The Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone (SEZ) continues to cement its position as a key driver of KwaZulu-Natal's economic growth, attracting billions of rand in private investment infrastructure development, boosting exports, while sustaining employment and strengthening the province’s competitiveness.
According to the organisation's latest Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Report, the SEZ has attracted R4.2 billion in private-sector investment since its inception and has sustained approximately 36 872 permanent jobs throughout KwaZulu-Natal.
The report highlights the SEZ's growing contribution to inclusive economic growth and industrial development.
Dube TradePort SEZ Chief Executive Officer, Hamish Erskine, said the organisation attracted a further R480 million in private-sector investment during the past financial year, largely from existing investors expanding their capital and equipment.
These investments resulted in the creation of 631 permanent jobs and 102 temporary jobs.
"Our continued investment in strategic infrastructure and investor-focused development is creating a platform for sustained economic growth and industrial expansion. Dube TradePort remains a powerful catalyst for attracting investment, creating jobs, and strengthening KwaZulu-Natal's position in global markets," Erskine said.
Exports top R531 million
The report also highlights the SEZ's contribution to export growth, with businesses operating within Dube TradePort generating approximately R531 million in exports during the previous financial year.
Products were exported to markets across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other international markets.
Erskine attributed the strong export performance to Dube TradePort's integrated development model, which combines world-class industrial infrastructure, logistics capabilities and direct access to international markets through King Shaka International Airport, the seaport of Durban and the robust road network connecting KwaZulu-Natal to the rest of Southern Africa.
Infrastructure expansion
Infrastructure development remains central to Dube TradePort's growth strategy.
During the 2025/26 financial year, the organisation invested R109.7 million in fixed capital projects, including the completion of major infrastructure works in Dube TradeZone 2 and Dube AgriZone 2, while advancing the construction of large-scale industrial warehousing facilities.
To support future investor demand and ensure long-term sustainability, Dube TradePort has earmarked funding for several strategic capital projects in the coming financial year.
These include the development of a solar farm capable of generating at least 4.4 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy, supporting investor sustainability requirements and enhancing energy resilience; the construction of two new industrial warehouses for medium-sized manufacturers seeking world-class facilities within the Special Economic Zone; and planning for a new water reservoir, ensuring the long-term availability of critical infrastructure to support industrial expansion.
"These investments reflect Dube TradePort's commitment to building a resilient, sustainable and future-ready Special Economic Zone that can support long-term industrial growth," Erskine said.
Expanding global air connectivity
Beyond industrial development, Dube TradePort continues to play a leading role in improving KwaZulu-Natal's international air connectivity through its participation in the KwaZulu-Natal Route Development Committee (Durban Direct).
The organisation has spearheaded a comprehensive review of the KwaZulu-Natal Route Development Strategy, aimed at accelerating airline route development at King Shaka International Airport and strengthening the province's global air connectivity.
The initiative builds on the success of Emirates air service connecting Durban and Dubai, as well as the growth of Airlink’s Durban–Harare route, both of which have contributed immensely to Durban’s regional and international air connectivity.
Recent developments within air services that demonstrate growing confidence in the Durban market include:
• Qatar Airways has increased its Durban service to daily flights (seven per week) between Doha-Maputo-Durban, providing enhanced access to key markets across Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East.
• Turkish Airlines has expanded its Durban-Istanbul service to four flights per week, increasing connectivity to more than 300 destinations worldwide through one of the world's largest aviation hubs.
• Eswatini Air has increased operations on the Durban-Manzini route to three flights per week, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting trade and tourism between KwaZulu-Natal and the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Erskine said Dube TradePort remains well positioned to support KwaZulu-Natal's economic transformation through industrialisation, export growth, job creation and enhanced international connectivity.
"With a strong investment pipeline, significant infrastructure expansion plans, growing export performance and increasing global air access, Dube TradePort continues to demonstrate why it is one of South Africa's leading Special Economic Zones and a critical contributor to the province's long-term economic prosperity," he said. – SAnews.gov.za
