric vehicles.

The renowned Lowveld Botanical Gardens are at the confluence of the Crocodile and Nels rivers. North of Mbombela, the town of Hazyview is close to two gates of the Kruger National Park and Skukuza, 57km east, is both a town and the largest rest camp in the park. White River is where timber is cultivated, but also macadamia nuts, tropical fruits and flowers.

The giant dissolving-pulp milling operation of SAPPI is located at Ngodwana and Kaapschehoop is a charming mountain-top village popular with day-trippers and longer-stay tourists. Further south are the gold diggings and ancient mountains around Barberton. The Makhonjwa Mountains have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Finance and business services

• Automotive repairs

• Financial intermediaries

• Developed and emerging SMMEs

• Professional services

Manufacturing and construction

• Continuous construction of apartments

• Student accommodation

• Medical suites, offices

• Manufacturing and processing facilities (meat)

• Large areas of forestation

Tourism

• Kruger National Park

• Eco- and adventure activities

THABA CHWEU LOCAL MUNICIPALITY COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES

Towns: Graskop, Mashishing/ Lydenburg, Pilgrims Rest, Sabie

Located in the heart of some of most scenic landscape that South Africa has to offer, tourism is a major economic contributor in Thaba Chweu. Agriculture, forestry and mining are the other main sectors. The geography is sharply different in the western part (the Highveld where agriculture predominates), to the much lower altitude in the east where forestry,

especially around Sabie, dominates. The fact that Sabie hosts the Forestry Museum is an indication of the area’s primary occupation.

Mashishing (Lydenburg) is where the Iron Age Lydenburg Heads, dating at least to AD 500, were found. Northam Platinum’s Booysendal UG2 North mine is located near the town on the eastern limb of the Bushveld Complex but flyfishing for trout is a major attraction in this Highveld area.

Pilgrims Rest and Graskop are close to one another. Both started life as gold-mining settlements and now rely on tourism. In Pilgrims Rest tourists can experience the village as it was whereas the latter town is now the venue of a sensational lift at the Graskop Gorge and the setting-off point for other spectacular scenic spots such as God’s Window.

Mining

• Existing and operating mines

Agriculture

• Commercial farming (maize, sunflower, dry and soybeans)

Manufacturing

• Agro-processing

BUSHBUCKRIDGE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES

Towns: Bushbuckridge, Acornhoek

A predominantly rural and agricultural area, the municipality lies in the north-eastern corner of the Ehlanzeni District Municipality, with some of its territory in the Kruger National Park. The town of Bushbuckridge is located at the intersection of two important north-south routes, the R533 and the R40, which connect to areas such as Hoedspruit Airport in the north and Pilgrims Rest in the west. The municipality provides important access to the province’s major tourist assets. The provincially run Andover Nature Reserve lies within the municipality.

Mining

• Existing and operating mines

Manufacturing

• Agro-processing

Tourism

• Kruger National Park

• Accommodation

• Private game reserves

NKOMAZI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES

Towns: Komatipoort, Malalane, Marloth Park

The easternmost point of the province before entering Mozambique is Komatipoort, which has the Kruger National Park running all the way along its northern border. The N4 highway marks the spine of the municipality, forming as it does the key element, together with the railway line, of the Maputo Corridor that links South Africa to Mozambique. Swaziland can be reached by two routes.

Marloth Park is a holiday town that leverages its location in relation to the Kruger National Park to a great degree, best summed up in the name of the eatery that overlooks the Crocodile River, Amazing Kruger View Restaurant.

The sugar-producing Komati Mill of RCL Foods is a major economic asset in the municipality and the Nkomati Anthracite Mine belonging to Afrimat is in the far-eastern corner of the municipality. Magnesium is mined at the Strathmore Magnesite Mine near Malelane and Omnia has a depot at Emjajene (Hectorspruit) near the Mozambique border on the N4.

Tourism

• Kruger National Park

• Accommodation

• Private game reserves

Agriculture

• Sugarcane

• Subtropical fruits

• Horticulture

Manufacturing

• Agro-processing (fertilisers)

• SEZ-linked manufacturing

AGRICULTURE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

PROJECT

Bancobi Farming

Multi-farming: establishing a cattle feedlot, poultry, abattoir, pasture and grains.

