Mpofana Agripark

• The Mpofana Agripark project aims to establish a 40-hectare agricultural park focused on promoting sustainable agriculture, job creation, and economic development in the region. The agripark will support various agricultural activities, including crop and livestock farming, as well as agro-processing. Its primary goal is to create a hub for agricultural innovation, driving rural development and enhancing food production capacity.
• The project is a collaboration between the private sector, the Department of Agriculture, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal, and the Growth Fund. The landowner has committed to donating 20 hectares of land, with the remaining land and necessary irrigation infrastructure being secured to make the site viable for large-scale agricultural production.
• The agripark will incorporate modern farming technologies, training programs for local farmers, and markets for agro-processed goods. It also aims to empower local communities through skills development, job creation, and improvements in food security.
• Currently the project is in its planning phase, with the estimated financial requirement of R3.5 billion, covering infrastructure, irrigation systems, equipment, and operational setup.
• The agripark will create 175 jobs, including roles in land preparation, farming, irrigation, agro-processing, and management. In the long term, it will contribute to economic diversification in the agricultural sector, improve food security, and provide sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
• The project will also serve as a model for integrating modern farming practices with traditional methods, ultimately driving innovation and growth in the regional economy.