E Cape Invests in Italy and Greece to Boost Maritime Economy and Global Trade Links

Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane is leading a high-level government and business delegation on an official mission to Italy and Greece aimed at expanding international trade partnerships, attracting investment, and positioning the province as a major maritime and logistics hub on the African continent.

The working visit, taking place from 24 May to 5 June 2026, forms part of the Eastern Cape Provincial Government’s broader international relations and economic diplomacy strategy focused on unlocking growth opportunities in:

• Maritime industries

• Oceans economy development

• Tourism

• Renewable energy

• Port infrastructure

• Global trade partnerships

The mission reflects growing efforts by South African provinces to strengthen direct international economic engagement and attract foreign investment into strategic sectors.

Eastern Cape Targets Global Maritime Opportunities

A central focus of the visit is the promotion of the Eastern Cape’s oceans economy potential and its strategic coastal location along key international shipping routes.

The delegation is expected to engage with:

• Government officials

• Maritime industry leaders

• Port authorities

• Shipping investors

• Training institutions

• International business stakeholders

across:

• Rome

• Sicily

• Naples

• Malta

• Athens

The programme includes:

• Government meetings

• Investment roundtables

• Maritime sector engagements

• Business networking sessions

• International trade discussions

Participation in Posidonia 2026 a Key Highlight

One of the major highlights of the mission will be the delegation’s participation in:

• Posidonia 2026

widely regarded as one of the world’s leading maritime and shipping exhibitions.

The global event attracts:

• Shipping companies

• Maritime investors

• Port operators

• Marine technology firms

• Industry policymakers

from across the world.

The Eastern Cape delegation plans to use the platform to:

• Promote investment opportunities

• Build international maritime partnerships

• Strengthen global visibility for the province’s port economy

Focus Areas Include Ports, Shipbuilding and Aquaculture

The provincial government said the mission will focus on expanding cooperation in several strategic sectors, including:

• Oceans economy development

• Maritime industries

• Port infrastructure and logistics

• Shipbuilding and ship repair

• Aquaculture and fisheries

• Tourism and hospitality

• Renewable energy

• Maritime education and training

• Skills development

• Trade and investment partnerships

Officials believe these sectors hold strong potential for:

• Economic diversification

• Industrialisation

• Job creation

• Export growth

within the Eastern Cape economy.

Mabuyane Says Eastern Cape Positioned as Maritime Hub

Premier Mabuyane said the province is strategically positioned to emerge as a major investment and maritime centre within Africa.

“The Eastern Cape is strategically positioned to become a leading maritime and investment hub on the African continent,” he said.

According to the Premier, the international engagements aim to secure partnerships that can contribute to:

• Economic growth

• Skills transfer

• Infrastructure development

• Industrial expansion

• Employment opportunities

for communities across the province.

Italy Engagements to Focus on Port Development and Innovation

During the Italy leg of the programme, the delegation will hold discussions with:

• Regional governments

• Maritime training institutions

• Port authorities

• Industry leaders

in:

• Lazio

• Civitavecchia

• Palermo

• Reggio Emilia

• Naples

The discussions are expected to explore potential cooperation agreements in:

• Maritime training

• Port management

• Tourism development

• Aquaculture

• Manufacturing

• Innovation ecosystems

Italy is regarded as one of Europe’s major maritime economies with globally recognised expertise in:

• Port logistics

• Shipping

• Marine engineering

• Coastal tourism

Greece Visit Targets Shipping and Maritime Partnerships

In Greece, the delegation will participate in the Posidonia International Shipping Exhibition and engage directly with stakeholders from the global shipping sector.

Meetings are expected with:

• Shipping associations

• Maritime investors

• Government representatives

• Training institutions

• Industry executives

The Eastern Cape government also plans to present investment opportunities linked to:

• Coastal infrastructure

• Ports

• Marine industries

• Tourism

• Industrial zones

Broad Provincial Representation Included in Delegation

The delegation includes representatives from multiple provincial institutions and agencies, including:

• Office of the Premier

• Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism

• Eastern Cape Development Corporation

• Coega Special Economic Zone

• East London Industrial Development Zone

• Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency

• Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council

The mission also includes participation from:

• Maritime-linked institutions affiliated with Nelson Mandela University

• Members of the provincial business community

Officials said the inclusion of both government and business stakeholders is intended to strengthen investment promotion and encourage practical commercial partnerships.

Oceans Economy Seen as Key Growth Sector

South Africa has increasingly identified the oceans economy as a major driver of future economic growth under initiatives such as:

• Operation Phakisa

The Eastern Cape, with its extensive coastline and strategic ports including:

• Ngqura

• East London

• Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)

is considered one of the country’s key maritime provinces.

Provincial authorities have been seeking to expand opportunities in:

• Shipping

• Marine manufacturing

• Logistics

• Aquaculture

• Coastal tourism

• Renewable marine energy

to stimulate industrial development and employment.

Mission Intended to Expand Province’s Global Footprint

The Eastern Cape government said the mission is expected to help:

• Expand international trade relationships

• Strengthen diplomatic and economic partnerships

• Increase foreign investment flows

• Support inclusive economic development

Officials believe stronger global partnerships can help accelerate:

• Infrastructure development

• Industrial growth

• Skills transfer

• Technology cooperation

across the province.

Governance Continuity Maintained During Visit

During Premier Mabuyane’s absence, Eastern Cape Finance MEC Mlungisi Mvoko will serve as:

• Acting Premier

to ensure continuity in provincial governance and administration.

The international mission reflects growing provincial efforts to position the Eastern Cape as a globally connected economic region capable of competing for investment and industrial partnerships in strategic sectors linked to the global maritime economy.