Dube TradePort SEZ Secures R4.2 Billion in Investment as Jobs and Export Activity Grow
Dube TradePort SEZ Secures R4.2 Billion in Investment as Jobs and Export Activity Grow. Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has attracted R4.2 billion in private-sector investment since its establishment, supporting employment growth, manufacturing activity and export expansion in KwaZulu-Natal.
The figures were released in the organisation’s latest Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Report, which shows that investment within the SEZ has sustained 36,872 permanent jobs across the province.
According to the report, Dube TradePort secured an additional R480 million in private investment during the past financial year. The new capital was largely driven by existing tenants expanding their operations, resulting in the creation of 631 permanent jobs and 102 temporary positions.
Dube TradePort SEZ Chief Executive Officer Hamish Erskine said continued investment in infrastructure and investor-focused development is helping to position the SEZ as a driver of economic growth and industrial expansion in KwaZulu-Natal.
He said the organisation remains focused on attracting investment, supporting job creation and strengthening the province’s role in international trade.
Businesses operating within the SEZ generated approximately R531 million in foreign trade during the previous financial year, supplying products to markets across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as well as other international destinations.
Erskine attributed the export performance to Dube TradePort’s integrated model, which connects industrial facilities with King Shaka International Airport, the Port of Durban and regional road freight networks.
The organisation also continued investing in infrastructure during the 2025/26 financial year, spending R109.7 million on fixed capital projects. These included completing infrastructure in Dube TradeZone 2 and Dube AgriZone 2 while advancing construction across the development.
Looking ahead, Dube TradePort has identified several priority projects for the coming financial year. These include the development of a minimum 4.4MW solar power facility to improve energy resilience for tenants, the construction of two industrial warehouses for medium-sized manufacturers, and the planning and design of a new water reservoir to support future industrial growth.
The organisation said these projects are intended to strengthen the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the SEZ.
In addition to infrastructure development, Dube TradePort is continuing to implement the Durban Direct initiative as part of the KwaZulu-Natal Route Development Strategy to expand air cargo and passenger connectivity through King Shaka International Airport.
Recent developments include Qatar Airways increasing its Durban service to daily flights via Doha and Maputo, Turkish Airlines expanding its Durban-Istanbul service to four weekly flights, and Eswatini Air increasing services between Durban and Manzini to three flights per week.