PROJECT

Nkomazi Cotton Gin

PROJECT

Grass Roots Development NPO

Cotton farming.

Establish a youth-based agricultural training academy and develop a communal agricultural farming project.

R220-million

Agri Business Empowerment, Saringwa Valley Primary Cooperative and Kruger Saringwa Adventures

Development of available farming land benefitting emerging farmers, skills development and agricultural training. Follow a specific initiative with an existing but unproductive black-owned farm.

Fruit tree nursery in collaboration with Caledonian Tree Company for apple, walnut, almond and pecan trees. Apple orchard of 20ha developed over four years; produce aggregated into the Highveld Fruit Packers packhouse in Ermelo. The packhouse was funded by MEGA and commercial apple farmers. Soya beans and maize on 250ha. Cattle on remainder of the farm, approximately 254ha.

Inyaka used to be one of the Zoeknog coffee farms. The following crops will be introduced: avocados (Koeltehof packhouse is 60km away); mangoes (Agricultural Research Council will assist with variety selection); coffee (Arabica SL-28 and SL-34 grafted on Robusta rootstocks will be introduced on a trial basis).

Root & Ground, in partnership with Caledonian Tree Company, will propagate marula trees with a higher biological asset value than trees grown the traditional way. Air-Pot technology will enhance and shorten the period from propagation to production by up to 60%. The commercial phase will be developed through equity participation and structured debt. The investment will focus on aggregation and processing infrastructure and market development.

CORE BUSINESS

Siboza Morse Nurseries (SMN) will propagate fruit and nut trees for the emerging farming sector. Morse has been in the horticultural business for 55 years and therefore has extensive experience and is making the 23ha farm Isinga available under a 25-year lease to the project company. Percy Siboza will hold a 60% share in the project and Raymond Morse 40%. The project will produce trees near fruit-bearing or at the fruit-bearing stage.

Highveld Apple Project

Inyaka Waterfall CPC

Mpumalanga Marula Tree Project

Siboza Morse Nursery – Isinga Farm

TOURISM INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Compile a market-feasibility assessment for a Recreational Park in the City of Mbombela. The Park will accommodate training, team-building and social events, and outdoor activities such as pools, go-carting, jungle gym and rock climbing.

Fantasy gardens including walks through thousands of exotic orchids, themed forests, fruit orchards, herb and vegetable gardens, themed arts and crafts galleries, themed restaurant, honey wine and beer brewery and themed biscuit factory/bakery and children’s rides with large swimming pool and slide. Big Red Barn to function as wedding and conference venue.

R3.4-million

CORE BUSINESS CORE BUSINESS

Provide a tailormade one-stop-shop solution for all precinct customers through treatment, experience and satisfaction.

Modern tourist lodge with hunting and other facilities.

Development

R8.3-million

Makhonjwa Precinct

Mount Sheba Game Reserve

Mac Mac Falls

of Mac Mac Falls as

tourist attraction.

Emfuleni Hippos Nest

Greenfingers Property (Pty) Ltd t/a Magic Gardens

Hilltop Cabin (Pty) Ltd

To provide professional services for Hilltop Cabin Hub development. This encompasses several businesses.

MINING AND SKILLS INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

AAM aims to buy old mines and dumps and make them safer prior to commissioning for production, also retrieving gold from tailings. This will rehabilitate dumps and improve the environment.

Tenbosch Mining will be an underground coal-mining operation.

Skills Training

Galaxy Gold, a current operating mine 8km outside of Barberton, has agreed in principle for to establish a JV. Precious Minerals processes materials from historic tailings, with a sharing model to be agreed.

Training of amateur miners.

Development of a greenfields quarry.

Ehlanzeni Business Incubator will catalyse sustainable economic development. Clients will receive well-researched solutions, affordable fee structures and excellent mentoring.

To provide appropriate learning and training facilities where social and emotional-intelligence training and other soft-skill training can be done to close the skills gap between higher education and industry.

Smallholder farmer incubation programme, and training of field officers to support the Mkhulu Agri Hub.

