Kugompo (East London) is hoping to attract cannabis biotechnology businesses to its Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) Science snd Technology Park (pictured here) by offering government support via the Department of Science and Technology,
The ELIDZA has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) aimed at supporting Eastern Cape enterprises involved in hemp and cannabis beneficiation through biotechnology, but if you want to act, it got to be fast as the deadline is 18 September 2026.
African Global Network reported on 3 September 2026 that ELIDZ Chief Executive Officer, Thembela Zweni, says the zone is already supporting over 70 innovative start-ups in other sectors, but now wants to get the cannabis sector involved.
“This Expression of Interest builds on that work by focusing specifically on hemp and cannabis beneficiation, an area with significant potential for value addition, product development and industrial growth”.
He says the initiative is aimed at “supporting enterprises that have already developed product prototypes and are ready to advance towards pilot-scale, demonstration-scale and commercial production” s
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Zweni says that for Eastern Cape enterprises, this is an opportunity to move up the value chain beyond cultivation of cannabis and hemp as the programme’s key focus is to add value to biomass through processing and manufacturing.
He says potential applications “include biofuels, biomaterials, bio-composites, bioplastics and textiles, all of which have the potential to contribute to the growth of value-added industries within the province.”
In its Own Words: The ELIDZ STP
As the only Science and Technology Park (STP) in South Africa linked directly to an Industrial Development Zone, the ELIDZ STP plays an important role in supporting innovation, collaboration and industrial competitiveness. The facility provides a platform through which enterprises can access specialised support aimed at advancing products and technologies with commercial potential.
The ELIDZ seeks to support enterprise growth, strengthen local manufacturing capability and contribute to the diversification and inclusivity of the Eastern Cape economy.
The EOI is expected to attract applications from innovators, entrepreneurs and enterprises from across the province who are exploring opportunities within the hemp and cannabis value chain. The closing date is 18 September at 12h00.
By focusing on beneficiation and product development, the programme seeks to support the growth of locally developed products and industries, while creating new opportunities for economic participation, industrial development and investment in the Eastern Cape.
