The Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market (MIFPM), described as the first large-scale market infrastructure project in the province, missed its soft launch date in April. Premier Mandla Ndlovu announced the launch during the State of the Province Address in February.

On Monday, June 9, the provincial Department of Agriculture’s spokesperson, Zanele Shabangu, said the MIFPM will be launched by the end of July on a date to be announced.

The members of the executive council, led by Ndlovu, conducted an oversight visit on Wednesday, June 4, to monitor progress at what is said to be a soon-to-be-operational facility.
“The visit highlights the provincial government’s commitment to boosting business for local farmers, expanding international trade and creating much-needed jobs. Our visit aimed at assessing if the market operates efficiently and whether it benefits communities across Mpumalanga,” said Ndlovu.

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The MIFPM, which cost about R1.7b to develop, was finally officially handed over to the MEC for agriculture, rural development, land and environmental affairs, Nompumelelo Hlophe, and the MEC for economic development and tourism, Makhosazane Masilela, on August 1, 2024.

The project was initially launched in November 2018 and was supposed to be completed by September 2020. However, several challenges arose, including community unrest and protesting workers.

The market is expected to provide access to local, regional and international fresh produce. It comprises a main building with all the necessary support facilities, an agro-processing building, and essential infrastructure such as access control points, roads, parking and related amenities. The project is anticipated to create both direct and indirect employment opportunities through the export of agricultural commodities to international markets.

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The hope is that the MIFPM will boost economic spin-offs for the province, attract investments, including from neighbouring Mozambique and the Kingdom of eSwatini, and continue creating more job opportunities, empowering locals, youth and women in particular.

In January 2025, Ndlovu undertook an outbound mission to the People’s Republic of China to establish co-operation with major players in the food and logistics industries for the MIFPM. The premier’s entourage included Hlophe and other senior officials.
Ndlovu’s outbound mission, from January 14 to 20, focused on Tianshui City and Longricunan City in the Gansu Province and Xiamen City in the Fujian Province, to sign bilateral agreements with reputable trade institutions such as the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation.