East London, South Africa — Industrial leaders, water experts, and development partners from across Africa will convene in East London to advance practical solutions for water security and climate-resilient industrial development during the NatuReS II Regional Learning Exchange 2026.
Hosted by the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) through the Natural Resources Stewardship Programme II (NatuReS II), the three-day regional exchange will take place from 24 – 26 February 2026 at the ELIDZ Conference Centre.
The gathering comes at a time when water security is increasingly becoming a defining challenge for economic growth and industrial sustainability across Africa. Delegates from South Africa, Ethiopia, Zambia and Tanzania — including representatives from government, industry, water utilities, academia, civil society and development institutions will share practical approaches aimed at strengthening water stewardship while sustaining industrial competitiveness and economic resilience.
Held under the theme: “From Source to Industry: Stewardship Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships for Socio-Ecological Transformation and Water-Smart Industrial Futures,” the exchange will explore how collaborative partnerships between industry, government and communities can respond to growing climate pressures and water scarcity challenges affecting industrial regions across the continent.
The programme will further showcase how industrial zones can serve as innovation platforms for sustainable resource management, highlighting the ELIDZ’s implementation of water stewardship initiatives as part of advancing integrated, climate-responsive industrial development.
Event details
- Event: Natures II Regional Learning Exchange 2026
- Dates: 24-26 February 2026
- Time: 08:30-17:00
- Venue: ELIDZ Conference Centre, East London
Programme highlights
Media will have opportunities to cover:
- Opening leadership addresses outlining regional priorities for water security and sustainable industrialization
- High-level discussions on the link between water resilience and industrial competitiveness
- African case studies demonstrating multi-stakeholder stewardship partnerships
- Industry dialogue on the business case for water stewardship
- Guided site visits showcasing ELIDZ water stewardship infrastructure, including water testing and alternative water-sourcing facilities
- Interview opportunities with programme leaders, technical experts, and participating stakeholders
Members of the media are invited to attend selected sessions and engagements during the programme. Media representatives are requested to confirm attendance in advance for accreditation and logistical arrangements.
Media RSVP & enquiries
- Siphosethu Tikana (CPRP)
- Acting Manager: Marketing & Corporate Communications
- East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ)
- Email: siphosethuti@elidz.co.za | Website: www.elidz.co.za
About East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ)
The East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) is a prime industrial site in South Africa. It is geographically designated and positioned for specialised industrial activity. The ELIDZ was one of the first IDZs in South Africa to be awarded a provisional operator’s licence in September 2002.
Renowned for its leadership sustainability, the ELIDZ has earned the prestigious title of being named one of the world’s leading Eco-Parks. This recognition, awarded by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation’s (UNIDO) Global Eco-Industrial Park Programme (GEIPP), highlights the ELIDZ’s unparalleled commitment to environmental conservation.
Serving as a global model for eco-industrial parks, the ELIDZ epitomises innovation, infrastructure, and skills development as crucial elements for unlocking economic opportunities, not only in South Africa but worldwide.
