Free State

Attractive incentives and good infrastructure make for a compelling investment proposition.

Whether it involves transporting workers to and from work, catering or maintenance, there is a great deal of work to be done that goes beyond the core business of diamond mining.

Available to investors, existing companies, entrepreneurs and co-operatives across many sectors.

Data suggests that the Free State has 23-billion cubic feet of gas underground, but only exploration can confirm this.

Tourism is one of the Free State’s fastest-growing economic sectors, with leisure and business tourism enjoying the best growth within the industry.

The Regional Industrialisation Policy is being reviewed to ensure integration of infrastructure, bulk service provision, industrial sites and export and tax incentives to encourage investment in the manufacturing sector.

Two recent reports have concluded that South Africa’s grid could be flexible enough, and renewables supported by gas could provide base load.

The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) is optimistic that South Africa’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) will attract foreign direct investment (FDI).

The N8 Corridor is the focus of a range of initiatives which aim to improve connections, stimulate economic activity and improve the delivery of services and housing to Free State citizens.

SAMSA is investigating the feasibility of establishing specialist maritime schools in South Africa’s coastal provinces.