South Africa: Wesgro had the honour of hosting a high-level CEO dinner on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 evening with the Minister of Finance Canada – François-Philippe Champagne and Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism – Dr. Ivan Meyer.
The event was convened senior government officials and prominent business leaders from both countries for a strategic discussion on strengthening trade and investment ties between Canada and the Western Cape. The conversation was mainly focused on unlocking the opportunities within key priority sectors including Agriculture, Food & Beverage, Tech, Digitization & Innovation and Green Economy & Energy.
Canada as major trading partner
Canada is one of key trading partners of South Africa. In year 2024, exports from South Africa to Canada reached R9.09 billion with an increase of 9.9% that was recorded in year 2023. During 2024, the Western Cape shipped goods worth R3.16 billion to Canada, buoyed in part by strong demand for citrus. Canada is also a significant investor in South Africa, with active interests across metals, business services, ICT and food and beverages.
Between January 2014 and May 2024, Canadian companies undertook 26 investment projects in South Africa that resulted in R15.57 billion in capital expenditure and the creation of just over 2,000 jobs. In the Western Cape, the leading sector for Canadian FDI over this period was software and IT services, attracting R845.21 million across two projects.
Western Cape is looking forward to strengthening collaboration with Canadian partners to support an enhanced trade, investment and tourism relationship.
Western Cape and London strengthen Tech Ties
Wesgro also hosted the Deputy Mayor of London – Howard Dawber, London & Partners – the UK capital’s business growth and destination agency – and a delegation of 13 UK tech companies for a high-level dialogue in Cape Town.
Their engagement formed a part of the Grow London Global programme, which supports innovative UK firms as they expand into international markets.
Cape Town and London – the UK’s financial and technology capital – are two dynamic tech hubs with a shared focus on innovation, sustainability, and global growth. Strengthening connections between the regions supports long-term trade, investment, and job creation.
The event has brought together the key stakeholders from both regions. The speakers included were CEO of Wesgro – Wrenelle Stander, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth and Tourism of the City of Cape Town – James Vos, Deputy High Commissioner of UK – Lisa Weedon, and the Deputy Mayor of London.
They all spoke about the value of deepening collaboration between Cape Town and London for growth and shared prosperity. Cape Town and the Western Cape is a well-established innovation hub:
- Home to 53.7% of South Africa’s venture capital-backed companies
- Responsible for over 55% of local venture capital deals in 2024
The UK is a vital trade partner, as:
- $834m+ in exports from the Western Cape to the UK in 2024 (up 13%)
- 76 UK investment projects since 2015, valued at $919m+
Furthermore, they are looking forward to building on this momentum by facilitating knowledge exchange and unlocking new opportunities that drive shared growth and sustainable innovation across both regions.