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Boats at a harbour in Eastern Cape
Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni- Abrahams says the ocean’s economy is South Africa’s next gold mine and it’s important that everyone, including those in the townships and villages benefit from it.
We are committed to investing in oceans economy infrastructure, including the provision of boats and related support for MSMEs with fishing rights to unlock opportunities, boost local enterprises, and grow coastal economies.#DSBDatWork#G20SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/2atyK0jbwB
— Stella Tembisa Ndabeni (@Stellarated) April 29, 2025
She was speaking at the first provincial G20 launch taking place in Gqeberha over the next two days.
The overall theme of the roadshow will be the Marine and Oceans economy under the theme” The Oceans Economy, the next South Africa’s gold mine”.
We begin the day in the ocean city of Gqeberha to explore ocean economy activities and engage with MSMEs, under the theme: “Unlocking the Oceans Economy for Growth and Innovation.”
This engagement forms part of the G20 Roadshow, showcasing how South Africa’s oceans economy can… pic.twitter.com/qiLlc96eg8
— Stella Tembisa Ndabeni (@Stellarated) April 29, 2025
This will be the first leg of the event focusing on issues of the Marine and Oceans economy.
Ndabeni- Abrahams says her interest will be on how small businesses get to participate in the ocean’s economy.
Minister Ndabeni- Abrahams further states that they have a group of cooperatives from Gqeberha and other surrounding areas who have been granted fishing rights and they are trying to assist as they complain about the lack of infrastructure.
“They are forced to go and fish but they don’t have access to market and as a result they are being exploited. Now we are coming in to say that this is an opportunity that must not only be exploited by those who can afford. How do we step in as the department, we can assist them withinfras tructure,” says Ndabeni- Abrahams.
Video | G20 Eastern Cape provincial launch
