The Ekurhuleni Aerotropolis is an urban development concept in which the region’s economy has an airport at its core. In principle, it resembles a traditional metropolis with its central city area and commuter links to a variety of suburban developments. The key difference between the Ekurhuleni Aerotropolis and a regular metropolis is its dynamic links to global markets.
The Ekurhuleni Aerotropolis creates unique investment opportunities, among others for:
- Property developers
- Industrial and agricultural investors
- Just-in-time logistics companies, warehousing and cool chain storage
- Research and development
- Pharmaceuticals, health care services and training
Key focus areas for investment in Ekurhuleni Aerotropolis
The Ekurhuleni Aerotropolis will stimulate the region by generating an environment conducive to growing existing development and investment as well as creating numerous new investment opportunities for a wide range of investors, of which some are outlined below:
- Regional business growth will generate increased demand for professional services.
- The trend of decentralized offices will make office space in the Ekurhuleni Aerotropolis increasingly sought after.
- Strategically located and high visibility sites available for retail development.
- Regional focus on business tourism and cultural event-based travel creates opportunities for accommodation, as well as convention and exhibition hosting facilities.
- The opportunity exists for an innovative multi-institutional university campus catering for the needs of the target industries and organisations.
- The concentration of mining houses complements the Ekurhuleni Aerotropolis’ transportation networks, warehousing, manufacturing and specialised technical contractor work.
- Opportunities for plasma gasification plants, renewable energy pilot projects and transport of heavy equipment parts.
- Existing skills base and advanced manufacturing operations provide the nucleus for potential expansion into the growing commercial aerospace industry.
- Investors have the immediate benefit of mature logistics and distribution systems with excellent air, road and rail connectivity.
- Commitment by national, provincial and municipal government to support the revitalisation of the manufacturing sector.
- Excellent opportunities exist for high-value, low-weight goods production and exports.
- The air connectivity and facilities will be ideal for elective healthcare procedures, sample testing services, as well as the manufacturing and export of medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
- Land availability for high value, low-weight agricultural production.
- Increased opportunity for cold chain space as well as, domestic and international agricultural commodity trade.
Interested?
Contact the City of Ekurhuleni to find out more about opportunities available within the Ekurhuleni Aerotropolis:
Municipal investment profiling: A digital approach
In 2023, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA introduced the “Investment Profile Template Guide for Municipalities in South Africa” to help municipalities present their investment potential. Research showed only 15% of South African municipalities had investment profiles at the time.
However, limited financial and human resources have hindered digital promotion and investment attraction. SALGA has launched a programme to assist municipalities with digital initiatives, and the following municipalities are included in the first phase:
- City of Ekurhuleni (Gauteng)
- West Coast District Municipality (Western Cape)
- Mnquma Local Municipality (Eastern Cape)
- Matjhabeng Local Municipality (Free State)
The main objective of this project is to provide municipalities with a platform to market themselves as investment destinations to both domestic and foreign investors using an already existing platform and access to the Global Africa Network audience.
