The Western Cape is a leading hub for life sciences and health, medical technology, and digital health, combining cutting-edge research, advanced manufacturing, and strong trade connections. As Africa’s healthcare sector grows, the region is well-positioned to meet rising demand for innovative medical solutions.

References cited in this brochure:

Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. (2025). Biovac and development partners collaborate to support South Africa’s vaccine manufacturing expansion and advance long-term health security across Africa. Available at: https://www.dsti.gov.za/index.php/media-room/latest-news/3579-biovac-and-development-partners-collaborate-to-support-south-africa-s-vaccine-manufacturing-expansion-and-advance-long-term-health-security-across-africa [Accessed 15 April 2025].

South National Convention Bureau. (2025). Life Science. Available at: https://www.southafrica.net/gl/en/business/page/life-sciences [Accessed 15 April 2025].

UN Trade and Development. (2025). Africa’s $3.4 trillion opportunity: turning vulnerabilities into resilience. Available at: https://unctad.org/news/africas-34-trillion-opportunity-turning-vulnerabilities-resilience [Accessed 15 April 2025].

University of the Western Cape (2025). Pioneering AI-powered healthcare solutions: UWC's interdisciplinary collaboration tackles pressing medical challenges. Available at: https://www.uwc.ac.za/news-and-announcements/news/pioneering-ai-powered-healthcare-solutions-uwcs-interdisciplinary-collaboration-tackles-pressing-medical-challenges [Accessed 25 April 2025].

Wesgro. (2020). Western Cape trade and FDI flows on health technology. Available at: https://healthtech.capetown/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Western-Cape-Health-Tech-Trade-Investments-Final.pdf#:~:text=On%20that%20note%2C%20the%20Western%20Cape%20contributed,sciences%20exported%20from%20South%20Africa%20in%202019 [Accessed 15 April 2025].

Western Cape Government. (2025a). Minister Wenger tables R32 billion budget to begin the next chapter in healthcare. Available at: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/health-wellness/article/minister-wenger-tables-r32-billion-budget-begin-next-chapter-healthcare#:~:text=With%20a%20total%20allocation%20of,of%20promise%20for%20the%20future [Accessed 15 April 2025].

Western Cape Government. (2025b). Budget overview of provincial and municipal infrastructure investment. Available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mVFk5dKjih-KVXj-5U-kTKORY4_b-_L1/view [Accessed 25 April 2025].

World Wide Fund for Nature. (2025). A plant paradise. Available at: https://wwf.panda.org/discover/knowledge_hub/where_we_work/fynbos/ [Accessed 25 April 2025].