The ELIDZ Aquaculture Cluster
The East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) is strategically positioned to contribute to the growth of South Africa’s aquaculture — focusing on the breeding of abalone and oyster, rearing, processing and export of the former.
The ELIDZ’s aquaculture focus includes algae production and exploratory production of various fin fish species, enabling investors to transform potential into economic benefits. With its prime coastal location, export orientation, national SEZ incentives and purpose-built seawater infrastructure, the ELIDZ provides a convenient base for investment in the Oceans Economy.
Integrated infrastructure and logistics networks link producers to domestic, regional, and global markets, positioning the Eastern Cape as a hub for high-value aquaculture and marine biotechnology.
Through the Science and Technology Park (STP) and research partnerships, the zone promotes innovation, applied research & development, as well as technology transfer, creating an enabling environment for industrial growth and SMME participation.
Sector composition
The ELIDZ Aquaculture cluster provides opportunities for:
- Mariculture production
- Processing and value addition
- Marine biotechnology and applied R&D
This sector attracts a diverse range of investors from large-scale producers seeking to expand operations, to SMEs and start-ups pursuing innovation-driven niche production.
- Export-oriented firms benefit from preferential access to AfCFTA, BRICS, and EU trade channels.
- Technology-driven investors can leverage the STP and innovation infrastructure to develop sustainable, high-performance aquaculture-based solutions.
Why invest in Aquaculture at ELIDZ?
- Specialised infrastructure: Established seawater reticulation across 30ha, convenient logistics articulation, and an opportunity to establish associated processing facilities.
- Integrated value chain: Opportunities across production, feed, processing, and logistics enable vertical integration.
- Market access: Strategic connectivity to domestic, regional, and global markets through AfCFTA, BRICS, and EU trade frameworks.
- Innovation & R&D support: Anchored by the STP and partner universities, supporting marine biotechnology, feed formulation, and water quality optimisation.
- SEZ incentives: Competitive tax rates, customs benefits, accelerated depreciation allowances, and dedicated investor facilitation services.
- Sustainability focus: Low-carbon, resource-efficient practices aligned with global environmental standards.
Value Proposition
The ELIDZ offers a purpose-built, export-ready industrial ecosystem integrating infrastructure, innovation networks, and institutional support. Investors benefit from a cost-efficient, digitally enabled platform designed to accelerate growth, operational scalability, and global market access.
By combining specialised aquaculture infrastructure, applied R&D, and sustainability-driven operations, ELIDZ enables investors to produce high-quality, globally competitive marine products efficiently and responsibly.
Competitive Advantages
- Unique seawater infrastructure: The only South African SEZ with established seawater reticulation for land-based aquaculture.
- Near-pristine natural environment: An energetic coastline with several regional estuaries across an appreciable rocky sub-tidal environment, affording zones for oyster nurseries and abalone ranching. A subtropical climate affording plankton and algal diversity that confers a unique flavor of produced shellfish.
- Integrated coastal industrial ecosystem: Synergies between aquaculture, marine ranching and stock enhancement supporting harmony with nature.
- Upfront environmental authorization: Ability to venture into all endemic species and some salmonids.
- Innovation ecosystem: STP and university partnerships drive applied R&D, marine biotechnology development, and sustainability testing.
- Strategic global reach: Access to AfCFTA, BRICS, and EU markets ensures competitive export opportunities.
- SEZ incentive framework: A national aquaculture focused incentive, VAT exemptions, customs-controlled areas, and tax benefits support investment growth.
- Stable business climate: Transparent governance, reliable infrastructure, and dedicated investment facilitation ensure continuity and operational certainty.
With its specialised infrastructure, innovation support, and global connectivity, the ELIDZ stands to transform South Africa’s Ocean Economy — turning coastal potential into globally competitive aquaculture and marine biotechnology opportunities.
The Aquaculture sector offers investors a sustainable, innovation-led environment to scale efficiently, collaborate strategically, and compete globally.
Interested in locating your aquaculture 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:
