The Western Cape technology sector comprises a thriving digital economy that extends from Cape Town to Stellenbosch and across the province. The term “tech” is relevant to all industries, but is predominantly defined as software development firms and digital enablers.
Cape Town is home to one of the top 10 largest tech investors in the world, Naspers.
Cape Town is ranked in the top 30 cities in the world at the forefront of global tech.
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Contact usThe Western Cape is Africa’s leading technology hub, supporting at least 40 000 jobs (more than double the total of Nairobi and Lagos combined).
The province has a well-developed local network of tech organisations, and is home to major multinational technology companies (such as Amazon and Panasonic) and exciting start-ups, such as Luno, Yoco, Jumo and SweepSouth.
With access to high-quality, cost-effective software-development talent, the Western Cape has the potential to become a top global tech destination and a key driver of economic growth and job creation.
The province’s technology sector is dynamic and evolving, comprising many tech incubators (including Africa’s oldest incubator), accelerators and South Africa’s leading venture capital firms.
The Cape has also seen some of Africa’s largest exits, such as GetSmarter, Fundamo and Clickatell, and remains an ideal location for companies to branch out into the rest of the continent.
The greater Cape Town area, including Stellenbosch, is Africa’s tech capital.
The province houses a number of artificial intelligence companies, including DataProphet; Aerobotics; CLEVVA; Genii Ai; and Praelexis, which provides products and solutions in education, banking, and insurance built on a machine-learning platform.
Africa’s highest valued tech giant and global investor Naspers is also based in Cape Town.
The Western Cape’s vibrant tech entrepreneur community and interconnectedness with regards to mentorship, investment, employment and inspiration bring lots of opportunities to the sector.
Cape Town’s talent pool is boosted by world-class local universities and large corporations.
The region has the potential to become one of the top tech destinations in the world and to be a key driver of economic growth and job creation over the next decade.
The Cape Town Stellenbosch tech ecosystem employs more people than Lagos and Nairobi’s tech ecosystem combined. Learn more about our tech ecosystem in this publication:
Cape Town and Stockholm Are Coming Together to Support Startups – Join Us
Cape Health Technology Park
The Cape Health Technology Park is a partnership between the Department of Science and Technology, the Western Cape government, the City of Cape Town and Wesgro. The initiative entails the establishment of a health innovation-focused technology park to house firms, government and academic health-innovation programmes, and support organisations. VisitLooking for more information? Search our resource library
The Wesgro Investment Promotion Unit provides a free and confidential service to help you establish and grow your business in Cape Town and the Western Cape. Our team of expert Portfolio Managers have more than 40 years of combined experience in supporting new investors commercialise their businesses in the region, and in helping established businesses grow and expand.
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