The Atlantis SEZ is the result of six years of collaborative effort involving the City of Cape Town, the Western Cape Government, and the national Department of Trade and Industry (the dti). After the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the dti in 2013, the Western Cape Government submitted an application in 2015 to the dti to have parts of the Atlantis Industrial area declared an SEZ.

The submission of the application followed the introduction of a new national SEZ Policy, which aimed to address the challenges with the government’s previous Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) programme. The policy review and the new SEZ Programme, which began in 2007, were also brought about by the developments in national economic policies and strategies such as the National Industrial Policy Framework and the New Growth Path. Additionally, global economic environment developments, such as the formation of BRICS, played a role. Other relevant policies include the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP).

Provincially, the zone complements the Western Cape Government Green Economy Strategy Framework and the City of Cape Town’s Atlantis 2023 strategy.

The dti held public consultations in October 2017 and received overwhelming support in favor of establishing the Atlantis SEZ. On 7 June 2018, the South African Cabinet approved the decision by the then Minister of Trade and Industry to designate the Atlantis Special Economic Zone. This was after the Special Economic Zones Advisory Board was satisfied with the rationale and scale of economic opportunities in the region. They recommended that the then Minister of Trade and Industry designate the proposed area and grant a Special Economic Zones License to the Western Cape Provincial Department of Economic Opportunities. The President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, officially launched the Atlantis SEZ on 06 December 2018.

.

Situated on South Africa’s West Coast, the Atlantis SEZ capitalizes on the Western Cape Province’s already booming renewable energy and green technology sector, tapping into the estimated US$3 trillion global clean technology market. The SEZ will boost the South African manufacturing sector, build investor confidence, create jobs, and reduce poverty.

It is expected that the zone will attract a further estimated R3.7 billion of investment by manufacturers of wind blades, smart meters, batteries, wind turbines, solar photovoltaics (PV), and by other players in the waste, agri-processing, gas, and chemicals value chains. The goal is to create nearly 3000 direct jobs in the zone by 2030.

An estimated R700 million has already been invested in the Atlantis SEZ, of which R475 million has been by Gestamp Renewable Industries, a wind tower manufacturer. A geotextiles manufacturer has invested R130 million to date, and a double-glazed window manufacturer has invested R50 million. A wind tower internals manufacturer has invested R25 million. R20 million was recently invested by an acetylene gas manufacturer.

Because of these investments, about 312 new jobs have been created in the zone to date. (GRI employs 295 staff, of which 80-85% are Atlantis residents).

In addition to jobs and investments, the people of Atlantis have also benefited in a number of other ways:

Skills development and training for adults has taken the form of training sessions on solar PV for people from Atlantis and surrounds, and the recruitment of three female interns from Atlantis to work in the SEZ project office. The women successfully transitioned into permanent appointments with the SEZ project office in 2016.

Additional skills development programmes are currently being rolled out, focusing on digital literacy, supporting teachers, as well as a dedicated supplier development programme to support local SMMEs.

Other benefits for Atlantis include the upgrade of the power supply, fiber connectivity and MyCiti transport links.

The Atlantis SEZ (ASEZ) fosters community engagement through continuous stakeholder interaction, ensuring social inclusion and economic empowerment. Community members can participate by attending ASEZ-hosted events, forums, and public meetings, staying informed through official updates, and collaborating with public and private stakeholders. Local initiatives supported by ASEZ create opportunities for volunteering, partnership development, and project proposals aimed at economic and social growth. Through open dialogue, the community can contribute to policy-making, infrastructure planning, and sustainability efforts.

A central pillar of community engagement is the Enterprise Development Initiative (EDI) at ASEZ, designed to empower local entrepreneurs and small businesses. The EDI provides access to training, funding, and mentorship programs, enabling businesses to scale and integrate into ASEZ’s supply chains. By registering as suppliers or service providers, local enterprises can benefit from procurement opportunities linked to ASEZ’s growing industrial ecosystem. This initiative strengthens the local economy, creates jobs, and fosters a thriving business environment that aligns with the community’s long-term development goals.

The Atlantis Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) ensures community benefits through its focus on inclusive growth, skills development, and enterprise empowerment. By integrating the community into its development plans, ASEZ creates job opportunities, supports small businesses, and promotes socio-economic progress. Its strategy includes fostering partnerships with industry leaders and financial institutions to strengthen local businesses and build a resilient green economy. The community benefits through local procurement, infrastructure upgrades, and business development, with a commitment to prioritizing Atlantis residents for job creation.

