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The East London Industrial Development Zone has concluded an agreement with the Automotive Industry Development Centre that seeks to upskill SMME's in the automotive manufacturing sector.
In a statement Wednesday, the parties said that the Memorandum of Understanding marks the start of a strategic partnership which ultimately aims to bolster industrial growth and enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of the local manufacturing sector.
In terms of the MOU, the ELIDZ and the AIDC will provide and co-package SMME incubation support which they say is for establishing strong and sustainable back industrialists in the Eastern Cape.
They said by nurturing and developing first and second tier automotive suppliers, the partnership seeks to deepen the value chain for localisation.
The AIDC will “bring its expertise to the partnership by collaborating on the development and establishment of an automotive learning centre at the ELIDZ, potentially in collaboration with the Mercedes-Benz Academy”.
The CEO of the ELIDZ, Thembela Zweni was optimistic about the partnership.
“This MOU marks a significant step towards strengthening our industrial base, promoting sustainability and economic growth in the region.
We are confident that our collaboration with AIDC will bring about meaningful changes and opportunities for local businesses and communities,” Zweni said.
AIDC CEO, Andile Africa, said they were equally excited to join forces with the ELIDZ.
“Together, we will work towards a brighter future for the automotive and manufacturing sectors in South Africa, driving innovation and fostering transformation in the sector,” he added.
