The Eastern Cape Province will take centre stage at the upcoming 2nd International Special Economic Zones – Infrastructure & Investment Conference, to be held at the Durban International Convention Centre on 16–17 July 2026. At the conference, the province will showcase its investment proposition, positioning itself as one of the leading destinations for industrialisation, manufacturing excellence, export growth and sustainable economic development in South Africa and beyond.
Reigniting Industrialisation through World-Class Special Economic Zones
The conference, themed Reigniting Industrialisation through World-Class Special Economic Zones, is hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA). The flagship conference will bring together high-level local and international investors, policymakers, industry leaders and development partners to exchange ideas, share innovative solutions and strengthen efforts to build vibrant, globally competitive Special Economic Zones that attract investment and accelerate industrial development in South Africa.
Anchored by the Eastern Cape Provincial Government’s strategic leadership and the key role of the Coega SEZ and East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ), the province will use this year’s conference as a platform to reflect on how collaboration between government, industry and investors is unlocking new opportunities for economic growth, attracting investment and creating jobs.
One Province. Two World-Class SEZ
Under the theme, “One Province. Two World-Class SEZs. Unlimited Investment Opportunities,” the Eastern Cape delegation will highlight the competitive advantages that continue to attract investment and drive industrial growth across the province.
The showcase will represent a unique model of collaboration that combines enabling policy frameworks, world-class infrastructure, sector-specific capabilities, investor support services, and access to regional and international markets. The case study of the two SEZs will position the province as a leading hub for industrialisation, manufacturing excellence, logistics, renewable energy, exports, and future-oriented industries.
Integrated Science and Technology Park
A distinguishing feature of the Eastern Cape’s investment proposition is the East London IDZ’s integrated Science and Technology Park (STP), making it the only Special Economic Zone in South Africa with an embedded innovation ecosystem that directly links research, technology development, enterprise support and industrialisation.
This unique model enables the province to support investors across the innovation value chain, from concept and product development through to commercialisation and advanced manufacturing.
The conference will provide an important platform to highlight the Eastern Cape’s competitive advantages, including Investment-ready infrastructure, Strategic gateway access to African and global markets, globally competitive manufacturing capabilities, Proven export readiness and logistics connectivity, Renewable and sustainable energy opportunities, Emerging industrial sectors of the future and a supportive and investor-friendly business environment.
Importantly, the province’s presence will be reinforced by participating investors whose operations within the Eastern Cape Province serve as tangible proof of the value proposition offered by the province and its SEZs. Their success stories demonstrate the effectiveness of the province’s industrial ecosystem, investment support mechanisms, and long-term commitment to economic growth.
A plug-and-play investment destination
MEC for Eastern Cape Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Ms. Nonkqubela Pieters, says the Eastern Cape is a plug-and-play investment destination, with world-class infrastructure, globally competitive Special Economic Zones, strategic logistics networks, and investment-ready industrial land. Our participation in the conference provides an opportunity to showcase the province’s investment potential and attract new investors. The investments we attract will help grow our economy, create sustainable jobs, and unlock opportunities that improve the lives of the people of the Eastern Cape.
As two of South Africa’s leading SEZs, Coega SEZ and the East London IDZ, enter the conference with a combined proven track record spanning more than 25 years of investment facilitation, industrial development, infrastructure delivery, export promotion, and job creation. Working alongside the Provincial Government, both entities continue to play a significant role in advancing the Eastern Cape’s industrialisation agenda while contributing meaningfully to national economic growth, competitiveness and inclusive development objectives.
The conference will also highlight the importance of partnerships between government, investors, industry stakeholders, and development institutions in accelerating industrial development and unlocking inclusive economic opportunities. Through the complementary strengths of Coega SEZ and East London IDZ, the Eastern Cape has established itself as a strategically positioned investment destination with world-class industrial infrastructure, sector-focused capabilities and a commitment to sustainable development. The Eastern Cape delegation believes that sustainable economic growth is best achieved through collective action and strategic collaboration that delivers measurable benefits for communities, businesses, and the broader economy.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Coega Development Corporation, Mr. Themba Koza says: “The SEZ Conference 2026 presents an important opportunity to showcase the collective strengths of the Eastern Cape and the progress we continue to make in advancing industrialisation, investment attraction and economic transformation. Through the partnership between the Provincial Government, Coega SEZ and the East London IDZ, we are demonstrating what can be achieved when institutions align on a common vision for growth and development.”
Vision 2030
Coega’s Vision 2030 is centred on creating sustainable industrial growth, expanding investment opportunities, deepening export capabilities and building globally competitive industries. We participate in this conference with confidence, supported by more than two decades of proven delivery and a strong track record of enabling investment. Equally important, the conference provides an opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships, build new relationships, and unlock investment opportunities that will benefit both the Eastern Cape and South Africa for generations to come.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the East London Industrial Development Zone, Mr. Thembela Zweni, expressed confidence that the conference would further strengthen the Eastern Cape’s investment and industrial development agenda. He said: “The SEZ Conference 2026 provides a valuable platform to showcase the Eastern Cape’s investment potential, industrial capabilities and commitment to innovation-driven growth. Through collaboration between the Provincial Government, Coega SEZ and the East London IDZ, we are demonstrating how strategic partnerships can accelerate industrial development and create sustainable economic opportunities.
As ELIDZ advances its Vision 2030 position as a future-oriented industrial innovation hub, we remain focused on enabling investment, supporting competitive industries and driving innovation-led growth. Through our unique integration of a Special Economic Zone and Science and Technology Park, we are creating an ecosystem that connects innovation, technology and industrial development to deliver lasting impact for the Eastern Cape and South Africa.”
The Eastern Cape delegation views the SEZ Conference 2026 as more than a sector event. It is a strategic platform to strengthen relationships with existing investors, engage prospective investors, showcase investment-ready opportunities, share best practices across the SEZ landscape, and contribute to shaping the future of South Africa’s industrialisation and Special Economic Zone programme.
Through a united provincial approach, the Eastern Cape continues to demonstrate that collaboration, investment confidence, industrial capability, innovation and sustainable development are essential drivers of long-term economic prosperity.
Coega Development Corporation Head Office (Gqeberha): Located in Zone 1 of the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ), this striking, multi-story headquarters features a prominent curved glass curtain wall. The deepwater Port of Ngqura, emphasizing its position as a global trade gateway.
East London IDZ (Sunnyridge): Located just off the West Bank of East London, the ELIDZ administration building showcases contemporary commercial architecture highlighted by a modern, stylized wire-frame metal sculpture and a polished dark-stone water feature at its entrance courtyard.
Durban ICC (Durban): Known as one of Africa’s leading convention venues, its exterior is famous for its iconic, sweeping wave-like roof structure, vast glass facades, and the open brick-paved concourse that connects it directly to the adjacent exhibition plazas.
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