South Africa: From partnership to performance, a new phase has begun in Europe and Western Cape cooperation. Wesgro, the official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, marketing the destination at global level, partnered with European Chambers of Commerce and hosted its annual Trade and Investment Breakfast at the Royal Yacht Club. It spotlighted opportunities to deepen economic ties between Cape Town, the Western Cape, and Europe.
As per the sources, countries across Europe remain vital partners for the Western Cape. Nearly 96% of South African exports entered the EU duty-free, quota-free, and tariff-free, making it the largest trading partner of the country. Accounting for R840 billion in annual trade and 42.5% of all foreign direct investment into South Africa.
CEO of Wesgro – Wrenelle Stander highlighted that Europe and the Western Cape are long-standing partners with deep economic ties and shared sustainability ambitions. She noted that the next phase of cooperation must be defined by execution: projects delivered, standards met, and capital deployed. In her words she stated: “We value the partnership. We are ready to scale it.”
The event welcomed prominent speakers such as Premier Alan Winde, Minister Ivan Meyer, and Cape Town Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews. They all showcased the Western Cape’s competitive advantages, while EU Ambassador Sandra Kramer emphasised the values-driven and mutually beneficial partnership. This now increasingly focus on clean industries, critical minerals, innovation, and job creation.
Furthermore, with trade and investment at the forefront, Wesgro continues to position Cape Town and the Western Cape as a premier destination for European companies looking to expand.
Also, the recent Trade and Investment Breakfast by Wesgro highlighted a strategic shift in Western Cape-Europe relations from mere partnership to performance-driven cooperation. It focused mainly on executed projects and capital deployment. With 96% of SA exports entering the EU duty-free, the province’s largest trading partner (R840bn trade), aims to deepen ties in sustainability and investment.