EKASINOMICS - How WASAA Is Reshaping South Africa’s Petrochemicals Sector

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GUEST: Nokwanele Qonde – Founder & Managing Director, WASAA Group

From LPG and logistics to chemicals, commodities and large-scale infrastructure, WASAA is quietly building one of South Africa’s most compelling black industrial success stories. In this conversation we unpack how a black-women owned petrochemicals company is driving growth through diversification in one of the country’s most capital-intensive and traditionally closed industries.

With over two decades of experience in oil and gas, Qonde shares WASAA’s journey from its founding in 2008 to securing a landmark 25-year agreement to develop and operate a new R1.4-billion LPG terminal at the Port of Durban. We explore what this deal means for South Africa’s energy security, port diversification and regional trade, why infrastructure ownership matters for transformation.
17 Dec 2025 2PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

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