This article was written by Andile April, Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager for the Coega Development Corporation.
The San Miguel lemon processing facility located in Zone 3 of the Coega Special Economic Zone.
South Africa’s agro-processing sector is entering a bold new era, and the epicentre of this transformation is the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ). With a R490 million investment, global citrus leader San Miguel has planted more than just a facility, it has planted the seeds of industrial diversification, export growth, and inclusive development.
The lemon-processing plant in Zone 3 of the Coega SEZ is not merely a factory; it is a strategic statement. By extracting high-value products such as essential oils, juice concentrates, and dehydrated peel, San Miguel is positioning the Eastern Cape as a global player in the ingredients market. With an ambitious target of grinding 100,000 tons of lemons annually by 2030, this facility is set to become one of Africa’s most advanced citrus-processing hubs.
Why does this matter? Because South Africa has long exported raw agricultural products, forfeiting the real value that lies in processing. San Miguel’s investment flips that script. By deepening the value chain, this project ensures that more of the Eastern Cape’s citrus bounty is transformed locally, creating jobs, transferring skills, and embedding technology in the region.
Already, the impact is tangible: 120 direct jobs created, with up to 250 indirect jobs expected through local supply chains. But the benefits go beyond employment. This venture opens new market opportunities for local growers, strengthens South Africa’s export footprint, and demonstrates the power of collaboration, San Miguel’s partnership with African Pioneer Group is proof that global expertise and local enterprise can build something extraordinary.
Processed lemon products from Coega will reach over 200 customers in more than 50 countries. That’s not just trade, it’s influence. It’s South Africa asserting its place in global agro-processing, leveraging world-class infrastructure and proximity to the Port of Ngqura to compete on quality and scale.
This is more than a business deal. It’s a blueprint for how strategic investment in SEZs can unlock economic potential, drive industrialisation, and deliver inclusive growth. As we look to the future, one thing is clear: If South Africa wants to thrive in global markets, projects like San Miguel’s Coega facility must become the norm, not the exception.