At the inaugural Western Cape Investment Summit, held in Cape Town from 5 to 7 November 2025, Premier Alan Winde painted a dynamic picture of a province not waiting for change but creating it. His message was clear and confident: where there is investment, there is growth – and where there is growth, there is opportunity. The atmosphere reflected optimism and collaboration – fitting perfectly with our publication’s theme for the month, Western Cape in Motion.
A Province in Motion
Premier Winde spoke of a Western Cape that has turned ambition into achievement through resilience, innovation, and partnership. “The Western Cape is working,” he declared, highlighting consistent growth and job creation. Over the past decade, the province’s economy expanded by more than eight percent, outpacing other major regions, and nearly 90 percent of all new jobs created in South Africa over the past five years were generated here. These are not just numbers – they tell a story of confidence, opportunity, and shared prosperity.
Growth for Jobs: Building a R1 Trillion Economy
Central to his address was the Growth for Jobs strategy – a bold plan to grow the Western Cape economy to R1 trillion by 2035. The initiative aims to triple exports, increase private investment, and strengthen eight growth sectors that together form the backbone of the province’s development and innovation.
Technology and Digital Innovation
As Africa’s innovation hub, the Western Cape leads in technology and digital services. From call centres and software startups to mechatronics and aerospace engineering, the region is powering the continent’s digital future. “One in every five satellites in orbit contains components made by a Western Cape company,” Winde noted proudly.
Green Economy and Sustainability
Renewable energy is not just a policy priority – it’s a promise. The province captures 70 percent of South Africa’s renewable energy manufacturing and is home to the R47 billion Saldanha Bay hydrogen project, a game-changer for clean energy and economic growth. The Western Cape’s green economy is building a sustainable future driven by innovation and resilience.
Agribusiness and Food Systems
Agriculture continues to showcase the province’s natural abundance and ingenuity. From world-renowned fruit exports to rooibos, buchu, and medicinal cannabis, Western Cape agribusinesses are feeding the world and creating new markets for local producers. As Winde said, “Our natural abundance is also our competitive advantage.”
Manufacturing and Industry
Manufacturing contributes R85 billion to the provincial economy, supported by strong industrial growth and technological innovation. The Atlantis Special Economic Zone is a key driver, attracting renewable energy and advanced manufacturing investment. The province now ranks second globally for catamaran production – a clear sign that the Western Cape builds for the world.
Tourism and the Experiential Economy
Tourism continues to flourish, with international arrivals surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Over 200 international flights now land weekly at Cape Town International Airport, connecting the Western Cape to the world. With iconic destinations, a thriving hospitality sector, and community-based tourism, the province offers experiences that create lasting impact.
Property and Retail
Cranes across the Cape Town skyline are symbols of confidence. Property and construction investments reached R9 billion in 2024/25, generating thousands of new jobs. From modern mixed-use precincts to vibrant retail hubs, the Western Cape continues to build spaces that connect people, business, and opportunity.
Creative Industries
The creative sector – encompassing film, fashion, design, and digital arts – is booming. It not only exports culture and identity to the world but also provides opportunities for young people to shape the future through imagination and artistry.
Logistics and Warehousing
The Western Cape’s logistics network ranks among the best in Africa, ensuring smooth trade and connectivity. New developments such as the Cape Winelands Airport and state-of-the-art cold-storage facilities are expanding capacity and reinforcing the province’s reputation as a global logistics leader.
Building the Future Together
Strong governance and accountability remain the province’s foundation. With three consecutive years of clean audits and the majority of South Africa’s best-run municipalities, the Western Cape continues to earn investor trust. As Premier Winde concluded, “We are not just growing – we are moving with purpose.” And indeed, the Western Cape is in motion – growing, evolving, and inspiring a future built on opportunity and optimism.
