The Vaal AeroZone is expected to transform the Vaal region into a thriving, dynamic economic hub once again, with the potential to create tens of thousands of jobs both directly and indirectly.
The ambitious development, including an international airport, trade zone, logistics hubs, AgriZone and airport city, is expected to offer stakeholder value for investors, businesses, communities and the broader South African economy.
A vast high-tech AgriZone will offer an integrated perishable supply chain, featuring a high-tech agricultural cluster with climate-controlled greenhouses, packhouses, a tissue culture lab, and Africa’s first air platform for live animal exports. The project will be directly connected to the international cargo terminal, providing airside access to manufacturers, assemblers, and distributors, ensuring seamless integration and efficiency in operations. Airport City – a purpose-built international trade and hospitality zone – will include premium office, retail, hotels and restaurants, medical services and leisure areas in an urban green precinct. Each zone has the potential to create both skilled and unskilled job opportunities.
During the multi-year construction phases, around 12,000 jobs will be created. Thereafter, 6,000 permanent jobs are expected to remain for the functioning of the Vaal Aerotropolis.
In addition, scores of jobs are expected to be created as a result of new businesses, agriculture expansion, logistics development and hospitality sector growth that will occur as a result of the new hub. With ready access to an international airport, processing and logistics facilities, the Vaal Aerotropolis will catalyse new business opportunities and potentially encourage existing large enterprises to expand into the region.
The economic development that occurs as a result, will inevitably spur the growth of sectors such as retail, construction and hospitality, which too will continue to create jobs in the area over the next ten to 20 years.
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