The proposed Nkomazi special economic zone (SEZ) at Ehlanzeni district municipality, in Mpumalanga, has the potential for rapid development, says Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) director of special economic zones and economic transformation Maoto Molefane.
Molefane was speaking during the Mpumalanga leg of the SEZ national roadshow that was held by the DTI in Malelane, in the province.
He noted that strong leadership was needed for the earmarked agroprocessing, mineral processing and logistics and trade hub, in Nkomazi, to be successful.
Molefane added that while there was a need for strong leadership and focus for the fast-tracking of industrialisation, there was also a need to integrate the value chain with that of neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and Swaziland.
“Globally, 68-million jobs are in firms located within SEZs, and the Nkomazi SEZ can generate much needed jobs for the locals. Skills transfer and integration of local firms in key value chains are some of the benefits that the Nkomazi SEZ could bring,” he added.