THE East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) is targeting investors in aquaculture and agro-processing, pitching its state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure as ‘the perfect environment for aquaculture and agro-processing ventures’.
Situated in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM), which includes East London, Bisho and King Williams Town, the ELIDZ is one of South Africa’s pioneering industrial development zones (IDZs). It offers a prime location for export-oriented manufacturing and processing, benefiting from its proximity to key transportation routes, the pitch continues
The ELIDZ is an eco-industrial park, established to promote economic growth and job creation, providing a highly conducive environment for both local and international businesses to thrive.
Spanning over 400 hectares, the ELIDZ features six fully serviced sub-zones tailored to specific manufacturing requirements. Its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation has earned it recognition as a leading Industrial eco-park by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
Specialising in attracting and facilitating investment in key sectors such as aquaculture and agro-processing, the ELIDZ offers world-class infrastructure, including advanced logistics facilities, utilities, and a supportive business ecosystem tailored to meet the needs of various industries.
Businesses operating within the ELIDZ benefit from various incentives, including tax breaks, duty-free imports, and streamlined regulatory processes.
The ELIDZ benefits from access to high-quality seawater, presenting an advantageous opportunity to utilise existing infrastructure for supplying seawater to potential land-based aquaculture farms.
Furthermore, the ELIDZ capitalises on a subtropical climate and wide algal diversity, making it an ideal location for abalone production to serve markets with produce with a unique and rich flavour. With well-established production and processing technology, abalone cultivation dominates South Africa’s production value, offering steady long-term investment returns, job-intensive opportunities and emphasising an export-orientation, according to the ELIDZ.
The ELIDZ says it plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation and skills development in the Eastern Cape region focusing on sustainability and technological advancement that drives industrial growth and enhanced competitiveness.
According to the ELIDZ, it is continuing to develop the Eastern Cape’s agricultural potential, which is creating exciting opportunities in medical cannabis and hemp, offering future diversification for potential investors.
