Kimberley: Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has described the Northern Cape as strategically positioned to become South Africa’s next major growth region. Addressing the second day of the Northern Cape Investment and Jobs Conference in Kimberley, Tau said the global race for green hydrogen is no longer speculative, with governments and corporations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas committing billions to secure supply chains.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Northern Cape sits at the intersection of clean energy, critical minerals, and green hydrogen. Tau emphasized that the province has the land, sun, and wind to become one of Africa’s leading renewable energy production zones. With initiatives like Boegoebaai and the Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy, the Northern Cape has the infrastructure anchor to build a hydrogen economy of genuine scale, supported by government commitment and investor interest.
The three-day conference aims to align government, business, and development partners around a shared program to unlock large-scale investment, accelerate industrial development, and create sustainable jobs. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has structured its approach to industrialization around decarbonization, diversification, and digitalization, aligning with the Northern Cape’s competitive advantages.
Tau highlighted that the G20/B20 Presidency, based on solidarity, equality, and sustainable development, will see government and the private sector collaborating to realize the Northern Cape’s potential as South Africa’s next economic frontier. As part of efforts to create a business-friendly environment, the government launched the investSA One Stop Shop in the province, ensuring broad, accessible engagement through multiple channels.
The One Stop Shop in the Northern Cape is a collaborative effort between the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Northern Cape’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Provincial Investment Promotion Agency, and other stakeholders, aimed at positioning the province as an attractive destination for global investors.