SEZ report shows growth, confidence, diversifying industry

THE Coega Development Corporation (Coega) has welcomed the release of the Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) 2024/25 Report on the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ), describing it as a clear reflection of the zone’s continued resilience and expansion.

The sixth annual report, covering the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 and launched in Gqeberha, presents a data-driven overview of performance across the SEZ. It reinforces Coega’s standing as one of South Africa’s fastest-growing industrial hubs, with notable gains in employment, tenant numbers and capital investment.

Employment within the SEZ rose to 11 243 by June 2025, marking a 14.2% increase from 9 842 in 2024. The number of tenants also expanded to 57, up by 11 enterprises year-on-year. The report shows a shift in the composition of activity, with non-manufacturing enterprises accounting for 63.2% of tenants, compared to 36.8% in manufacturing.

While total income in the SEZ remained relatively stable at R24.96 billion in 2025 (down marginally by 0.3% from R25.04 billion in 2024), manufacturing strengthened its contribution, increasing its share to 72.2%. The sector also continued to employ the largest portion of the workforce.

Demographic trends highlighted ongoing challenges in workforce inclusivity. Female representation declined from 38.6% in 2024 to 35.8% in 2025, although non-manufacturing activities recorded the highest proportion of female employees at 47.8%. Youth employment also dipped slightly to 41.6%, down 3.4 percentage points, with younger workers predominantly absorbed within non-manufacturing sectors.
Capital investment remained a key positive indicator, with expenditure on new assets rising to R1.027 billion in 2025, up from R937 million in 2024. Investment was largely directed towards plant, machinery and equipment, signalling sustained investor confidence and long-term commitment to operations within the SEZ.
According to Coega chief knowledge and digital officer, Magama Makgamatho, the findings reflect a well-coordinated and future-focused industrial ecosystem.

“The Stats SA report confirms what we see every day at Coega: a thriving, resilient and forward-looking industrial environment driven by strong partnerships across government, business, labour and communities. This growth is not only economic; it is enabling job creation and long-term development. Coega is not just an industrial zone; it is a catalyst for national development,” she said.
The report also highlights significant progress in digital adoption, with all businesses within the SEZ now utilising digital tools, reinforcing Coega’s transition towards a modern, technology-enabled industrial environment.

Makgamatho added that Coega remains focused on advancing South Africa’s industrialisation agenda through investment attraction, job creation and inclusive growth.
Positioned as both a provincial economic anchor and a strategic national asset, the Coega SEZ continues to play a meaningful role in enhancing South Africa’s global competitiveness.