Absa Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) has partnered with the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber on a dedicated projects desk, to unlock untapped potential in the Bay by supporting business reinvention in the economically expanding metro.
The desk will identify, package, and accelerate high-potential projects aimed at attracting investment, creating employment, and unlocking the regions economic potential.
Chamber CEO Denise van Huyssteen said the desk will focus on strategic sectors such as renewable energy, agro-processing, and the low-carbon economy, to position Nelson Mandela Bay as a rising hub for innovation and sustainable growth.
“This is about creating an economy that works differently — one that is innovative and agile, able to respond to the fast-changing environment and to be investment ready,” Van Huyssteen said.
“We know that economic reinvention doesn’t happen from the sidelines.
“That’s why we’re stepping into the space of action, to create real momentum around the Bay of Opportunity vision.”
The Bay of Opportunity strategic development campaign was launched in mid-2024, aiming to position Nelson Mandela Bay as a diverse investment and low-carbon manufacturing hub on the African continent, showcasing its economic and infrastructural capabilities alongside SA’s other investment hubs.
The projects desk will serve as the delivery arm of the chamber’s local economy reinvention think tank — the strategic body behind the Bay of Opportunity vision.
Absa CIB coverage banker and project spokesperson, Jules Shefer, said they were proud to join forces with the chamber in the transformative initiative.
“The projects desk represents a powerful step towards unlocking the region’s economic potential.
“As part of our Force for Good strategic pillar, we are committed to supporting the development of local businesses and fostering inclusive growth that drives employment and builds resilient, future-ready industries.
“Together, we can shape a thriving and sustainable economic landscape for the Bay and its communities,” Shefer said.
Seven projects have already been identified for the projects desk, which include:
- Generate economic intelligence to identify new growth opportunities;
- Assess economic risks to guide smarter investments;
- Promote policy reforms that create a friendlier business climate;
- Test pre-feasibility of high potential ideas to ensure viability and speed up implementation;
- And provide technical expertise to help move projects from paper to practice.
Van Huyssteen said Absa’s involvement reflects a deep, strategic commitment to inclusive economic ecosystems.
“Absa’s partnership gives us both the expertise and the muscle to turn great ideas into actionable, fundable projects,” she said.
The Herald
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