Detecting spatial economic clusters using kernel density and global and local Moran's <i>I</i> analysis in Ekurhuleni metropolitan municipality, South Africa

Abstract Agglomeration economies are credited for providing the needed catalyst economic growth and development. This paper uses approximately 14,000 firm‐level data employs several spatial analysis approaches to examine evidence of types sectoral clusters their footprints in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, a major subregional economy Gauteng metropolis, South Africa. The results four selected industrial sectors show varying global localized clustering. Localized clustering is statistically significant. research suggests policies that ensure regional economy's development benefit from agglomeration economies.