Business & Conferencing

Business & Conferencing


Nelson Mandela Bay prides itself on being a hub of regional, national and international business, providing modern conferencing facilities and venues. The area has sound infrastructure, which includes sophisticated services, communication systems and health care facilities. The Bay has been described as "an example to the rest of the country in its constructive efforts to make NMB one of the most growth-oriented cities in the "new" South Africa". 

All the major banks, building societies and insurance companies as well as the post office and telephone companies have their provincial regional offices in Port Elizabeth. They are connected to all the major financial centres of Southern Africa and the rest of the world. Their managements have international exposure and their administrations are based on the most advanced technology. These elements all contribute to Nelson Mandela Bay’s well established financial infrastructure.

The Port Elizabeth/Uitenhage area is a manufacturing powerhouse for South Africa. Companies located here are also ideally placed for exporting to the international market. They are especially equipped, in terms of labour and infrastructure, for value - added assignments in every sector of the formal economy, but particularly in manufacturing.  Since the 1920’s the Motor Industry has been a thriving sector and a massive contributor to the local economy of South Africa.

Nelson Mandela Bay, undoubtedly the motor manufacturing Mecca of Africa, is home to a vibrant and ever-growing industry which provides the basis of the region's manufacturing capacity. The largest car manufacturer in the country, Volkswagen South Africa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, is situated in Uitenhage. General Motors South Africa, formerly known as Delta Motor Corporation, has significant advantages not least of which is access to international markets. 

Nelson Mandela Bay offers a powerful strategic export and manufacturing platform for investors to achieve global competitive advantages, cost reductions and new market access. The area’s strategic position, midway between the west and east coast, bestows pronounced advantages over other competitors, in particular providing for the growth of niche exports. Further, the Coega Industrial Development Zone and the Port of Ngqura position the Nelson Mandela Bay region as the strategic trade link to both east and west markets.

Some of the more important industrial business in the Bay and surrounding areas is a R100-million "clean" power generation plant in the process of being established. Other businesses includes: Agriculture, banking institutions, bookkeeping, business consultants, Business services, Car dealers, Catering, Clothing manufacturers & distributors, Computer sales, services & training, Construction, Estate agents, Education, Electricity, gas & water distributors, Engineering services, Fishing enterprises, Furniture shops & manufacturers, Hardware, building supplies, Insurance, Legal practices, Medical suppliers, Nurseries, florist, garden services, Petrol and oil companies, Quarrying and mining, Retail business, Security, private investigators, Supermarkets, fruit & vegetables, Social & personnel services, Transport and many more.


South Africa's newest deepwater port is being developed on the Coega River, 20 kilometres east of Port Elizabeth in Nelson Mandela Bay. A channel gouged out by an ancient glacier to form the mouth of the Coega River allows the economic development of a deepwater port with a maximum draught estimated at 23 metres. The Ngqura deepwater port will complement the existing deepwater ports on the South African coastline at Richard's Bay on the east coast and Saldanha Bay on South Africa's west coast.

The depth of the channel and its situation in the protected Algoa Bay make it one of the best positions for a harbour on the South African coast. The bay, which is protected from the prevailing south-westerly winds by a spit of land, has 330 anchor days a year. 

There are numerous active associations and societies in Nelson Mandela Bay most of which are membership driven. Associations looking after the interests of tourists, as well as the standards of tourism products, are also active within Nelson Mandela Bay. These associations include, amongst others: CTA (SA), an independent association of Community Tourism Organisations (CTO's) that are largely funded by local government in South Africa, The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa who is in the business of setting up and managing a grading system for the entire tourism industry, FEDHASA, the voice for the Hospitality Industry in South Africa and SATSA, a non-profit, member driven association, representing the major players and principles including airlines, coach operators, tour operators, accommodation establishments, vehicle hire companies, attractions, conference organisers and related marketing organizations.

The Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI - with the aim of maintaining and improving standards of efficiency and professionalism in the conference industry), as well as TBCSA, the umbrella organisation representing the business sector involved in tourism, are actively involved in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Most clubs and associations meet on a regular basis, either once a week or once a month, at various venues located throughout the city. Many clubs advertise their activities and programs in the local community newspapers or on the local radio stations. Other advertising avenues include the Nelson Mandela Bay Calendar of Events as well as this website click on Events or Entertainment for additional information, or contact the offices of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism or Information Office.

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