The Integrated Ecosystem Services (IES) Unit drives community-focused programs that equip locals with future-ready skills. Projects like the STEAM Initiative enhance academic performance in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), while the Building Renewable Energy Conscious Communities (BRECCS) trains unemployed youth to become renewable energy champions. The Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) program formalizes trade skills, increasing employability in industrial sectors. These initiatives build a skilled workforce that supports the region’s growing green economy.

The Enterprise Development Unit (EDU) empowers SMMEs through funding, skills development, and market access. ASEZ has achieved 35% SMME participation in workstreams related to Zone 1 construction projects, ensuring operational readiness and business growth. Collaborations with ABSA Bank and PepsiCo have provided financial support, including credit for civil works contractors and zero-interest loans for small-scale farmers. Additionally, the ASEZ partnered with the National Business Initiative (NBI) to deliver a six-month Installation, Repairs, and Maintenance (IRM) Program, enhancing technical skills and requiring participating SMMEs to hire and train local youth. Through these initiatives, ASEZ drives sustainable development and economic empowerment for the Atlantis community.

The Atlantis Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) is committed to sustainability through its net-zero initiatives, Living Lab approach, and piloting of innovative technologies. Its development follows international Eco-Industrial Park standards set by the National Cleaner Production Centre and UNIDO, focusing on Resource Efficient Cleaner Production (RECP), industrial symbiosis, and circular economy principles. These efforts aim to reduce carbon emissions, conserve resources, and position ASEZ as a leader in sustainable industrial development.

Net-Zero Initiatives target energy, water, and waste management. All factories in the zone will have 40% solar rooftop coverage, integrated with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to enhance energy resilience. In collaboration with the Long Duration Energy Storage Council, ASEZ is conducting a microgrid energy-sharing study to optimise renewable energy use. Water-sensitive designs, water recycling systems, and smart metering for energy and water usage will guide businesses toward improved resource efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

The Living Lab Approach supports ASEZ’s environmental goals by testing and scaling green technologies. Pilots include the LuVside micro wind turbine pilot for on-site wind energy generation and the Hyena Power Pod, which integrates hydrogen generators and fuel cells that deploy 5-20kW of power as a clean alternative to diesel backup systems. ASEZ also prioritises zero-waste-to-landfill targets by promoting e-waste recycling and industrial symbiosis, where by-products from one process are used as inputs for another. These sustainability-driven innovations reduce operational costs, support decarbonisation, and ensure local businesses remain competitive under the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

There are strong and growing South African and African markets for greentech. The South African greentech manufacturing market is worth at least R30billion; with a growing greentech market in the neighbouring countries. South Africa has opportunities in energy, waste, agriculture, transport and other sectors and is a great entry point for the SADC market.

Atlantis is a great location and development ready. 93 hectares of zoned City of Cape Town land is available for leasing to investors. Bulk infrastructure is in place and Atlantis has new public transport and shipping links and fiber connectivity. Atlantis is also close to major ports, roads, universities and greentech markets.

Investors have access to extensive investment support through the One Stop Shop for investor support and the rest of the investor support ecosystem, which includes InvestSA, GreenCape, the City of Cape Town, and Wesgro. Together the ecosystem provides information and advocacy; market intelligence; facilitated access to permits and licenses, planning and development approval; and skills training. .

Investors and tenants are accessing attractive incentives in the form of tax relief and allowances, employment tax incentives, fast-tracked development approvals, fee exemptions and subsidies.

There is an attractive, wide-ranging skills base to recruit from with 5 universities and many more colleges in the province, and a large range of unskilled, semi-skilled, technical and professional candidates..

Investing in the Atlantis SEZ is a straightforward process designed to guide you from enquiry to site occupation. Here’s an overview:

1. Initial Enquiry

Investors start by contacting the Atlantis SEZ through investment promotion channels. Provide basic details about your proposed investment.

2. Application and Assessment

After your enquiry, you will be guided to complete an application form. A preliminary review and assessment of your proposal will follow.

3. Approval Process

The submitted application undergoes an approval process, including due diligence and recommendations for investment.

4. Development and Approvals

Once approved, necessary development and infrastructure applications are submitted. This includes securing permits and authorisations to proceed.

5. Construction and Site Readiness

Detailed designs and construction plans are finalised. The site is prepared for occupation and operations upon completion.

6. Property Management

Lease agreements are finalised, and ongoing tenant support and site management services are provided.

Want to Know More?

For detailed information about the investment process and requirements, please contact our Business Development Executive: Jarrod Lyons
Email: jarrod@atlantissez.co.za