GQEBERHA – The Coega Development Corporation (Coega) and Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in support of South Africa’s Nuclear New Build Programme (NNBP).
The agreement was signed during a ceremony held in Gqeberha on Thursday, 9 April, marking a key step in aligning efforts between the two state-owned entities.
The MoU establishes a strategic framework between the organisations, focusing on key areas such as infrastructure development, industrialisation and localisation, regulatory and site readiness, skills and supplier development, logistics coordination and socio-economic investment initiatives.
All collaboration will take place within a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework, with an emphasis on safety, environmental protection, and fiscal accountability.
Eskom, as the country’s designated owner and operator of nuclear generation assets, will lead the implementation of the NNBP.
Through the partnership, Coega will act as a catalytic enabler, leveraging its expertise in large-scale infrastructure development, investment facilitation, Special Economic Zone (SEZ) management, and enterprise and supplier development.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Eskom’s Chief Nuclear Officer, Velaphi Ntuli, described the agreement as a significant step towards strengthening institutional collaboration and ensuring long-term energy security.
“The signing of this MoU is not merely a formal agreement but a statement of shared intent. It reflects alignment between two strategic state entities around a national priority,” said Ntuli.
“The Nuclear New Build Programme is about more than megawatts; it is about industrialisation, organisation, skills development, and most importantly, inclusive economic growth—executed safely, transparently and within the rule of law. Coega brings proven capability in infrastructure development and investment facilitation, and we must ensure this agreement translates into tangible outcomes for South Africans.”
The MoU acknowledges Coega’s track record in delivering complex infrastructure projects and enabling industrial development, localisation,and supplier participation.
The partnership will focus on advancing site readiness, logistics and laydown infrastructure, environmental compliance, spatial planning and the development of a competitive domestic nuclear value chain.
Coega CEO Themba Koza said the agreement positions the organisation as a key partner in supporting the country’s nuclear ambitions.
“This MoU affirms Coega’s catalytic role in enabling strategic national programmes. By aligning our infrastructure development capabilities, SEZ platform and socio-economic development mandate with Eskom’s nuclear programme, we aim to drive inclusive growth, localisation and skills development—particularly for communities in the Eastern Cape,” said Koza.
Key areas of cooperation include stakeholder engagement, localisation and skills development aligned with national nuclear requirements, project labour frameworks, supplier and SMME development, mobilisation of development finance, environmental compliance and targeted social investment programmes focused on education, work readiness, and life skills.
To oversee implementation, a Joint Steering Committee will be established to guide strategy, approve work programmes, monitor progress and ensure alignment on regulatory and operational matters.
The agreement will remain in effect for three years and is governed by the laws of South Africa.
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