Webinar: Short-term, private sector-led employment strategy for Mpumalanga

The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) has spearheaded the development of a Short-term, private sector-led employment strategy for Mpumalanga aimed at catalysing economic opportunities, and thus creating jobs, in the Mpumalanga province by 2030. This strategy delves into both existing economic sectors and emerging economic avenues to identify opportunities that can significantly boost employment. It does not extend into long-term strategies, public sector employment, or beyond 2030.

Extensive consultations were conducted with key stakeholders, including local businesses, industry experts, government officials, and community leaders. The aim was to present the initial findings and through the consultations, refine and prioritise the identified opportunities with the greatest potential for uptake and impact. The study identified several potential areas for job creation, which was narrowed down to six for in-depth research, that ultimately led to four for roadmaps namely:

1. Citrus: Expanding citrus cultivation and processing capabilities to leverage Mpumalanga's agricultural strengths and export potential.
2. Wood Industry: Developing the wood processing sector to capitalize on Mpumalanga's forestry resources and create value-added products.
3. Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Establishing production facilities for sustainable aviation fuel, utilizing local biomass resources to cater to growing global demand for sustainable energy solutions.
4. Hemp Cultivation: Promoting hemp cultivation for industrial purposes, including textiles, biofuels, and bioplastics, to diversify Mpumalanga's agricultural portfolio.

This discussion aimed at unlocking the economic potential of the province by focusing on strategic sectors and initiatives that can generate significant employment opportunities by 2030. By leveraging private sector leadership and stakeholder collaboration, the strategy aims to foster sustainable economic growth and improve livelihoods across Mpumalanga.