Exclusive interview with Nomathemba Mhlanga, Chief Sustainability Officer, Coega скачать в хорошем качестве

Exclusive interview with Nomathemba Mhlanga, Chief Sustainability Officer, Coega

Nomathemba Mhlanga, Chief Sustainability Officer at the Coega Development Corporation, brings over 20 years of experience in sustainability across engineering, multilateral and corporate sectors. She positions Coega’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as a leader in green industrialisation, anchored in a comprehensive Climate Response Plan and the Eco-Industrial Park model, which promotes industrial symbiosis, resource efficiency and circular economy practices. A key differentiator is Coega’s Capital Office, which structures investment-ready, bankable projects, de-risking large-scale infrastructure and attracting blended and concessional finance. While challenges include green skills shortages, feasibility gaps, grid constraints and geopolitical trade pressures, Coega addresses these through strong skills programmes, infrastructure planning and AfCFTA-aligned strategies. Ms Mhlanga sees Africa as well placed to leapfrog fossil-fuel development by building green from the outset, provided projects are well structured and locally grounded. She emphasises inclusive growth through SMME procurement, job creation and women’s participation, highlighting Africa’s Green Economy Summit as a catalyst for partnerships, investment and continental green growth.