Plans are taking shape to expand the impact of the Wild Coast special economic zone (SEZ) in the Eastern Cape.

The Coega Development Corporation (Coega), based in East London, has signed a service level agreement (SLA) with the Alfred Nzo Development Agency (Anda), which will see Coega acting as implementing agent to establish an industrial park in Mbizana within the Wild Coast SEZ framework, reports Engineering News.

‘The signing of the SLA […] promotes the development of a model for a wider Wild Coast SEZ, which will allow us to diversify our investors to areas where they are closer to the commodity markets,’ said Coega Wild Coast SEZ programme executive manager David Lefutso.

Coega will conduct a full feasibility study for the development of Alfred Nzo Industrial Park on 1 272 ha owned by the Izinini Community Property Association.

By working within the Wild Coast SEZ framework and unlocking strategic land assets, Anda and Coega hope to stimulate investment in the area, create jobs and support the development of a regional value chain.

The development of a Wild Coast SEZ near Mthatha has been in the offing since at least 2020/2021, with the Daily Dispatch reporting in 2023 that investment projects worth more than ZAR1 billion had been signed. Described as mainly an agro-processing SEZ, it was expected to house 14 development projects in its first phase.

19 August 2025
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