Construction of the highly anticipated Nkomazi Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) in Komatipoort is set to run from the 2026/27 financial year until 2028.

The NSEZ is a multi-sector industrial zone focused on agro-processing, logistics, and export-oriented manufacturing along the Maputo Corridor. It will also include primary agricultural production of rice, cotton, avocado, and sunflower.

The CEO of NSEZ, Dr Nontobeko Mahlalela, said the first logistics investor, DP World, has finalised its lease agreement, while agreements with two more investors are in the final stages. Signed investors will begin construction activities alongside bulk infrastructure development.

“The zone has attracted over 28 investors in agro-processing, manufacturing, logistics, and the green energy sector, with an estimated 45 000 jobs to be created and an investment value exceeding R5m,” Mahlalela said.

The NSEZ entered into a 50-year land lease agreement with the Nkomazi Local Municipality.

The site has obtained environmental authorisation and a water use licence.

Last financial year, 300ha of the site were fenced. Township establishment – the legal process converting land into small stands for commercial and industrial use – has been completed, while preliminary and detailed engineering designs are being implemented.

ALSO READ: Mpumalanga MEC hands over 70m-worth of road maintenance fleet

Mahlalela revealed these updates during her presentation at the Ehlanzeni District Municipality Investment Indaba on Thursday, March 12.

The zone is currently in phase two of implementation, which includes establishing it as an entity under the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism, setting up corporate governance, developing the land, and building a strong investment pipeline. It is a pilot project of the national Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

Since being gazetted in 2019, the SEZ has been featured in the State of the Province Address (Sopa). In the 2026 address on March 5, Premier Mandla Ndlovu said the provincial government is pleased with its implementation progress. He noted that while progress may not yet be visible, designs for bulk water, electricity, and sewerage systems are being finalised.

ALSO READ: Smart Agriculture Project supports offender rehabilitation in Mbombela

Ndlovu also mentioned ongoing engagement with Sanral regarding the N4 ring road in Komatipoort and collaboration with Infrastructure South Africa to unlock R1.2b for phase one of construction.

The SEZ was allocated R45m for infrastructure development from the Mpumalanga Provincial Budget for the 2026/27 financial year. In 2022, R64.9m was allocated towards operational costs, professional services, and capital infrastructure to kick-start the SEZ, while an unspent R7m from the 2025/26 financial year was reallocated.