eThekwini Municipality
Durban (Zulu: eThekwini, meaning 'Bay') is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and the third largest in the country. The eThekwini Municipality has a total population of 3,584,681 spread across 2,300 km2. The city's vision is that by 2020, eThekwini will be Africa's most caring and liveable city. Durban has a diversified economy with strong manufacturing, tourism, transportation, finance and government sectors. The city is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa and is one of the major centres of tourism due to the warm subtropical climate and extensive beaches. In 2010, the city posted a GDP of R196,7 billion (at Constant 2005 Prices).
The City's natural assets include 98 kilometres of coastline, 17 estuaries, 63,114 hectares of open space, 4,000 kilometres of rivers, 18 catchments and two of the biggest harbours in the southern hemisphere.
Recent new developments include the residential and leisure developments at the Durban Point Waterfront. The recent Moses Mabhida Stadium and other infrastructure developments for the 2010 FIFA World Cup has further underpinned the city as the events capital of the country.
Department of Investment Promotion Agency
The Durban Investment Promotion Agency (DIPA), now to be known as the Department of Investment and Promotion - a department within the eThekwini Municipality, was recommended, was recommended by the Durban City Council and organised private business as the appropriate vehicle to stimulate economic growth and new investment in the Durban metropolis. DIPA's main purpose is to Facilitate sustainable investment in Durban for the benefit of all, through retaining existing and attracting new business:
- Expansion, retention and aftercare of local corporate business within the Municipal Region;
- Proactive promotion and marketing of Durban the Region as a premium investment destination;
- Proactive communication and marketing of the City's large investment projects and core strategies;
- Identification and development of new investment & business infrastructure opportunities, especially for the previously disadvantaged groups;
- Attraction, support and facilitation for prospective and new foreign investors in Durban;
- Improvement in the investment and economic development environment, in partnership with the National, Provincial, City and Business Authorities.
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development
This provincial department has a strategic mandate to help promote economic development and growth in the province. The Department is playing a leadership role in the efforts aimed at creating work and fighting poverty from food security to real economic growth. Our Strategic Plan has specific and results oriented economic interventions that are also in line with its overall organizational vision and mission.
The vision of the Department is to ensure that KwaZulu-Natal becomes a thriving, globally competitive economy that houses dynamic industrial and service sectors, characterized by excellent service standards, with a high level of employment, raising the quality of life and an economic environment supporting empowerment and creating prosperity for all.
Trade and Investment KZN
Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal is a South African trade and investment promotion agency, developed to promote the province of KwaZulu-Natal as an investment destination, and promote trade by assisting local companies to identify markets and export their products. At the helm of the institution is the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Zamo Gwala supported by the board of directors from the key industries in KwaZulu-Natal. The institution also boasts a staff of 34 members skilled in marketing, investment promotion, strategy and research as well as project management. This repository is designed to provide access to information about KwaZulu-Natal.
Disclaimer
The material on this site has been derived from various sources believed to be accurate and reliable. The eThekwini Municipality, Durban Investment Promotion Agency, Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal and the Province of KwaZulu-Natal's Department of Economic Development do not assume responsibility for any error, omission or opinion expressed as well as investment decisions based on the information contained herein.