Airports Company South Africa to Invest $1.2 Billion in Upgrades, Expands OR Tambo and Cape Town Projects
South Africa’s state-owned Airports Company South Africa SOC Ltd. (Acsa) plans to raise about half of the R21.7 billion ($1.2 billion) it will spend on infrastructure upgrades over the next year, according to Chief Financial Officer Luzuko Mbotya.
The operator will fund the program through a mix of long-term debt instruments and favorable bank loans, supported by its strengthened balance sheet and growing interest from international financiers, Bloomberg reported.
Acsa’s financial position has improved significantly: net income more than doubled to R1.1 billion in the year through March 2025, while cash reserves stand at R5.9 billion. The remainder of the capital expenditure program will be financed internally.
The investment forms part of a modernisation strategy running through 2032, designed to upgrade South Africa’s airport network and reverse years of underinvestment that caused operational inefficiencies.
Key projects include:
A R5.7 billion cargo terminal at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, slated for completion by 2028–29.
Expansion of Cape Town International Airport’s domestic departure lounge.
Runway improvements and upgrades to domestic gates and arrivals facilities across the network.
For the current fiscal year, Acsa has allocated R2.3 billion to refurbishment and rehabilitation projects—more than triple last year’s R727 million.
With growing global demand for African air travel, Acsa’s investment is expected to strengthen South Africa’s aviation competitiveness and boost the country’s role as a regional transport hub.
