On 24 February 2026 the Coega Development Corporation (Coega) signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), marking a significant step towards strengthening infrastructure governance, improving project delivery standards and accelerating contractor development in the Eastern Cape.
The strategic partnership will see Coega and the CIDB jointly implement targeted enterprise development interventions focused on CIDB-registered contractors graded 2 to 6, as well as other qualifying contractors identified by either organisation. The collaboration is aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 and the revised Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Codes, with a strong emphasis on inclusive economic growth and transformation of the construction sector.
Through Coega’s SMME Development Programme, emerging contractors will benefit from structured assessments, skills development, mentorship and access to infrastructure opportunities within Coega’s project pipeline. The programme is designed to enable contractors to progressively improve their CIDB grading, positioning them to compete for larger and more complex projects while promoting compliance, transparency and long term sustainability in the sector. Coega Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Themba Koza, said the MoU represents a shared commitment to building capable, competitive and compliant local enterprises.
“This partnership is more than a formal agreement. It is a commitment to unlocking the full potential of our local economy by empowering emerging contractors and ensuring that our infrastructure development pipeline is driven by excellence, compliance and shared prosperity,” said Koza.
“By investing in contractor capability today, we are laying the foundation for sustainable infrastructure delivery and meaningful socio-economic impact in the Eastern Cape.” CIDB Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bongani Dladla, said the partnership reinforces nationally recognised standards while creating a pathway for local SMMEs to participate meaningfully in the construction value chain.
“Construction remains one of the most powerful drivers of economic growth, job creation and social development. Through partnerships like this, we can ensure that contractors on our database are properly trained, supported and positioned for long-term growth,” said Dladla.
“When we build contractor capability, we strengthen the entire sector and contribute directly to economic recovery and transformation.”
Key Focus Areas of the MoU Include:
- Implementing an Enterprise Development Support Programme for CIDB Grades 2–6 contractors;
- Prioritising SMMEs from Coega’s database with identified skills gaps, while including eligible contractors identified by either party;
- Conducting assessments of prior learning to determine appropriate training and support interventions;
- Requiring written commitment from participating contractors to complete identified training programmes; and
- Driving structured capacity building to support sector growth in line with the NDP and BBBEE Codes.
The partnership is expected to play a critical role in strengthening transformation within the construction sector by developing a pipeline of capable, compliant and competitive contractors who can effectively deliver South Africa’s infrastructure programme.
