Mr Brian Ngiba, a lecturer at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics, Department of Financial Accounting, is playing a key role in advancing international collaboration to strengthen KwaZulu-Natal’s ocean economy.
Through his efforts, partners from Navigo International in Italy engaged with local stakeholders, including the KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier, eThekwini Municipality, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), and DUT, to explore opportunities in the maritime sector.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr Ngiba emphasised the importance of practical learning for students; “This collaboration will create on-the-job training opportunities and exchange programmes for many DUT students, who will participate in skills training projects both in Italy and locally. There is a strong focus on transferring Italian expertise to our students and workforce within the superyacht industry.”
The initiative aligns with the provincial government’s economic priorities and was highlighted during the KwaZulu-Natal State of the Province Address (SOPA), which identified the ocean economy as a central pillar of long-term economic growth and industrialisation. KwaZulu-Natal’s extensive coastline and historic role as a maritime gateway to Africa support this strategy.
In July last year, the Provincial Government entered into a strategic partnership with Navigo International, a globally recognised Italian yachting cluster, to advance the development of KwaZulu-Natal’s ocean economy. The partnership aims to position the province as a competitive player in the global superyacht value chain.
A key focus of the project is establishing local superyacht manufacturing capabilities in KwaZulu-Natal. Skills development programmes in shipbuilding, marine engineering, and related maritime trades will ensure the province develops the technical expertise needed to support a growing maritime manufacturing sector.
Human capital development is central to this initiative. Collaborations with institutions such as DUT are shaping specialised training programmes to build a skilled maritime workforce, expected to create thousands of jobs in shipbuilding, engineering, and associated industries over time.
Alongside skills development, plans are underway to strengthen maritime infrastructure. The Ports of Durban and Richards Bay are being positioned as specialised superyacht repair, maintenance, and refit centres, expanding their roles beyond cargo handling and enhancing their value within the maritime industry.
These developments will strengthen KwaZulu-Natal’s maritime industrial base and create opportunities for local suppliers and service providers. Small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) will be integrated into the value chain, ensuring growth in the ocean economy remains broad-based and inclusive.
The partnership with Navigo International is expected to unlock approximately R100 billion in maritime sector investment and global exposure. Increased visibility will attract further investment, establish new partnerships, and open export markets for locally manufactured marine products, embedding KwaZulu-Natal more firmly in global value chains while retaining economic value within the region.
Importantly, the ocean economy strategy emphasises inclusive growth. Benefits will extend beyond large firms to SMMEs, coastal communities, and tourism operators, creating new livelihoods and strengthening local economies along the province’s coastline.
Through deliberate investment in maritime studies and ocean economy initiatives, KwaZulu-Natal is building a sustainable pipeline of maritime skills. The long-term success of the sector depends on knowledge, skills, and institutional capacity, all critical for industrialisation, job creation, and competitiveness.
As the project progresses, it has the potential to position KwaZulu-Natal and DUT as key hubs in the global maritime and superyacht industry, creating meaningful opportunities for students, professionals, and local communities.
Pictured: Mr Brian Ngiba
Siphokazi Dlamini