The

of a

Above Average Mines

Tenbosch Mining Precious Minerals (Pty) Ltd

Artisanal Miners Training Quarry Mining

Kamoso Transformation

KLCBT 144 Interns5

Kishugu Business School

Barberton Skills Development Hub

creation

development hub.

INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Maintenance and refurbishment of electrical infrastructure. Upgrading of existing electrical infrastructure. Construction of new electrical infrastructure. Construction of a new Operations Control Centre. Construction of new renewable energy (solar) generation plant.

Upgrade and maintenance of power lines and mobile-solar supply.

Meet critical supply-mode requirements of pump stations. Direct supply to municipal pump stations under a Power-Purchase Agreement. Selling power to private customers in Mbombela but delivering the power directly at pump stations. Nepsa Energy and partners to fund project. Wheeling framework to be put in place.

Address waste management challenges and create job opportunities through a plastic-recycling system.

Development of a new township.

A recycling enterprise to produce 62 tons based on the market demand with satellite collection sites in all local, starting with

A pilot Self-empowered Water Reticulation (SeWR) project. Built and operated by community members to deliver a subsistence quota per household.

To ease the loadshedding problems in the Mbombela Local Municipality and the Ehlanzeni District. Later replicate to the scale of 1 000MW capacity.

ANCCII/GVPM Bafune Construction and Electrical

Karino Hydro-Power Project

Savuka Resources (Pty) Ltd

Spionkop Township Development

Kabokweni township.

TREASURE OF OPPORTUNITIES NKOMAZI SEZ

Unlock your investment potential with the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone (SEZ)

Situated at the crossroads of economic integration between Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo, Swaziland and Mozambique, the Nkomazi SEZ stands as a beacon of opportunity along the Maputo Development Corridor.

Nestled in Komatipoort, this strategic location offers investors a gateway to Southern Africa’s most productive regions.

Logistics and transport: With FMCG exports flourishing to SubSaharan African destinations, logistics opportunities abound. The Nkomazi SEZ facilitates bonded warehouses, distribution centres and more, catering to the region’s growing transportation needs.

Minerals and energy: Mpumalanga’s rich mineral resources, including coal and natural gas, make it an investment hotspot. The presence of a natural-gas pipeline opens avenues for a gas-fired power plant, while opportunities in fertiliser production and fluorspar beneficiation await exploration.

Agro-processing: Leveraging the region’s thriving citrus and sugar industries, an agro-processing industrial park within the Nkomazi SEZ promises lucrative ventures in food processing and packaging.

Automotive: Witnessing above-average growth in commercial vehicle exports, the automotive sector presents opportunities for vehicle distribution, component manufacturing and more.

Employment creation: The Nkomazi SEZ isn’t just about investment; it’s about fostering sustainable development and creating jobs. Projections indicate substantial employment opportunities, with over 1 000 jobs expected annually from the fourth year onwards.

Join us in shaping the future of Southern Africa’s economic landscape. Invest in the Nkomazi SEZ and be part of a transformative journey towards prosperity and growth.

The Nkomazi SEZ will focus primarily on agriculture, agro-processing, nutraceutical products and fertiliser production, as well as meat and leather products. The expectations are that this project will contribute R97.6-billion to the country’s GDP and generate R3.5-billion in exports and R5.3-billion in primary agricultural products.

According to the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA), 81 765 jobs are expected to be created in agriculture, 8 275 in construction and 9 505 in related industries.

Designation approved

Prepare for unprecedented growth as the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone (SEZ) takes root right here in our District. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has granted Mpumalanga the esteemed designation to establish this SEZ, spanning 673 hectares of land in the heart of the Nkomazi area, a region ripe with potential and poised for transformation.

With a focus on agro-processing, the Nkomazi SEZ promises to revolutionise primary agriculture in our municipality, offering unparalleled opportunities for investors seeking lucrative ventures.

We are thrilled to announce that this groundbreaking project is projected to attract a staggering R4.1-billion in investment, with a significant portion of R3.2-billion earmarked as foreign direct investment.

As the Ehlanzeni District Municipality, we invite local and international investors to seize the moment and become part of this remarkable journey towards prosperity. Join us in shaping the future of agriculture, stimulating economic growth and fostering sustainable development right here in our vibrant community.