Cape Town and the Western Cape
The Western Cape’s diverse economy, strong skills base and well-connected infrastructure presents many opportunities for foreign buyers seeking high quality goods and services.
Exports alone, was responsible for pumping at least R124bn into the South Africa economy over 2017.
Many Western Cape-based businesses have made their international mark and grown their businesses exponentially with Wesgro’s support in leading trade missions to export target countries.
We are passionate about growing local businesses and are so excited to take on this exciting journey with them.
The top export products from Cape Town and the Western Cape
Over 2017 the top export products and their value include:
- Refined petroleum: R13.2bn
- Citrus fruit: R11.5bn
- Wine: R8.7bn
- Grapes: R6.7bn
- Apples, pears and quinces: R6.5bn
- Products of iron or non-alloy steel
- Fruit juices: R2.1bn
- Fruits, nuts and other edible parts of plants: R2bn
- Tobacco and tobacco substitutes: R1.8bn
- Beauty or make-up preparations: R1.7bn
In total export products accumulated to a value of at least R124bn over 2017.
Wesgro’s International Trade strategy
- To improve the export enabling environment and international competitiveness by addressing non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to trade
- To increase demand for goods and services through market prioritisation, diversification and access
- To diversify the export basket into more value‑added and manufactured goods and services through product diversification
- To strengthen the export promotion mechanisms through business-to-business trade seminars, exhibitions and expos
- To develop exporters, increase export capacity and strengthen export performance through the Export Advancement and Promotion Programme (EAP)
- To engage the Top 100 Western Cape exporters export councils and industry bodies
- To grow the exporter base through Retain, Expand and New Exporters (REN) approach by integrating into local, regional and global value chains
Our services
Our core functions are to
- Promote and facilitate exports of goods and services from qualified companies in the Western Cape
- To facilitate and support operations and expansion of qualified Western Cape companies into the rest of Africa through Outward Foreign Direct Investment (OFDI)
Our core business-to-business facilitation activities include
- Business agreement facilitation
- Accessing finance
- Buyer and company matching
- Market research and information
- Forging strategic collaboration and partnerships
Our promotion services include
- Outward (OSMs) and Inward (IBMs) selling and buying missions
- Advocacy and specialised advisory services
- Access to strategic networks
- Marketing of value‑added goods and services
Our Export Advancement and Promotion (EAP) services include:
- Export, market and sector awareness seminars
- Focussed Technical Export Development Training
- One-on-one mentoring services from international and local experts in export marketing, export finance management, export costing methods, logistical training
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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.
