02/11/2022: The EThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) With Concost Consulting as mandated by the KwaZulu Natal Department of Public Works to collaborate on a project specific to performing a study that undertakes the Value Chain Analysis of the KZN Maritime Economy for unlocking the opportunities in the Oceans Economy with the purpose of:

1. Obtaining an Industry Understanding of the KZN Maritime Value Chain and the Quantification of the same
2. Economic Development
3. Identify qualitative issues affecting the Value Chain by each of the sub-sectors such as the impact of COVID-19, barriers to growth and identifying triggers to accelerate growth, job creation, and transformation. Issues regarding the competitiveness of South Africa and KZN in particular need to be investigated the
4. Evaluate the extent of transformation within the industry.
5. Identifying areas where interventions are required.
6. Make suitable recommendations for industry leaders and policymakers to conduct necessary interventions to grow the industry.
7. Training and Research

One of EMC’s key responsibilities within the research project is to facilitate industry stakeholder engagements with the KZN Department of Public Works to get data pertaining to the Enterprise and Supplier Development value chains and to identify gaps that the KZN Oceans Economy’s Strategy Implementation Plan must be responsive to.

This MOU will foster greater collaboration and coordination between the eThekwini Municipality and KZN Provincial Government and ensure participation and presence at national and international platforms to progress the objectives of the City and Province with reference to the Oceans Economy.

We are excited to be part of this research project as it is one of the first of its kind. Kindly be on the lookout for more updates on the study.