Atlantis SEZ announces ambitious infrastructure and investment programme to accelerate green industrial growth
Nearly R4 billion in combined infrastructure and fixed capital investment is set to flow into the Atlantis Special Economic Zone over the next three years, with an estimated 7 200 jobs expected by 2035.
The ambitious infrastructure and construction programme, announced following funding commitments from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), will unlock an additional 72 hectares of industrial land in Zones 2 and 3. The expansion is expected to generate 1 200 direct permanent jobs and 6 000 construction jobs once the zone reaches full operational capacity.
The zone’s long-term vision to develop a globally competitive green industrial hub that supports investment, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
Saliem Fakir, board chairperson of the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (ASEZ), said the funding confirmation allowed the zone to move forward with its next phase of development.
“The Atlantis SEZ has seen increasing demand from investors seeking suitable location that supports green manufacturing and sustainable industrial development,” Fakir said. “The confirmation of infrastructure funding for Zones 2 and 3 enables us to move forward with the next phase of development and ensure we are ready to accommodate the growing pipeline of investors.”
He added: “The additional support from the dtic is a strong vote of confidence in the progress the ASEZ has made since its establishment in trust in the work being done to build a globally competitive green industrial hub.”
The ASEZ, promulgated by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2018, is South Africa’s first green-focused special economic zone, dedicated to renewable energy, green manufacturing, and circular economy industries. The zone is currently finalising its first greenfield investor factory in Zone 1.
The additional infrastructure investment from the dtic reflects government’s continued confidence in the work being done by the ASEZ and its role in advancing South Africa’s industrial development and green economy ambitions.
This latest investment comes as the Western Cape is gearing up for big investments in green energy. The region is already home to several renewable energy ventures and is set to be the hub for the Green Hydrogen sector. A recent study also ranked it the top site for the location of EV battery factory.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau welcomed the announcement, saying special economic zones were central to the country’s industrial policy.
“By investing in critical infrastructure within zones such as the Atlantis SEZ, we are creating the enabling environment required to attract investment, grow local manufacturing capability, and create jobs,” Tau said.
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Ivan Meyer said the expansion would strengthen the province’s green economy. “Expanding the zone’s infrastructure will allow us to attract new investment, support innovation in green manufacturing, and create economic opportunities for communities across the province,” Meyer said.
Meyer also noted: “The Atlantis SEZ is a critical driver of green industrial development in the Western Cape. Expanding the zone’s infrastructure will allow us to attract new investment, support innovation in green manufacturing, and create communities across the province.”
Alderman James Vos, the City of Cape Town’s mayoral committee member for economic growth, echoed Meyer and said the initiative reinforced the city’s commitment to enabling investment. “The development of additional industrial infrastructure will unlock further investment opportunities and support job creation in Atlantis and across the city,” Vos said.
The infrastructure programme is set to begin in the coming months, with development of Zones 2 and 3 expected to significantly expand capacity for investors in renewable energy manufacturing, green technology, and circular economy sectors.
