Located in the fertile eastern region of the Eastern Cape, the Agri-Industry sector at the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) integrates primary agriculture, processing, and technological innovation to unlock value across most parts of the agri-value chain — from field to factory to local and export markets.
This sector bridges the gap between traditional farming and advanced processing, creating sustainable opportunities for food security, balancing imports, and export diversification. Through its agro-processing infrastructure, innovation partnerships, and inclusive participation, the ELIDZ supports a spectrum from innovators, emerging enterprises to large-scale investors.
The focus areas include food and beverage manufacturing, fibre processing, medical cannabis and hemp, poultry and red meat production and phytomedicinal products, positioning the zone as a gateway for agro-industrial expansion into African and global markets.
Sector composition
The ELIDZ Agri-Industry cluster supports a wide spectrum of investment activities, including:
- Food and beverage manufacturing
- Textile manufacturing based on animal and plant fibre
- Medical cannabis and hemp cultivation and processing
- Poultry, red meat, and dairy processing
- Indigenous phytomedicinal products
- Packaging and cold-chain logistics
The cluster attracts diverse investor profiles from established manufacturers seeking expansion, to SMEs and startups leveraging incubation and research collaboration through the STP.
Why invest in ELIDZ Agri-Industries?
- Innovation infrastructure: Access to the STP for R&D, product testing, and technology transfer.
- Infrastructure advantage: Serviced, export-oriented sites with reliable energy, water, ICT, and logistics connectivity.
- Sustainability-driven production: Green, resource-efficient manufacturing aligned with global standards.
- Integrated value chains: Linkages with aquaculture, energy, and manufacturing sectors for circular economy synergies.
- Incentivized SEZ environment: Tax, customs, and investment benefits supporting competitiveness.
- Market reach: Strategic access to AfCFTA, SADC, SACU, BRICS, and global trade networks.
- Regional skills pipeline: Continuous supply of skilled technicians and agricultural specialists supporting industrial efficiency.
- Proximity to productive farms across a subtropical climate.
Value Proposition
The ELIDZ offers a sustainable, innovation enabled agri-industrial ecosystem that converts the Eastern Cape’s agricultural strengths into high-value, globally competitive products.
Investors benefit from a purpose-built, export-oriented, and technology-integrated platform that enables cost-efficient production, R&D collaboration, and sustainable growth.
By combining processing excellence, digital integration, and world-class logistics, the ELIDZ positions agro-industrial investors to scale efficiently while contributing to inclusive, climate-resilient development.
Competitive advantages
- Integrated agro-processing infrastructure: Fully serviced sites and facilities supporting food, beverage, fibre, and bio-based product manufacturing — from raw material handling to export packaging.
- Innovation, R&D network: Collaboration through the ELIDZ Science and Technology Park (STP) and university partnerships enables product development, testing, and certification.
- Sustainability & circular economy: Infrastructure designed for low-waste, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible production aligned with global ESG and UNIDO Eco-Industrial principles.
- Export & market access: Seamless connectivity to domestic and international markets via East London Port and regional logistics corridors, with preferential access to AfCFTA, SADC, and EU markets.
- Cross-sector linkages: Integration with the Aquaculture, Renewable Energy, and Advanced Manufacturing sectors for feed supply, packaging, and industrial processing.
- Skilled workforce: Continuous talent pipeline from regional universities and TVET institutions, ensuring access to qualified agricultural scientists, food technologists, and engineers.
- SEZ incentives & support: Attractive tax, customs, and investment benefits under the Special Economic Zone framework, complemented by efficient investor facilitation services.
With its unique combination of agricultural abundance, innovation capacity, and infrastructure excellence, the ELIDZ is shaping South Africa’s next generation of agro-industrial growth — where local harvests fuel global markets.
Interested in locating your investment at the ELIDZ?
Contact our Aquaculture & Agro-Industry Sector Manager: Ntobeko Bacela at 082 459 3412 or ntobeko@elidz.co.za
Or contact the team here:
