2025 marked another milestone year for the OR Tambo International Airport Special Economic Zone (OR Tambo SEZ) as the Gauteng Industrial Development Zone (GIDZ) officially launched its ORTIA Precinct 2 development. Spanning an impressive 265 000 square metres, this new precinct signals a significant expansion of Gauteng Province’s largest airport-based Special Economic Zone and reinforces the province’s competitive destination for advanced manufacturing and export-oriented investment.
The launch of ORTIA Precinct 2 builds on the proven success of Precinct 1, a 7.5-hectare development that has already attracted nearly R1-billion in private investment and facilitated the creation of more than 2 500 operational jobs.
This strong foundation has bolstered investor confidence and demonstrated the catalytic power of industrial development anchored around Africa’s busiest airport.
Scaling up for more growth and impact
The economic impact of ORTIA Precinct 2 is expected to be even more significant. Current projections indicate the creation of over 6 000 operational jobs once the precinct is fully functional. The development is set to contribute over R4-billion to the national GDP and generate an estimated 7 557 construction-phase jobs, highlighting its potential to stimulate both short-term and long-term economic activity.
For the Gauteng IDZ, a subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) and developer of the OR Tambo SEZ, these projections reinforce confidence in its ability to deliver a globally competitive industrial ecosystem. Following the successful delivery of Precinct 1, which measures 62 000m², the organisation now enters a new phase of expansion with advanced expertise and capability.
Strategic location and investor incentives
ORTIA Precinct 2 offers unmatched proximity to OR Tambo International Airport and direct access to high-performing logistics infrastructure, making it a prime location for export-oriented manufacturers.
Investors locating within the zone also benefit from a suite of nationally packaged Special Economic Zone incentives, including:
- VAT exemptions on products manufactured in the zone and subsequently exported.
- Zero-rated VAT on eligible manufacturing inputs procured for use within the zone.
- Access to the Employement Tax Incentive (ETI), which reduces PAYE obligations for qualifying employers.
- A modern industrial environment designed for operational efficiency, reliability and global manufacturing standards.
These incentives significantly strengthen the value proposition for companies seeking a competitive entry point into African and global markets.
Building a high-value cluster: pharmaceuticals and medical manufacturing
Central to the development of ORTIA Precinct 2 is a cluster-based approach, ensuring infrastructure and services are closely aligned to the needs of targeted sectors. For this precinct, the primary focus is on pharmaceuticals, medical technologies and other high-value lightweight manufacturing.
Through the cluster approach, innovation, operational efficiency, skills development and “co-opetition” will be established, creating an ecosystem where companies benefit from collaboration while advancing their own competitive edge.
Specific to the pharmaceutical and medical sector, clustering will include access to shared laboratory facilities, proximity to regulatory and licensing authorities, access to advanced cold-chain and temperature-controlled storage as well as a range of flexible, shared-use facilities tailored to strict industry requirements.
A partnership-driven model
Beyond infrastructure, the OR Tambo SEZ development emphasises a collaborative partnership model. Working closely with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and the Gauteng Provincial Government, the OR Tambo SEZ team will work with investors to streamline processes, support regulatory navigation and ensure smooth project delivery.
This service-driven approach has become a defining feature of the OR Tambo SEZ and a key contributor to its growing reputation as an investor-friendly destination.
2026: a year of acceleration
As momentum continues to build, 2026 is expected to be another breakthrough year for investment into the OR Tambo SEZ.
In April 2026, Gauteng will host the second Gauteng Investment Conference, convening government leaders, investors and industry experts to discuss opportunities within the province’s high-growth sectors. The investment opportunities available at ORTIA Precinct 2 will further be showcased for companies seeking to expand or establish operations within South Africa’s strongest economic region.
The message is clear: the OR Tambo SEZ is open for business.
Companies interested in joining this dynamic manufacturing and export ecosystem are invited to connect with the OR Tambo SEZ and explore investment opportunities within ORTIA Precinct 2.
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