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Explore the Bay

Located on the Southern tip of Africa, Nelson Mandela Bay offers unparalleled beauty and a long-established history of having a strong automotive manufacturing base, anchoring its economy. Nelson Mandela Bay is also home to the Coega Special Economic Zone which houses a diverse composition of manufacturing industries in Energy and Gas, Metals and Metallurgical, Automotive, Agri- processing, Chemicals, Logistics and General Manufacturing, Services including Business Process Outsourcing, Energy, Trade Solutions and Training and Maritime.

Driving Growth Across Nelson Mandela Bay’s Leading Sectors

Nelson Mandela Bay is a hub of industrial strength and economic diversity. Anchored by a long-established automotive manufacturing base, the region is home to leading players such as Volkswagen Group Africa, Isuzu Motors South Africa and, soon, Stellantis. Its manufacturing capabilities extend far beyond vehicles, encompassing pharmaceuticals, beverages, agri-processing, chemicals, metals, logistics, and more.

The Coega Special Economic Zone further boosts the region’s appeal, hosting world-class operations across energy, gas, maritime, business process outsourcing, and training. The metro is supported by an extensive supply chain, which includes nearly half of South Africa’s automotive component manufacturers, ensuring that Nelson Mandela Bay’s industries continue to drive growth and power trade on a global scale.

The automotive industry is the biggest driver of the local economy with the automotive industry representing 41% of auto manufacturing employment in the country.
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Automotive Manufacturing

With large enterprises such as Aspen Pharmacare, South Africa Breweries (SAB) and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, and soon, Hive Hydrogen the Bay’s manufacturing industry comprises more than just automotive and hosts multiple manufacturing industries.
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General Manufacturing

As a vital engine of Nelson Mandela Bay's economy, the services sector contributes an estimated 60% of the Metro's GDP. With the robust growth driven by leading industries such as logistics, ICT, and professional services, solidifying NMB's position as a strategic hub for diverse economic development.
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Services Industry

Why the Bay

Making an investment decision is an important stage for investors, entrepreneurs and companies seeking to optimise their investment portfolios and achieve financial goals.

Industry

The region has a long-standing legacy in automotive manufacturing, which continues to anchor its economy. In recent years Nelson Mandela Bay has seen new investment in pharmaceuticals, beverages, and other key industries.

Alternative Energy

Harnessing the region's abundant wind and solar resources, the Bay has become a powerhouse in alternative energy production.

Transport Network

A unique transport gateway, offering two deep sea ports, airport, rail and road distribution.

Availability of Land

Known as the Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the World.

Skills

From prestigious universities to affordable private schools, the city offers a wide range of options for students seeking a quality education.

Natural Beauty

Historical landmarks surrounded by a magnificent 40-kilometre-long stretch of pristine coastal shoreline and over 300 days of sunshine.

Alternative Energy Production

The Eastern Cape has positioned itself as a trailblazer in renewable energy, with Nelson Mandela Bay at the forefront of the province’s green revolution. Harnessing the region’s abundant wind and solar resources, the Bay has become a powerhouse in alternative energy production, driving South Africa’s transition to a more sustainable future.

Transport Network

The Two Ports

Nelson Mandela Bay is the only Metro in South Africa with two ports, namely Port of Ngqura and the Port of Port Elizabeth. Port of Ngqura is one of the fastest growing ports on the African continent. It is a world-class deepwater trans-shipment hub, serving as a central point for the transfer of cargo between different modes of transportation. This port offers an integrated, efficient and competitive port service for containers that are in transit to global markets and within the Sub-Saharan Africa region.

International Airport

Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, is a key aviation hub connecting the Eastern Cape and to the rest of South Africa. Known for its efficient operations and strategic location, the airport serves as a crucial link for business, tourism, and trade.

Availability of Land

The Eastern Cape has positioned itself as a trailblazer in renewable energy, with Nelson Mandela Bay at the forefront of the province’s green revolution. Harnessing the region’s abundant wind and solar resources, the Bay has become a powerhouse in alternative energy production, driving South Africa’s transition to a more sustainable future.

Skills

The metro is home to a vibrant and diverse community of educational institutions, catering to students of all ages and backgrounds. From prestigious universities to affordable private schools, the city offers a wide range of options for students seeking a quality education.

Below are some of these institutions, click on them to find out more.

Beauty in the Bay of Opportunity

Nelson Mandela Bay offers a stunning 40-kilometre coastline, over 300 days of sunshine, and diverse natural attractions, making it perfect for beach sports and outdoor activities. The region boasts rich biodiversity, with five of South Africa’s seven biomes and more indigenous plants than the entire UK. It’s also the Dolphin Capital of the world. The metro is a gateway to scenic routes like the Sunshine Coast and Garden Route and offers access to over a million hectares of malaria-free game reserves, including the Addo Elephant National Park. Its quality schools make it a great place for families.

Bay of Opportunity Action Arms

Information and assistance desks at your service

Trade & Investment Desk

The Trade & Investment Desk strategically promotes and markets the Bay of Opportunity while offering targeted support to existing investors to cultivate a business-friendly environment.

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Entrepreneurship Services

Provide support and resources to help MSMEs grow and sustain their businesses.

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Skills Development Desk Coming Soon