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An economic
development strategy study has pinpointed the following major sectors
to enhance the development in the Province:
Agri-business
The allocation of new water rights to previously disadvantaged farmers
and changes in national water policy have made growth in the primary
agricultural and agro-processing sectors feasible. Water is wealth
to this sub-continent when you consider that only 4% of Sub-Saharan
Africa is irrigated.
A number of dysfunctional
state-owned irrigation schemes could be rehabilitated to create
opportunities for private sector investment in partnership with
local communities.
Other opportunities identified
in the region include greenhouse production of cut flowers and baby
vegetables, almond, peach, citrus and table grape cultivation, livestock
production and pork weaning.
Mining
Complimentary to the mining efforts, opportunities are ripe for
private sector investment in the manufacture of magnesium oxide,
cement, lime-based products to granite. Seven economic development
clusters have been identified for immediate expansion. Factory space
and a sound support infrastructure are already in place.
Research indicates that
scope exists for the development of a further 22 mines in the Dilokong
region. This would require investment of $785 million and could
create employment of 5 700 people.
Furthermore, a study
commissioned by the Limpopo Provincial Government concluded that
the Waterberg Basin coal field in the western parts of the Province
has considerable potential for development including fuel-from-coal
liquefaction.
Tourism
Tourism is recognised as one of the Province’s strongest comparative
advantages. The region has recently gained international status
following a decision by the United Nation’s agency, UNESCO,
to recognize the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve as a protected
environment of international conservation importance. The recognition
further enhances the Limpopo Lowveld’s ambitions to become
one of the world’s premier eco-tourism destinations.
Letaba Ranch and Manyeleti, two state-owned game and nature reserves
bordering on the Kruger National Park to the north and South of
Palaborwa, have already been opened to private sector development,
enhancing the range of facilities in the region and its attractiveness
to tourists.
Manufacturing
With it’s wealth of mineral and agricultural resources, its
sophisticated infrastructure and its proximity to growing consumer
markets in the rest of the sub-continent, the Limpopo Province offers
many investment opportunities in the manufacturing sector.
These opportunities range from tanning, the cultivation of fruit
and vegetables, the processing of meat, the manufacturing of jewellery,
furniture and industrial chemicals and the rendering of light to
medium sized engineering services.
Complimentary to the
mining efforts, opportunities are available for private sector investment
in the manufacturing and utilization of magnesium oxide, cement,
lime-based products, and granite. Seven economic development clusters
have been identified for immediate expansion and abundant factory
space and sound support infrastructure already in place. These development
clusters are Waterberg, Vhembe, Mopani, Capricorn and Sekhukhune.
Various organizations
have already been successfully established in the Limpopo Province,
which include the following:
Silicon Smelters (silicon smelting);
Anglo Platinum (platinum smelting);
Eskom (electricity generation);
Granor Passi (fruit juices);
Bonanza (furniture manufacturing);
Kanhym (meat processing).
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