Our dedicated Trade Unit at Wesgro constantly looks for ways to develop trade and export capacity in Cape Town and the Western Cape through practical training and relationship building.
Our trade-facilitation programme is designed to provide opportunities for Western Cape-based exporters to meet potential customers, conclude business deals and also to grow their businesses by expanding their markets. This helps to develop the provincial economy and create more jobs.
A strategic, well-researched export plan, combined with dedication and focused determination, will help any business to break down those barriers and successfully achieve their export aspirations. Our highly experienced export country managers are the first port of call for exporters who have a fully developed export marketing plan and clear export goals.
We collaborate with export councils and industry associations in the province
For product-specific information, read more about the following industry bodies:
- Automotive Industry Export Council (AIEC)
- Built Environment Professions Export Council (BEPEC)
- SA Boatbuilders' Export Council
- SA Capital Equipment Export Council
- SA Electrotechnical Export Council
- Fresh Produce Exporters Forum / Fruit South Africa
- Farmed Abalone Export Council
- Cosmetic Export Council of South Africa (CECOSA)
- SA Footwear & Leather Export Council
- International Steel Fabricators of South Africa
- South African Wire Association
- Wines of South Africa
- Steel Tube Export Association of South Africa
- SA Equine Trade Council
- SA Fruit & Vegetable Canners' Export Council
- South African Ostrich Business Chamber
- Rail Road Association
- SA Aerospace Maritime & Defence Industries Association
- Aluminium Federation of South Africa (AFSA)
- Plastics SA
- SA Dairy Foundation
- SA Iron & Steel Institute (SAISI)
- South African Print & Packaging Export Council
- Business Process Enabling South Africa (BPeSA)
- South African Stainless Steel Development Association (SASSDA)
- SA Olive industry association
- South African Organic Sector Organisation
- Western Cape Trout Association
- Marine Finfish Farmers Association of South Africa
- South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA)
- Crocodile Association
- South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA)
- Responsible packaging management Association of Southern Africa (RPMASA)
- Women and Youth in Agriculture
- Medical Device Manufacturers Association of South Africa
- Publishers’ Association of South Africa
- Aerosol Manufacturers’ Association
- South African Furniture Initiative
What we can help you with
International trade missions
We undertake between 40 and 45 international trade missions each financial year. These are usually in the form of attending trade exhibitions or Outward Selling Missions (OSMs).
Outward foreign direct investment into the rest of Africa
A second but equally important mandate of the Trade Unit is to assist Western Cape companies to invest in the rest of Africa. If you are thinking of setting up a production or manufacturing facility in the rest of Africa, contact our Africa experts. We have strong “on-the-ground” networks, including access to South African embassies abroad, linkages to local market players, and knowledge of what bureaucracy is involved and how to structure finances.
Export training and international mentorship from ex-CEOs
Our Export Advancement Programme (EAP) teaches companies the basics of exporting, including Incoterms, how to develop an export marketing plan, export logistics, pricing and export finance management. We create a supportive and development-focused environment that will enable emerging Western Cape exporters to build export capacity and gain access to international markets and opportunities.
Business seminars, knowledge sharing and networking
We host a series of events during the year designed to both promote and also develop Western Cape-based exporters. These include topical issues like Brexit; how to trade under AGOA; how to trade under the European Partnership Agreement (EPA); and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Decision support model (DSM)
We use technology to assist companies in their export drive. The DSM is a software tool that provides a snapshot of countries that have a realistic export opportunity for your product. All we need is the HS code for your product.
Regulatory: tariffs/duties/certificates of free sale/export licences
The Trade Unit is able to advise on various government incentives designed to support companies in their export ambitions. We are also able to provide information on trade agreements governing trade between South Africa and other countries/regions. We can assist with information on tariffs, duties, certificates of free sale and export licences.
Outward Selling Missions (OSMs) and Inward Buying Missions (IBMs)
We coordinate meetings and site visits for procurement teams from foreign companies who wish to do business with local producers and manufacturers. These meetings are typically focused on a particular sector or specific product.
Advocacy and specialised advisory services
Our highly experienced export country managers are the first port of call for exporters who have a fully developed export marketing plan.
Access to strategic networks
Wesgro plays a critical role in supporting exporters by creating links to the right partners and providing information that will help them to successfully implement their export marketing plan.
Marketing of value‑added goods and services
A fully developed export marketing plan is a critical component in exporting from the Western Cape, and that’s where our experts come in.Looking for more information?
Search our resource library
The Wesgro Trade Unit provides a free and confidential service to help you establish and grow your business in Cape Town and the Western Cape. Our diverse economy, strong skills base and well-connected infrastructure present many opportunities for foreign buyers seeking high-quality goods and services, as well as exporters looking to expand into the African market.
Read our latest sector and country fact sheets and research reports to identify new opportunities to grow your business.
