CEO's DESK: THE EASTERN CAPE CELEBRATES THE PRIVILEGE OF HOSTING 2 MAJOR AUTO EVENTS

The Eastern Cape Province will be hosting the 2 biggest events of the Automotive Sector in 2025, the Naacam Show 2025 (11-14 August) and the SA Autoweek (01-03 October), both to be held in Gqeberha at The Boardwalk Convention Centre and Coega Vulindlela Conference Centre, respectively. With all the challenges facing the automotive sector globally and locally, it is time for the province to showcase its capabilities to host, not only existing investors but also attract new investors.

The Eastern Cape produces over 45% of all vehicles produced in South Africa, exports about 54% out of the country through its port infrastructure to over 100 countries. The province further hosts over 42% of component suppliers on the Naacam database and produces components for local Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and for export markets.

Recently, the province rolled-out the best charging infrastructure network in the country for electric vehicles (EVs) and new energy vehicle (NEVs), an initiative that is fully funded by the Eastern Cape Provincial Government and implemented by the Automotive Industry Development Centre - Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC). 

 The two events have been on the radar of the Provincial Government for the past 3 years, and the province is pleased to have secured them. This is an opportunity to showcase a potential to attract new investments into the Eastern Cape, deliberate on ideas to assist existing investors from a provincial government perspective, either through policy lobby & projects, and also showcase the province's tourism offering.

The AIDC-EC expresses its great appreciation to the Provincial Government for availing resources that made it possible to bring these 2 events to the Eastern Cape. Special gratitude goes to the Naacam - National Executive Committee, in its wisdom and a decision to host the show this year in the Eastern Cape. Finally, much appreciation also goes to the Naamsa Council of OEMs, for choosing to celebrate 90 years of its establishment by hosting the SA Autoweek in the province. This is all awesome for the EASTERN CAPE BRAND.

This partnership between our Provincial Government and the Private Sector carries a lot of potential for the automotive sector, not only for the Eastern Cape but for South Africa at large. I therefore implore those attending both events, to use the platforms for networking, good business dealings, and positive deliberations for the future of the automotive sector in South Africa.

Thabo Shenxane

CEO: AIDC-EC