The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to tackle South Africa’s triple challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment by providing support to MMSEZ, in technical support and expertise; capacity building and skills development; research and innovation; solutions for sustainable development, knowledge advancement, attracting foreign investment/investors and facilitating partnerships to address developmental needs.

The partnership is anchored by the ambition to accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a collection of 17 interlinked goals designed to be a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all’, the two parties will deliver a portfolio of interventions focusing on advancing the above areas.

The key focus areas of this partnership will include the identification and piloting of affordable and clean energy solutions, preventing deforestation and improving knowledge on environmental best practices. The collaboration will also focus intently on supporting early-stage businesses and skills development within the MMSEZ locality. More strategically, this collaboration will support the development and promotion MMSEZ initiatives like the upcoming smart city that will leverage on the existing skills, talent, and resources to benefit local people.

“This collaboration supports the sustainability of the Special Economic Zone for the prosperity of Musina-Makhado local communities. We aim to exercise our convening power to bring in all the key and relevant actors to help advance MMSEZ’s mandate through promoting shared prosperity, environmental sustainability, social advancement, and innovation,” said Dr. Ayodele Odusola, Resident Representative for UNDP South Africa.

The South African Government established the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Programme in efforts to transform the country’s economy into a globally competitive industrial economy, built on the full potential of all citizens and regions. The MMSEZ was commissioned by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition to accelerate sustainable job creation, economic growth and development in the region and aiding companies to develop industrial cluster(s) for the production of value-added products for the domestic and export market.

MMSEZ CEO Lehlogonolo Masoga shared “the MOU between UNDP and MMSEZ represents a significant milestone in creating a framework for collaboration and the development of an annual work plan that will put into effect activities and resources in our endeavours in clean energy, sustainable economic growth through skills development and enterprise development, amongst others.”

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ISSUED JOINTLY BY THE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AND THE MUSINA-MAKHADO SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE

For media enquiries contact:

Ntokozo Mahlangu, UNDP Communications Analyst

Tel: +27 12 354 8031

Mobile:  +27 60 533 6760

ntokozo.mahlangu@undp.org

Shavana Mushwana

Marketing and Communication Manager

Mobile: +27 66 173 8957

S.Mushwana@mmsez.co.za

About the MMSEZ

Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone State Owned Company (MMSEZ SOC) was established as a public entity in terms of the SEZ Act no. 16 of 2014, to develop, manage and operate the SEZ. The entity is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA), with a Board of Directors. The MMSEZ is an economic development tool that aims to promote national economic growth and exports by using support measures to attract targeted foreign and domestic investments, research and development (R&D) and technology transfer. www.mmsez.co.za

About UNDP

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in nearly 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations. www.za.undp.org