ABOUT MANUFACTURING INDABA EASTERN CAPE

The Eastern Cape economy is becoming increasingly modern and export-oriented, with great potential for growth of existing industries and the establishment of new industries. Its geographic location, quality sea and airports, an abundance of natural resources and world-class infrastructure bodes particularly well for the growth of export-oriented industries.

General manufacturing in the Eastern Cape is based mainly in the urban areas of East London and Port Elizabeth. The location of general manufacturing in these areas is directly related to the fact that the urban areas of the Eastern Cape offer investors access to prime manufacturing locations, ready access to skilled and trained employees, and ease of logistics for both domestic and foreign markets.

General manufacturing makes up a significant portion of the provincial economy and is primarily driven by the needs of the automotive sector, which is the biggest manufacturing sector in the Eastern Cape. The Eastern Cape is home to four of the seven OEMs operating in South Africa and up to 100 major component manufacturers. Eastern Cape based international vehicle assemblers include Mercedes Benz in East London, General Motors and Volkswagen in Nelson Mandela Bay and Ford Motors. The Eastern Cape manufactures half of the country’s passenger vehicles and provides 51% of South Africa’s vehicle exports.

The annual Manufacturing Indaba Eastern Cape roadshow brings together provincial manufacturers and businesses to explore growth opportunities, find out about the latest manufacturing incentives and trends, and provide a platform for networking and collaboration.