Durban, battered by deadly 2021 riots, devastating floods, and port logjams, is betting on a major waterfront redevelopment to reverse its fortunes. Modeled partly on Dubai and Cape Town’s waterfronts, the Durban Point project is a partnership between the city and developer ROC Point, combining housing, offices, retail, and medical and academic facilities across 14 land parcels totaling 125,000 square meters. Invest Durban’s CEO says construction should begin by late 2026, and insists private security has neutralized the “construction mafia” extortion rackets that have plagued builders. Risk analyst Marisa Lourenço disagrees, noting extortion networks remain active and parliamentary reviews still flag them as obstacles. Despite the risks, investors see opportunity in port-linked infrastructure, solar power, and even the funeral industry, pointing to Durban’s recent ranking as the world’s most-improved port.
African Business