The Limpopo provincial government is set to broaden support to enterprises owned by women, youth, persons with disabilities and military veterans and will establish a Provincial Enterprise Development Technical Committee and a Broad-Based Economic Empowerment Committee to improve coordination and measurable outcomes during the 2026\27 financial period.
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba revealed this in her State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Polokwane on Thursday, where she also highlighted small businesses as a key driver of inclusive economic growth.
Ramathuba said through the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA), the government supported 1,842 enterprises, including micro, small and medium-sized businesses and cooperatives.
Support programmes included financial assistance, equipment support, improved market access, and business development initiatives to strengthen emerging enterprises.
“A thriving small business sector is essential for inclusive economic growth and job creation across our province,” Ramathuba said.
She highlighted several sectors expected to drive economic expansion in the province, including mining, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and energy.
Agriculture remains a key driver of the provincial economy
Agriculture continues to play a major role in Limpopo’s economy, particularly in rural communities.
“Farming operations at Zebediela Citrus have started, which includes planting 500 hectares of white sugar beans as an early soil preparation towards our long-term citrus restoration. This intervention will also be a short-term cash flow generation mechanism; expected to create about 460 local job opportunities, especially during the harvesting period by July 2026,” Ramathuba said.
The province has also established an avocado processing facility in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality, creating opportunities for farmers to access value-added markets.
Investment pledges exceed targets
A central feature of the address was Limpopo’s investment drive under the initiative known as Limpopo Rising – Africa’s New Investment Frontier.
According to Ramathuba, the province secured 47 investment pledges valued at approximately R170 billion during the Limpopo Investment Conference held in October 2025.
The investment commitments exceeded the province’s initial target of R120 billion, signalling growing investor interest in Limpopo’s economic opportunities.
“These investment commitments demonstrate growing confidence in Limpopo as an emerging economic hub and an attractive destination for investors,” Ramathuba said.
She noted that the province’s economic contribution continues to grow, with Limpopo accounting for about 7.8% of South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Industrialisation and energy expansion
One of the projects expected to boost the province’s economic growth is the development of the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which aims to strengthen mineral beneficiation and manufacturing while attracting both domestic and international investors.
“We must ensure that our mineral resources benefit our people through beneficiation, industrial development and job creation within our province,” she said.
Ramathuba confirmed progress towards the Tubatse Pumped Storage Scheme, where Eskom has committed approximately R35 billion toward developing a large-scale pumped storage power facility.
The project is expected to generate about 1,500 megawatts of electricity capacity while supporting employment during both construction and operational phases.
