Sovereign Joins Chamber’s Trade and Investment Desk to Drive Regional Growth

Sovereign has entered into a strategic partnership with the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, joining its flagship Trade and Investment Desk. This initiative, part of the Chamber’s Bay of Opportunity drive to attract investment and employment, stimulate trade and drive economic growth in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Sovereign joins current partners BDO South Africa, Rand Merchant Bank, and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, all of whom played key roles in the Desk’s initial launch. With the addition of Sovereign, the initiative gains further momentum by bringing together financial expertise, national reach and institutional support to promote the metro as a competitive investment destination.

As South Africa’s third-largest poultry producer, Sovereign plays a significant role in the regional economy, producing nearly two million chickens per week and serving as a major employer in Nelson Mandela Bay. The company currently exports to Southern Africa, Mauritius, the DRC, the Middle East, and Hong Kong. Notably, it was selected by the Japanese External Trade Organisation to participate in a reverse pitch to Japanese investors at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), currently underway in Tokyo.

The Trade and Investment Desk plays a central role in positioning Nelson Mandela Bay as a hub for economic development. It is designed to unlock trade opportunities, broaden access to markets and resources and to establish national and international linkages; with the explicit goal of stimulate job creation and investment and much needed employment. This growing coalition between private sector players and development institutions reflects a shared commitment to unlocking the region’s full economic potential.

“Sovereign’s involvement is a clear vote of confidence in the metro and its long-term prospects,” said Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber CEO Denise van Huyssteen. “What we’re seeing with the expansion of partnerships behind the Desk is the power of collaboration between various local and international stakeholders. It’s about building something greater together. These relationships significantly strengthen our ability to deliver real outcomes, whether that’s investor engagement, enterprise support or expanding trade linkages. Ultimately, it’s about unlocking the potential of the Bay to enable a sustainable economic environment for all.”

Sovereign’s participation aligns with its broader focus on supporting regional development and promoting investment across key growth areas. The company stated that joining the Trade and Investment Desk is part of its mission to help drive growth through meaningful partnerships and targeted interventions.

“We see this initiative as a vital opportunity to play a hands-on role in helping to sustain and grow the local economy,” said Sovereign CEO Chris Coombes. “Nelson Mandela Bay has immense untapped potential. By joining the Desk, we’re able to work alongside key partners to attract investment, support local businesses, and create economic opportunities that truly uplift the region. This partnership is an important step in aligning our efforts with regional development priorities.”

As the Desk continues to expand, the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber remains confident in its role as a catalyst for building a more resilient, inclusive and investment-friendly economy, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can deliver real and lasting impact.

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