ECDC - Eastern Cape Development Corporation

ECDC - Eastern Cape Development Corporation Eastern Cape Development Corporation is the official economic development agency for the Eastern Cape

Our oceans sustain livelihoods, support industries, and play a critical role in maintaining environmental balance.Today,...
08/06/2026

Our oceans sustain livelihoods, support industries, and play a critical role in maintaining environmental balance.

Today, we recognise the importance of protecting marine ecosystems for future generations and sustainable economic growth.

PROTECTING JOBS, SUPPORTING BUSINESSES, GROWING OPPORTUNITIESThe Eastern Cape Development corporation (ECDC) manages the...
08/06/2026

PROTECTING JOBS, SUPPORTING BUSINESSES, GROWING OPPORTUNITIES

The Eastern Cape Development corporation (ECDC) manages the Jobs Protection and Stimulation Fund on behalf of the Eastern Cape Provincial Government. The Fund helps businesses keep employees at work and create new job opportunities.

Support programmes like the Jobs Protection and Stimulation Fund are important for helping Eastern Cape businesses remain sustainable.

The Fund provides an incentive of R10,000 for every job saved in a struggling business. To qualify, businesses must submit relevant financial information that can be verified through their financial records and reviewed by ECDC.

Priority may be given to businesses operating in sectors identified in provincial economic development policies and strategies.

For more, visit: www.ecdc.co.za/dfbs

Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism



ECDC SHOWCASES FILM LOCATION EASTERN CAPE AT THE INTERNATIONAL TOURISM FILM FESTIVAL AFRICA (ITFFA) 2026The Eastern Cape...
07/06/2026

ECDC SHOWCASES FILM LOCATION EASTERN CAPE AT THE INTERNATIONAL TOURISM FILM FESTIVAL AFRICA (ITFFA) 2026

The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) participated in the International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) 2026 held in Braamfontein, Johannesburg from 2 – 5 June 2026. ITFFA is a premier platform that connects the film, tourism and investment sectors to unlock economic opportunities through storytelling and destination marketing.

Through its engagement at ITFFA, ECDC showcased the Eastern Cape as a world-class filming and tourism destination, highlighting the province’s diverse locations, investment opportunities and growing creative economy. The festival provided valuable opportunities to connect with filmmakers, tourism stakeholders, investors and international partners, while promoting sustainable tourism and film-led economic development.

ECDC's participation aligns with its commitment to attracting investment, supporting local creative enterprises, developing industry skills, and positioning the Eastern Cape as a competitive destination for film production and tourism experiences.

ECDC’s investment promotion efforts are aimed at creating platforms that attract investors, filmmakers, and tourism stakeholders. This synergy supports the positioning of the Eastern Cape as a destination that offers both world-class tourism experiences and viable opportunities for film production.

Invest SA Eastern Cape
Eastern Cape Film Expo
Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism




The ECDC participated in the SIPPO Import Promotion Forum in Switzerland as part of its strategic partnership with the S...
05/06/2026

The ECDC participated in the SIPPO Import Promotion Forum in Switzerland as part of its strategic partnership with the Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO). Through the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations, the partnership continues to strengthen the ECDC’s capacity to support Eastern Cape businesses in accessing Swiss and broader European markets.

The forum brought together trade promotion and export development organisations from 11 countries to explore emerging global trade trends, evolving market requirements, and new opportunities for exporters. Discussions highlighted the growing importance of sustainability, regulatory compliance, product quality, certification, and market intelligence in building globally competitive businesses.

A key message from the forum was that export success is built on reliability, consistency, transparency, and strong partnerships. The engagement highlighted the significance of equipping small businesses with the tools and knowledge needed to meet international standards, unlock new markets, and drive inclusive economic growth through exports.

As part of its stakeholder engagement programme in Gqeberha, the ECDC conducted site visits to four businesses that have...
05/06/2026

As part of its stakeholder engagement programme in Gqeberha, the ECDC conducted site visits to four businesses that have benefited from its financial support, providing an opportunity to gain firsthand insight into their operations, successes, challenges and growth opportunities.

The ECDC delegation, led by Acting CEO, Mr Lionel Billings, visited Daba Enterprise, Dovi Peanuts, Electrocoat, and Fred Footwear, engaging directly with business owners and management teams on issues affecting business growth, operational sustainability, market access, and job creation.

The visits formed part of the Corporation’s commitment to maintaining meaningful relationships with its stakeholders as well as ensuring that its support interventions remain responsive to the evolving needs of businesses across the province. The engagements also provided a valuable platform for businesses to share their experiences and identify opportunities for further support and collaboration.

