In 1999 the Best Practice City Commission recommended the
establishment of an Investment Promotion Agency for the City
of Durban, and in 2002, the Durban Investment Promotion
Agency (DIPA) was formed as an NPO. Effective from 2005, a full
absorption of DIPA was conducted by the eThekwini Municipality.
DIPA’s mandate remains new investment development, business
retention and expansion (BR&E) for existing investors, the
attraction of foreign direct investment, as well as investment
marketing of Durban
Durban Investment Promotion has key involvement in
approximately 50 business missions and over 35 conferences
and exhibitions, both locally and abroad. The department has
facilitated in excess of R21bn worth of new fixed capital business
investment, and created and retained in excess of 16 000 jobs.
This has attracted participation in Durban by the United Nations,
World Bank, World Association of Investment Promotion
Agencies, Commonwealth Business Council, G8 Partners and
key IBSA & BRICS counterparts. Multiple awards earned include
PMR Diamond Arrows, Gold & Bronze Awards, KZN Top Business
awards and many others, both locally and abroad. Furthermore,
DIPA is South Africa’s only Investment Promotion Agency on the
UN Investment Advisory Council. The team established and grew
KZNonSource, the Durban Film Office, the Energy Office support
and the Agribusiness Forum (AMU).
A number of challenges have been experienced since 1994, these
include the a reduced wait between spatial planning and the
implementation of value added projects. In addition, coordination
and alignment of economic interventions through all spheres of
government and business remains a challenge, as does the strain
on government infrastructure and land.
A great many investment opportunities exist, including a focus on
accelerated industrial and commercial land zoning, platforming,
servicing and packaging, and the prioritisation of delivery of
the identified investment dashboard projects. Moreover, the
highlighting and reinforcement of international and national
prioritization of investment promotion and development for
local government and business audiences, poses an opportunity
for investment promotion. Additionally, the capitalisation of
the National Development Plan, the Provincial Growth and
Development Plan/Strategy and the eThekwini Economic
Development and Job Creation Strategy provides direction for
investment via greater resourcing in this area.
The department is facilitating sustainable investment in Durban for
the benefit of all. Durban is rising in the minds of all stakeholders
as the premier African investment destination, so that all can live,
work and invest for our future.
Durban Investment Promotion Agency (DIPA)
Contact Us
Email: russell.curtis@durban.gov.za
Email: farah.dawood@durban.gov.za
Phone: +27 31 311 4227