The Eastern Cape this week hosted the provincial leg of South Africa s G20 roadshow, aligning local development priorities with the country s historic G20 presidency, the first by an African nation. Held in Nelson Mandela Bay, the two-day event brought together policymakers, business leaders, and development stakeholders to advance inclusive economic growth.

Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni, officially launched the roadshow, joined by Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane and Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe. The programme focused on high-impact sectors identified for their potential to drive jobs and transformation, with key sessions on the Oceans Economy and the Township and Rural Economy.

At the Nelson Mandela Bay Yacht Club, Premier Mabuyane emphasised the Oceans Economy as a strategic growth frontier, linked to industrialisation, infrastructure, and skills development. He highlighted sectors such as maritime transport, aquaculture, and offshore bunkering as vital to leveraging the province s 800km coastline. Minister Ndabeni echoed this, spotlighting initiatives like the proposed fishing harbour at Port St. John s and coastal skills development programmes to support rural livelihoods.

The second day, held in New Brighton, explored revitalising township and rural economies through entrepreneurship and MSME development. The roadshow also included the launch of an Entrepreneurship Incubator at Nelson Mandela University and a Gala Dinner to celebrate innovation and partnerships.

The Eastern Cape s G20 roadshow reflects the province s ambition to harness national and global platforms to unlock economic opportunities for all communities.