Political parties in the eThekwini Municipality remain hopeful that the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) will get a World Trade Center (WTC) status in the near future.
The ICC is applying for a license from the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), which will cost an estimated R5.5 million in the 2024/2025 financial year. The matter will come up for approval at a full council meeting on Monday.
In a report before the eThekwini Executive Committee on Tuesday, the municipality stated that it was committed to fostering economic development, jobs, innovation, and improving service delivery.
City Manager Musa Mbhele said the Durban ICC is a city-owned entity renowned for its high standards of service excellence and has successfully staged some of the world's most prestigious and complex events.
He said the ICC is perfectly positioned to hold the WTCA license to maintain its position as the multi-award-winning centre for Africa’s leading meetings and conferences.
The WTCA is a non-profit organisation that aims to boost world trade, enhance international business relationships, and facilitate mutual assistance and cooperation among members. The WTCA is the only association that has the exclusive rights to grant WTC statuses.
Mbhele said the acquisition of the WTCA license is a strategic initiative that aims to enhance the city's competitive advantage as a trade and investment destination.
He said the license will also position Durban as a leader in promoting trade and investment within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The financial feasibility indicated that the world trade center at the ICC will deliver a very positive return on investment. The investment will contribute approximately R51 million to the local GDP in the first year and create around 1300 job opportunities, further establishing its role as a catalyst for economic growth and development,” Mbhele said.
To raise the money, the municipality will reprioritise R3 580 000 from the R6 million budget allocated for the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) chiller replacement that was approved for disbursement to the ICC on August 2, 2024. The balance will be retrieved from the economic development programmes and planning unit relating to grant in aid and hire charges.
Mdu Nkosi, IFP Exco member and chairperson of the Trading Services Committee, said that if eThekwini boosts its economy, the province, country, and citizens will be the eventual beneficiaries.
“People from the rural areas migrate to the city for better opportunities. We support this initiative because it is for the people of eThekwini. If we are going to deal with unemployment, these are such initiatives that create jobs,” Nkosi said.
Nkosenhle Madlala, ANC councillor and chairperson of the eThekwini Governance Committee, said this will solidify Durban’s position as a premier trade and investment hub, generating sustainable economic benefits while integrating the city into global and continental trade networks.
Madlala also said that the license will strengthen Durban’s role within the AfCFTA, which connects 1.3 billion people and has a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion.
Madlala outlined the following benefits:
Job Creation & Business Growth
- Stimulates economic activity, attracting foreign investors and businesses.
- Encourages local businesses to integrate into global trade networks.
Strengthening Durban ICC’s Global Standing
- Maintains the ICC’s reputation as Africa’s leading meetings and conferences hub.
- Aligns with the ICC’s mandate to drive tourism, innovation, and economic development.
Alignment with eThekwini’s Growth Strategy
- Reinforces the city’s commitment to economic transformation, trade expansion, and global partnerships.
- Leverages existing infrastructure to maximize economic gains.
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said the matter can only be deliberated further once the license “is in our hands”.