A shared commitment to strengthening partnerships and expanding economic impact emerged from the ECDC Stakeholder Engage...
05/06/2026

A shared commitment to strengthening partnerships and expanding economic impact emerged from the ECDC Stakeholder Engagement in Gqeberha.

Acting CEO, Mr Lionel Billings, reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to carrying out its mandate with utmost deligence, listening to stakeholders, improving its service offering and broadening its impact across the region. He also encouraged continued engagement with the ECDC’s regional office in the area.

Stakeholders demonstrated a strong willingness to work alongside the Corporation, offering practical recommendations and identifying opportunities for deeper collaboration.

The engagement also featured inspiring client testimonials. Ms Nosikhumbuzo Njobe of Rest Multipurpose Cooperative shared how ECDC grant funding enabled her business to acquire a waste collection bakkie and branding, strengthening its operational capacity and visibility.

Ms Mihlali Quntana of Bake It Perfect, a youth-led enterprise, also reflected on the support received from the ECDC and the positive impact it has had on the growth of the business.

The engagement concluded with a shared commitment to advancing inclusive economic growth through stronger partnerships, coordinated action and sustainable development.

Protecting the environment is essential to building sustainable communities and economies. This World Environment Day, w...
05/06/2026

Protecting the environment is essential to building sustainable communities and economies.

This World Environment Day, we reaffirm the importance of responsible development and environmental stewardship in shaping the future of the Eastern Cape.

As part of the sector development and investment promotion in the Joe Gqabi District, ECDC Senior Manager: Manufacturing...
04/06/2026

As part of the sector development and investment promotion in the Joe Gqabi District, ECDC Senior Manager: Manufacturing and Agro-processing, Mr Akho Skenjana highlighted the Corporation's contribution to the Nqanqarhu Feedlot project towards bankability and investor readiness. This forms part of the ECDC's agreement with JoGEDA for regional economic development. He also underscored the ECDC's role as a development finance institution, providing both funding and business support services to qualifying enterprises and investors.

The conference exhibition complemented these discussions by showcasing local businesses, entrepreneurs and development projects, creating opportunities for direct engagement between investors, businesses and development partners. By connecting investment opportunities with potential investors, the platform demonstrated the district's economic potential and helped pave the way for future partnerships and growth.

Through its participation, the ECDC reinforced its role as a catalyst for investment, enterprise development and sustainable economic growth across the Eastern Cape.

The ECDC joined government, business and development stakeholders at the inaugural Joe Gqabi Investment Conference to ad...
04/06/2026

The ECDC joined government, business and development stakeholders at the inaugural Joe Gqabi Investment Conference to advance investment-led growth and strengthen strategic partnerships aimed at unlocking economic opportunities across the district. As the province’s economic development agency, the ECDC remains committed to facilitating investment, supporting enterprise development and driving inclusive economic growth in the Eastern Cape.

The conference highlighted opportunities to attract investment that stimulates local economies, strengthens value-chain industries and creates sustainable livelihoods. It also reinforced the importance of securing long-term strategic partnerships that deliver meaningful economic impact and shared prosperity.

The conference showcased more than 10 bankable investment-ready opportunities across agriculture, agro-processing, renewable energy, tourism, property development, industrial development and logistics.

Executive Mayor: Joe Gqabi District Municipality, Cllr Nomvuyo Mposelwa, stated, "Potential alone does not create jobs. Potential must be packaged, promoted, financed and implemented."

Acting MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Nonceba Kontsiwe emphasised the importance of collaboration and implementation, stating that "knowledge without action is of little value."

MEC: Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Zolile Williams further highlighted that sustainable prosperity is built through investment in productive sectors that create jobs, develop skills and improve lives.

We are pleased to announce that Mr Akho Skenjana, Senior Manager: Manufacturing and Agro-processing at the ECDC, will pa...
04/06/2026

We are pleased to announce that Mr Akho Skenjana, Senior Manager: Manufacturing and Agro-processing at the ECDC, will participate as a panelist at the Joe Gqabi Investment Conference 2026.

Mr Skenjana will contribute to discussions on investment opportunities, industrial development and value-chain growth, sharing insights on how strategic investment can strengthen manufacturing and agro-processing while creating sustainable economic opportunities in the Eastern Cape.

Address

ECDC House, Ocean Terrace Park, Moore Street, Quigney
East London
5201

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30
Thursday 08:00 - 16:30
Friday 08:00 - 16:30

Telephone

+27437045600

Website

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