Moneyweb
The Coega Development Corporation has announced significant advancements in the Wild Coast Industrial Park project, an initiative aimed at boosting economic growth and industrialisation in the Eastern Cape.
Covering 226 hectares, the park benefits from its proximity to major transport routes, robust infrastructure development, and a strategic location central to three district municipalities.
Investment commitments have been secured from various sectors, including agro-processing, beverage manufacturing, poultry processing and starch manufacturing, showcasing the park’s potential as a vital industrial hub.
Coega notes that significant progress has been made with the completion of Phase 1 (fencing) and the rollout of bulk infrastructure, including sanitation, water and electricity. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) has invested R49.5 million in the project, which is expected to be completed by November 2025.
The Wild Coast Industrial Park is designed to strengthen the agro-processing sector, enhance the beneficiation of agricultural resources, build manufacturing capabilities, and revitalise Mthatha and its surroundings as a major industrial hub.
A key factor for successfully establishing and operating special economic zones (SEZs) and industrial parks is access to fast, reliable, and cost-effective telecommunications systems and services for investors.
In the 2022 and 2023 financial years, Coega made significant progress in information and communication technology, including a market study on telecommunication services, finalising fibre infrastructure and connectivity designs, completing data centre designs, and initiating the appointment of an internet service provider and data centre construction.
In the 2024/25 financial year, planned economic research for the Wild Coast Industrial Park will focus on several key areas, including the agro-processing incubator, logistics hub feasibility study, abattoir operational model analysis, blue ocean market study, digital hub feasibility, and hospitality industry.
Social facilitation and stakeholder engagements will continue, and training for small, medium, and micro enterprises will be provided to ensure targets are met.
“As the implementing agent of choice, Coega is committed to ensuring that the Wild Coast Industrial Park becomes a success story, driving inclusive economic growth, job creation, and fostering innovative solutions in the Eastern Cape Province,” says Dr Ayanda Vilakazi, Coega’s unit head of marketing, brand and communications.
“With its 25-year expertise and experience in developing mega infrastructure projects and industrial parks across the African continent, Coega is confident that the project will achieve its objectives and become a key industrial hub in the region.”
