THE Eastern Cape-based Coega Development Corporation {CDC), which operates the 9,003ha Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ), is extending its market offering beyond the South African borders into Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Central African Republic (CAR) and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under the Coega Africa Programme (CAP).
In Zimbabwe, the CDC is providing consulting services to develop the Norton (Lentsloane) and Eco-soft Special Economic Zones in Harare, privately owned by TD Holdings. TD Holdings has interest in other businesses, which include Energy, Capital, Lunar Global Foods, Sunlands Eco-Estate, and Redwing Agro-City.
The Sod Turning for the SEZs is planned for November 2020. The focus is on advisory services for the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Harare with an estimated investment value in excess of US$15m; SEZ and Dry Port (DP) in Norton, Harare with an estimated investment value of US$336m.
The CAP further obtained a 20-year concession of Logistics Bases in Douala in Central African Republic for the development of a Dry Port for the storage of goods. The project will commence in April 2021 with an estimated investment value of US$30m.
The CDC is awaiting confirmation of projects in Cameroon and the DRC.
“These developments are positive for South Africa and CDC in particular given the recent establishment of the African Continent Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” said CDC Marketing, Brand and Communication Head, Dr Ayanda Vilakazi.
“Through its African Trade and Investment Solutions Strategy, the CDC is championing the country’s enterprise for business between South Africa and the rest of the continent. Our market development programme to the rest of the African Continent is aligned to the President Ramaphosa’s call to promote the development and economic integration of the African Continent.
“Moreover, the CDC is responding to the continental strategy that was set out by the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development.”
Vilakazi said the CDC is able to effectively extend its products and services to the rest of the continent due to its 21-year expertise in project managing mega infrastructure projects, especially at the Coega SEZ as well as on behalf of government clients throughout South Africa.
