Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane has tabled a R1.5 billion budget for the Office of the Premier for the 2026/27 financial year, outlining a reform-focused agenda aimed at accelerating economic growth, improving service delivery, and strengthening governance.

Presenting his policy speech to the Provincial Legislature, Premier Mabuyane acknowledged the province s persistent socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment, poverty, inequality, crime, and gender-based violence. He positioned the budget as a strategic response to these pressures, aimed at driving measurable development outcomes.

The Office of the Premier will prioritise inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and building a capable, ethical state. He emphasised the need for stronger coordination across government departments to ensure programmes translate into tangible impact for communities.

Economic development remains central, with coordinated interventions planned across key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, the oceans economy, and digital industries. Efforts to attract investment will continue, including plans to host another Provincial Investment Conference and deepen international partnerships.

While no new funding has been allocated to the Isiqalo Youth Fund this year, Premier Mabuyane highlighted its ongoing impact, noting that 50 youth-owned enterprises have already been supported across sectors including agriculture, ICT, and the creative industries, against an initial target of 60 enterprises valued at R40 million.

The Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council has also been strengthened through recent restructuring and the appointment of a new board. It is expected to play a key role in convening a Provincial Development Convention to align stakeholders around a shared growth agenda. Premier Mabuayne concluded by calling for collective action across government, business, labour, and civil society to unlock the Eastern Cape s full potential and build a more inclusive, resilient economy.