THE Coega Development Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Automotive Industry Development Centre Gauteng Province to advance the growth and competitiveness of South Africa’s automotive sector.
Signed on Friday 20 September, the partnership seeks to enhance skills development, foster innovation, improve localisation and drive sustainable investment in the automotive sector, in line with Coega’s foundational performance culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focuses on enhancing the capabilities of the local workforce by providing advanced training programmes aligned with global automotive standards; promoting research and development initiatives that support the integration of cutting-edge technology within the sector; and working together to upskill and train local SMMEs to fully partake and exploit the current and future new markets presented by developments in the sector.
The collaboration with the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) in Gauteng Province (GP)marks a significant milestone for Coega in strengthening its role in the Automotive Hub on the continent and the suitability of its location for the production of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and related components.
Gqeberha is home to leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers in the automotive sector. Through partnership, there is potential to enhance South Africa’s global competitiveness in the sector while creating job opportunities and driving economic development in the region, in line with the National Development Plan (Vision, 2030).
“Today marks an important moment for the South African automotive sector as we embark on this partnership with Coega. By signing this MoU, we are not just committing to collaboration, but to a shared vision of innovation and sustainability. Our joint initiatives will improve skills development and empower local SMMEs, driving our industry forward. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a competitive and resilient automotive ecosystem that can thrive in the global market, unlocking new opportunities for economic growth and job creation. The partnership promises to create a robust platform for automotive industry stakeholders and pave the way for sustainable growth in one of South Africa’s most critical sectors,” said Andile Africa, chief executive officer of AIDC GP.
Coega and the AIDC GP have been working diligently to identify and explore opportunities that support the growth of the automotive industry, focusing on critical areas of sectoral growth to stimulate regional economic development.
The signing of this MoU is a landmark moment for Coega and the automotive industry in general. It not only strengthens Coega’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to investment and innovation, but also highlights our dedication to equipping our workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in this evolving sector. Together with the AIDC, we are poised to unlock new opportunities for economic growth and job creation, ensuring that the Eastern Cape becomes a key player in the automotive landscape of the continent, said Themba Koza, Coega’s acting chief executive officer.
In conclusion, the partnership between Coega and the AIDC GP presents a strategic opportunity to leverage the unique advantages of the Coega SEZ, facilitating a robust ecosystem for automotive manufacturing and related industries.
