Western Cape Launches Export Strategy To Boost Economic Growth And Create Jobs

Western Cape

The Western Cape Government has launched the Western Cape Export Strategy 2035, a long-term plan aimed at expanding exports, attracting investment and creating more jobs across the province.

Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, unveiled the strategy on Wednesday, describing expanded market access as a key driver of sustainable economic growth.

Export Strategy Supports Growth For Jobs Vision

According to Meyer, the new strategy provides a practical roadmap for implementing the Western Cape Government's Growth for Jobs Strategy, which aims to build a R1 trillion economy while achieving inclusive annual economic growth of between 4% and 6%.

"Growth for Jobs is our vision. The Export Strategy is our roadmap. Market access is the bridge that connects Western Cape businesses to global opportunity, investment and jobs," Meyer said.

He explained that relying on the domestic market alone will not generate the level of economic growth needed to create sustainable employment opportunities.

Expanding Exports To Grow Businesses

The strategy aims to help Western Cape businesses access international markets, improve competitiveness, drive innovation and strengthen resilience in an increasingly competitive global economy.

Meyer said the province already has strong exporters in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology and services, and the strategy seeks to build on these strengths.

“The strategy seeks to expand these successes by supporting more businesses to enter export markets and helping existing exporters grow their international footprint. By 2035, the Western Cape aims to significantly increase the value of exports, grow the number of active exporters by 1 000, unlock at least 10 new export product opportunities and accelerate broader economic growth through export-led expansion,” Meyer said.

Market Access Central To The Strategy

Meyer said improving market access is at the heart of the Western Cape Export Strategy 2035.

"Market access is about opportunity. It is about ensuring that a Western Cape farmer, entrepreneur, manufacturer or service provider can successfully connect with customers around the world. When businesses gain market access, they gain the opportunity to grow. And when businesses grow, jobs follow,” the MEC said.

To achieve this, the strategy focuses on:

  • Improving access to international markets.

  • Strengthening compliance with global standards.

  • Leveraging international trade agreements.

  • Enhancing logistics and export infrastructure.

  • Advocating for the removal of trade barriers.

Government And Business Must Work Together

Meyer stressed that collaboration between government, business and industry will be essential to the strategy's success.

"Government does not export; businesses export, businesses invest, businesses innovate, and businesses create jobs. Our role is to create the conditions that enable exporters to succeed," he said.

He also thanked Wesgro, provincial departments, municipalities, export councils, industry associations and exporters for contributing to the development of the strategy and supporting economic growth in the province.

Success Will Be Measured By Jobs And Investment

According to Meyer, the success of the Western Cape Export Strategy 2035 will be determined by the economic opportunities it creates rather than the publication of the strategy itself.

"Our success will be measured by new markets opened, new exporters supported, new investment secured and new jobs created. The Western Cape Export Strategy 2035 is a commitment to action and a commitment to building a more competitive, resilient and inclusive economy," Meyer said.

The Western Cape Export Strategy 2035 is available for download from the Western Cape Government website.