The East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) is positioning itself at the forefront of South Africa’s transition to high-precision, technology-driven industrialisation.
The Advanced Manufacturing sector supports investment in automation, robotics, precision engineering, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials, building a future-ready, export-oriented manufacturing base.
Located within the Eastern Cape’s established industrial corridor, the ELIDZ offers easy access to logistics nodes, including major port and road infrastructure, ensuring efficient connectivity to domestic and international markets.
Through the Science and Technology Park (STP) and the Manufacturing Incubator, the zone promotes collaboration between industry, research institutions, and innovators creating an enabling environment for industrial growth and SMME participation.
SECTOR COMPOSITION
The ELIDZ’s Advanced Manufacturing cluster covers:
- Plastic conversion and light manufacturing
- Electronics and appliances
- Pharmaceuticals and life sciences
- Marine manufacturing and boatbuilding
- Aviation components and systems
This sector attracts diverse categories of investors from large-scale manufacturers seeking to expand industrial capacity to SMEs and startups pursuing innovation-driven niche production.
Mid- to large-scale investors are drawn by opportunities to scale efficiently through world-class infrastructure, logistics access, and SEZ incentives, while smaller firms and startups benefit from incubation, R&D collaboration, and advanced manufacturing support offered through the STP and Manufacturing Incubator.
Export-oriented firms are strategically positioned to reach African and global markets through preferential access to AfCFTA, BRICS, and EU trade channels, while market-seeking manufacturers can meet rising domestic and regional industrial demand with scalable production capacity. For technology-driven companies, the ELIDZ offers a platform to leverage innovation infrastructure and digital solutions for high-performance, next-generation manufacturing.
Why Invest in ELIDZ Advanced Manufacturing Sector?
Value Proposition
The ELIDZ offers a technology-enabled industrial ecosystem integrating world-class infrastructure, innovation networks, and institutional support. Investors benefit from a cost-efficient, digitally enabled, and export-ready platform that accelerates product development, industrial scalability, and market expansion. By merging automation, R&D collaboration, and skills excellence, the ELIDZ enables manufacturers to produce high-quality, globally competitive products in a sustainable and innovation-driven environment.