Following the call by President Cyril Ramaphosa for South Africa to potentially act “as a gateway to the African market.” The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) has, as far back as 2017 been actively engaged in work on the African continent.
With expertise spanning over two (2) decades, the CDC has seen an increase in the portfolio of clients over the years spilling over to the rest of the continent.
Revered for its professional project management expertise, the CDC has plowed its trade in various countries within the continent, including “Zimbabwe, Central African Republic (CAR), Cameroon etc.” says Dr Ayanda Vilakazi, CDC Unit Head Marketing & Communications.
With work currently been undertaken in Zimbabwe, the organisation has taken a lead in the development of various Industrial Projects in that country, which include water, renewable energy, and tourism to mention but a few.
Some of the key projects undertaken by the organisation are located at the Norton Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Eco-soft SEZ.
With the two industrial Parks having been designated in terms of the SEZ Act to fast track the economic development program of the Zimbabwean economy and to take advantage of Africa’s Free Continental Trade Agreement (AFCFTA).
These SEZs play a pivotal role in meeting the objectives of AFCFTA. According to SA’s President Ramaphosa during the opening of the 3rd SA Investment Conference, Africa is on the cusp of economic development.
The CDC is known as the leading SEZ in Africa and a true gateway to the rest of the Continent. Many countries on the Continent are entrusting the CDC to help them develop their SEZs and Industrial Parks, in general.
“Our 21-year expertise in SEZ development and operations in South Africa has seen the CDC win several awards and specifically winning the coveted Investor of the Year Award at the 2019 Annual SA Business Awards,” adds Dr Vilakazi.
One of the key aspects in the value proposition of the CDC, is its ability to ensure value for money for its clients. This it does through clean financial audits, audited by the Auditor General of South Africa.
“This is a hallmark we are proud of, ever since our establishment as an organisation, we have managed to demonstrate clean financial records when implementing projects on behalf of our clients,” concludes Dr Vilakazi.