Cape Town’s economic landscape has reached an exciting milestone with the official registration of the transfer of City-owned properties to the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (ASEZ).
Announcing the achievement, Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, said: ‘This is a defining moment in the City’s efforts to drive industrial investment, create jobs, and unlock economic opportunities. The ASEZ is not just a development; it is a catalyst for sustainable economic expansion.’
Reflecting on the journey, he said: ‘From the outset, we have been committed to making this vision a reality. Seeing it come to fruition now is incredibly rewarding. The ASEZ is a game-changer for Atlantis and for Cape Town’s broader economy, providing a dedicated hub for green technology industries. By attracting major investment, it is paving the way for new employment opportunities and long-term growth.’
Alderman Vos highlighted the strategic importance of the land transfer.
‘In 2020, the City took a decisive step to approve this transfer, ensuring that the land would be used to support the development of the ASEZ. This move aligns with our commitment to sustainable industrial growth and reinforces Cape Town’s position as a leader in the green economy,’ he said.
Matt Cullinan, CEO of the Atlantis Special Economic Zone for Green Technologies, underscores the significance of the City’s approach.
‘The Atlantis SEZ is testament to the City of Cape Town’s proactive use of land in its portfolio to support and stimulate private sector investment in strategic sectors. This was initially done by earmarking City-owned land in Atlantis for green manufacturing and then through the innovative land-for-shares deal with the ASEZ. On this basis, and with ongoing support, we are seeing growing private sector investment,’ said Cullinan.
Acknowledging the power of partnerships, Alderman Vos emphasised: ‘This achievement would not have been possible without the collaboration of our partners, including the Western Cape Government, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and key industry stakeholders. Their support has been instrumental in making this vision a reality.’
Looking ahead, he said: ‘The work doesn’t stop here. Our Economic Growth team remains committed to ensuring that the ASEZ reaches its full potential as a driver of inclusive and sustainable prosperity. I look forward to seeing this zone continue to grow, creating even more jobs and investment opportunities for the people of Cape Town.’
