Final Sector Masterplans Advisory Note November 2025

Over 21 sector masterplans have been developed since the initial launch in 2019 under the Re- Imagined Industrial Strategy. While several masterplans have been incorporated into the 2024- 2029 Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) and departmental Annual Performance Plans, considerable critique has been expressed about their quality and efficacy, whether they will produce transformative gendered or equitable outcomes, and whether they have translated into significant gains for the relevant sectors and the economy overall. A year into the current administration, an opportunity exists to consolidate learnings about the masterplans and drive impact through the masterplan system. This is a critical juncture in the current administration, as the New Industrial Policy is being formulated, and economic growth and employment are falling short of targets. This advisory identifies key challenges and provides recommendations to amplify masterplan outcomes in a way that meaningfully contributes to the kind of inclusive growth and employment that will make our economy more competitive and resilient. The National Planning Commission’s (NPC) primary interests in relation to achieving the aspirations of the National Development Plan are based on the following factors: • Sectors are important enablers of economic development and work opportunities. • Enhancing the capacity of the state is crucial to unblock constraints and optimise sectoral opportunities. • Masterplans provide the opportunity to expand and redistribute power, resources and opportunities across race, gender, and class. • Masterplans require institutionalisation, including coordination, in order to drive delivery. The NPC has engaged with numerous sectors on the functioning and outcomes of the masterplans. In addition to an in-depth study and engagement in relation to the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Masterplan, there has been interaction with the Presidency, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and other departments on masterplans, as well as engagements with business and labour sector representatives on the impact of masterplans. This culminated in a roundtable discussion on 19 August 2025, where masterplan and industrial policy thought leaders, role-players and implementers from within government, business, labour, and academia provided strategic input on the nature of the problem and proposed ways to strengthen the masterplan system for inclusive growth and employment in future.