GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA – The foreign direct investments that have been flowing in from the developing nations of the world have helped convert the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) of South Africa into a major industrial cluster, with foreign investments amounting to more than $600 million during the last decade, with industries from China, India, Indonesia, and Argentina leading the pack.
Spanning 9,003 hectares across 14 industrial zones, the Coega SEZ sits alongside the Port of Ngqura and serves as a vital maritime gateway for automotive manufacturing, agricultural exports, and heavy industry. Operations at the Port of Ngqura began in 2009.
The video shows busy loading activity at the port, workers preparing citrus for export, and vehicles at the site of Chinese automaker BAIC’s plant in the zone. Themba Koza, CEO of Coega, said 67 investments operated in the zone in the financial year 2024, creating $700 million in investment and 11,000 jobs.
“Coega has demonstrated that special economic zones can be utilised as instruments for the industrialisation of our country,” said Asanda Xawuka, Executive Manager for Business Development, citing expansion in areas such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, and ICT.
“Trade relations among BRICS nations are playing a significant role in creating employment opportunities for us,” said Russell Stead, General Manager of Coega Fruit Terminal.
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