HIGH-growth sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, the oceans economy, the digital economy and tourism, featured prominently in the Eastern Cape provincial government’s ambitious strategy aimed at accelerating economic growth and creating sustainable job opportunities. Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane outlined the plan at the State of the Province Address.
“In collaboration with social partners, the province has expanded employment to 1.45 million in 2024, with a bold target of reaching 2.4 million jobs by 2030. Encouragingly, the latest Quarter 4 Labour Force Survey reported a decline in unemployment, with 20,000 fewer jobless individuals. To sustain this momentum, the government is scaling up public employment programs that benefit over 600,000 people while facilitating the creation of 54,500 new jobs across multiple industries”, Mabuyane said.
To address the skills gap, the province will train 37,000 young people in critical fields such as artisan development, emerging contractors and agricultural entrepreneurship. Additionally, 28,000 unemployed youth will secure employment through the Basic Education Employment Programme, while 180 young individuals with disabilities will receive specialised culinary training. To ease financial burdens on students, the government has allocated R70 million in partnership with MerSeta to clear historical student debt.
Entrepreneurship remains a key priority, with the Isiqalo Youth Fund increasing to R168 million over the next three years to support young business owners. Furthermore, the province will benefit from the national government’s R20 billion Transformation Fund, aimed at fostering the growth of black-owned enterprises and driving economic transformation.
Furthermore, agriculture continues to be a cornerstone of the province’s economy. Investments are being directed toward black-owned citrus and deciduous farms, small-scale hemp farming, and the expansion of irrigation schemes across Amathole, Chris Hani, and OR Tambo districts, covering 10,000 hectares. These initiatives aim to enhance food security, boost exports, and create jobs in rural communities.
The green economy is gaining momentum, with a landmark R11.4 billion investment facilitating the establishment of 29 off-grid EV charging stations, bringing the provincial total to 42. Additionally, a R4 billion investment in electric minibus manufacturing at the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) is set to create 1,500 new jobs, further solidifying the province’s position in the renewable energy sector.
The province is also tapping into the potential of the ocean’s economy with the proclamation of Port St Johns as a fishing harbour. To support small-scale fishers, R10 million in funding has been allocated for the provision of boats and cages. In addition, a R10 million Problue fund will explore opportunities in seaweed, abalone, and finfish farming, creating new revenue streams for coastal communities.
