DURBAN – A significant milestone has been achieved in a campaign to position Durban as Africa’s premier superyacht destination, following a successful visit by eThekwini Municipality representatives to the Yachting Aftersales and Refit Experience (YARE) conference in Viareggio, Italy.

The major breakthrough came with the ceremonial handover of a Letter of Intent between eThekwini Municipality and Navigo, custodians of the YARE programme and widely regarded as the global leader in superyacht destination development.

R1.9 billion investment commitment

Through this partnership, Navigo has confirmed its commitment to mobilise significant private-sector investment towards Durban’s superyacht infrastructure and refit capabilities, with projected investment estimated at over R1.9 billion, eThekwini Municipality stated.

The delegation also extended formal invitations to more than 100 superyacht captains and over 100 global yacht manufacturers to attend the YARE Symposium, scheduled for Durban this November. Durban will become the first African city ever to host this globally recognised event.

Throughout the visit from 8 to 16 March, Durban’s delegation held strategic meetings with senior executives, captains, manufacturers, and investors from leading global shipyards. Sentiment from shipyards and captains has been positive, signalling strong confidence in Durban’s emerging value proposition and market potential.

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The anticipated economic impact of this partnership is substantial. Projections indicate that more than 2 500 direct jobs could be created by 2030 across marine engineering, refit services, advanced manufacturing, and tourism sectors.

The city’s proposed superyacht precinct, located on a 24-hectare site within the Port of Durban, was presented as a compelling and competitive offering for future investment. In terms of the Transnet National Ports Authority Ship Repair Strategy, this site is specifically reserved for the refit market, which includes superyacht servicing and maintenance – a key selling point for international investors.

Skills development initiative

Alongside infrastructure development, eThekwini Municipality and the Durban University of Technology are advancing plans for Africa’s first Professionalised Superyacht Academy. The facility will train young South Africans in high-demand skills such as welding, marine engineering, and advanced composites fabrication.

The South African delegation comprised Inner City Regeneration programme manager Lungelo Buthelezi and Nomalanga Sokhela from the Economic Development Directorate. They were supported by Brian Ngiba, managing director of Ziziba Holdings, Navigo’s strategic local partner.

Reflecting on the historic moment, Buthelezi said presenting the signed Letter of Intent to Navigo’s leadership on behalf of the City Manager signalled Durban’s readiness and unwavering commitment to establishing a world-class superyacht ecosystem.

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Navigo President Katia Balducci affirmed the organisation’s confidence in Durban, stating: “This partnership represents the beginning of a historic chapter for Africa’s participation in the global superyacht industry. Durban has the vision, the infrastructure, and the commitment to succeed.”

Next steps

The eThekwini Municipality is now moving into the implementation phase. Preparations are under way to host the YARE Symposium in Durban this November, alongside detailed planning for the proposed superyacht precinct.