With just ten days remaining until the highly anticipated Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA) 2025, the City of uMhlathuze is buzzing with readiness to welcome global investors and business leaders. Scheduled from August 27th to 29th, this year’s forum, themed “Tourism and Infrastructure Investment: Driving Economic Transformation and Enhancing Community Well-Being,” promises a deep dive into KwaZulu-Natal’s strategic investment landscape.
For investors and B2B stakeholders, Day One of TIFA 2025, Wednesday, August 27th, is a critical highlight. The forum will kick off with exclusive investment project site visits, offering a tangible glimpse into the catalytic developments poised to reshape Richards Bay and the broader region. These curated tours provide an unparalleled opportunity to explore shovel-ready projects designed for significant returns and sustainable impact.
Featured Investment Project Site Visits:
- The Ridge Development: The Ridge is a visionary mixed-use development poised to become a landmark destination within the City of uMhlathuze. Combining modern urban design with strategic commercial and residential opportunities, it aims to transform the city’s skyline and lifestyle offerings
- Steel Bridge – Gateway to the Richards Bay Waterfront: The Steel Bridge is a bold and iconic infrastructure project that will serve as the primary gateway into the Richards Bay Waterfront Precinct. Designed as a signature landmark, it is integral to unlocking the area’s full economic, tourism, and development potential.
- Richards Bay International Conference Centre Development – Site: The Richards Bay International Conference Centre (ICC) Precinct is a flag-ship, mixed-use development located within the city’s waterfront district. Envisioned as a strategic development to boost the business events sector and growth of tourism into Zululand and Maputaland, this iconic project is designed to elevate the region’s tourism, business, and lifestyle offerings.
- Waterfront Precinct Development – Premium Mixed-Use Investment Opportunity: The Waterfront Precinct Development is a world-class, greenfield initiative covering 153.7 hectares, positioned to become a dynamic hub for business, lifestyle, leisure, and urban regeneration. Strategically located to support the maritime economy, education, commerce, and international sports, the development offers high-impact investment potential.
- Central Industrial Area – Richards Bay Multi-Modal Precinct: The Central Industrial Area (CIA) forms a key component of the Richards Bay Multi-Modal Precinct, offering a high-potential investment environment designed to accelerate industrial growth.
- CBD South Extension – Modern Mixed-Use Development Opportunity: An integral part of Richards Bay’s urban revitalization, this extension of the Central Business District presents diverse development opportunities. It is set to introduce modern commercial, retail, and residential spaces, enhancing the city’s urban appeal and economic vitality.
- Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ): The Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) is a premier investment destination located on South Africa’s northeastern coastline. Positioned as a catalyst for regional economic transformation, RBIDZ offers unparalleled access to strategic sectors and infrastructure.
- Richards Bay Airport Relocation and Redevelopment: The Municipality is spearheading the relocation and redevelopment of the Richards Bay Airport to create a modern regional airport that will drive economic growth and attract long-term investment.
The Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA) provides the ultimate platform for destinations to accelerate their economic growth ambitions by promoting and profiling investment opportunities within their tourism and related sectors. TIFA connects key players in tourism to foster actionable dialogue, networking, and unlocking of investment opportunities across the tourism value chain.
