Mnquma Local Municipality is one of the key municipalities situated within the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Encompassing the vibrant towns of Butterworth, Ngqamakhwe, and Centane, Mnquma is home to a diverse and resilient community rooted in rich cultural traditions, natural beauty and a legacy of leadership and activism.
With a population of over 250,000 residents, Mnquma is a largely rural municipality where tradition meets transformation. We celebrate the rich isiXhosa heritage and work closely with traditional leaders, civil society, and the private sector to build an empowered, connected, and thriving society.
Key towns & economic drivers
- Butterworth (Gcuwa): Administrative and commercial centre
- Ngqamakhwe: Agricultural hub and traditional stronghold
- Centane (Kentani): Known for its scenic coastal beauty and tourism potential
The economy is primarily driven by small-scale agriculture, retail, public sector employment, and a growing tourism sector linked to the Wild Coast.
Invest in Mnquma Municipality
Mnquma Local Municipality has several high-impact projects which include the potential nodes for investment which include the development of mixed-use developments, Wild Coast tourism, hospitality and opportunities in the oceans economy.
Find out more:
Contact
The Mnquma Local Municipality is open for business! Interested parties are encouraged to send a brief message of introduction to the team. Please tell us more about your business or investment objectives:
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.
