Western Cape: 200+ investment projects showcased at Summit

The Western Cape has invited investors to partner with it in green energy, agri-processing, technology, manufacturing, among others

Western Cape Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Ivan Meyer has closed the inaugural Western Cape Investment Summit with a call for “a government of national urgency”, linking the province’s investment agenda directly to energy and water security, job creation and citizen-centred governance.

Delivering his closing remarks in Cape Town on Friday (7 November), Meyer emphasised that great outcomes depend on clear vision, trustworthy leadership and competent governance.

Summit outcomes and economic vision

Meyer said the three-day summit had “not only convened, but capitalised”, unlocking new partnerships, showcasing more than 200 investment-ready projects and reaffirming the province’s goal of a resilient, inclusive and globally competitive economy.

He highlighted the province’s integrated infrastructure planning, including the Western Cape Infrastructure Framework and Implementation Plan, projecting major growth in capital flows to emerging markets.

“South Africa must move beyond the current 5.8% of GDP in infrastructure investment. 

“According to the National Development Plan, we should be at 10%, and work is in progress,” Meyer said. 

He also referenced partnerships with international investors, including Quebec’s $200 billion investment plan and collaboration opportunities in artificial intelligence, aerospace and sustainability.

Energy and water security 

Acknowledging the importance of reliable utilities for economic growth, Meyer confirmed that the province is on track to deliver these objectives, positioning the Western Cape as a model for sustainable investment.

Looking ahead, Meyer outlined key actions to improve the investment climate, including:

• Streamlining environmental impact assessments.
• Advocating for visa reforms to ease investor access.
• Releasing under-utilised government land for private sector development.
• Launching a digital investment facilitation platform.
• Fast-tracking approvals for strategic sectors.
• Promoting South Africa’s investment opportunities globally and countering negative perceptions.

He added that the province will engage with the Government of National Unity, but emphasised that South Africa needs a “Government of National Urgency” to accelerate economic growth.

“We are interested in unity, but we are more interested in urgency, because things are urgent if we want to grow the economy,” he said.

Expanding collaboration and delivering growth

Meyer said the provincial government will continue to expand affordable housing and infrastructure financing, and strengthen partnerships across business, academia and civil society.

“We want to work with those who have the capacity to lead and deliver,” he said.

He celebrated the R8 billion expansion of Cape Winelands Airport as a key milestone and reaffirmed the province’s ambition to grow its GDP from R600 to R700bn to R1 trillion by 2035.

A call to investors

Meyer extended an open invitation to investors to partner with the Western Cape in high-impact sectors including green energy, agri-processing, technology, manufacturing, tourism, green hydrogen, infrastructure and education.

He also commended South Africa’s agricultural exporters, noting record-high exports of $13.7 billion in 2024.

Quoting an investor from Quebec, Meyer said: “The Western Cape has demonstrated not only vision but delivery. We came here looking for opportunity and found a partner.”

Meyer told ESI Africa that post-Summit the provincial administration would reconnect with investors and he will deliver a formal feedback to his colleagues in six months’ time. ESI

Cover photo:  Western Cape Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Ivan Meyer. Source: ESI Africa