- Over 100 business leaders discuss importance of EU-Western Cape trade relations, and emerging opportunities, like green hydrogen
- Wesgro CEO advocates for greater collaboration to unlock the region’s economic potential.
- EU Ambassador highlights strong trade relations and future opportunities in green energy.
13 February 2025, Cape Town: The annual European Union (EU) Trade and Investment Breakfast, hosted by Wesgro in partnership with 10 bilateral EU Chambers of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the importance of deepening economic collaboration between the Western Cape and the EU.
Held on Tuesday at the Nasdaq venue in the Media24 building in Cape Town, the event focused on emerging opportunities like green hydrogen and battery manufacturing, while also addressing the importance of creating an enabling environment for increased trade, with a focus on improving port performance.
Over 100 business leaders, trade commissioners, and diplomats gathered to discuss how building stronger partnerships—particularly with the private sector—can drive economic growth, create jobs, and navigate the rapidly changing global trade landscape.
Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, opened the event by showcasing the strong relationship between the Western Cape and the EU. Stander said: “In 2024 the EU invested in 14 projects with a significant growth in the capex value. Exports increased by 11%, and importantly, two-way airline seat capacity between the EU and Cape Town International Airport, increased by 8.4% vs 2023.”
Stander urged a forward-thinking approach to capitalise on these opportunities. “Climate change is forcing us to rethink everything. Green hydrogen presents an opportunity for South Africa and the EU to work together towards achieving decarbonisation,” Stander said.
The Western Cape has taken steps to advance this agenda, following the approval of its Green Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap. Last year, Wesgro partnered on a feasibility study for a green hydrogen pipeline linking the Western SADC green hydrogen corridor. This initiative, which aims to connect green hydrogen hubs in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Namibia, includes collaborations with Namibia’s Environmental Investment Fund, Dutch energy infrastructure company Gasunie, the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade, and Investment Promotion Agency (NCEDA), and Climate Fund Managers. It builds on existing agreements between South Africa, Namibia, and the Netherlands to develop cross-border hydrogen infrastructure.
Beyond this, investment from European firms continues to grow across the renewable energy, services, and manufacturing sectors.
Looking ahead, the Western Cape is actively leveraging key global engagements, including the G20 and B20 meetings, the Regional Leaders Summit, and the Premier’s Investment Summit, all set for 2025. Another key event is the Made in the Cape Hosted Buyers Programme in March 2025, which will welcome 39 international buyers, including six from Europe.
Stander acknowledged the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, climate change, and technological disruption but stressed the importance of collaboration in navigating the rapidly changing global economic landscape.
Removing obstacles and strengthening collaboration
Alderman James Vos, Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, spoke at the event about the importance of improving trade access and investment in infrastructure to unlock the City’s full economic potential.
He stated that the City government is implementing one of South Africa’s largest capital infrastructure investment programmes, targeting key areas such as water security, energy resilience through alternative power solutions to reduce reliance on Eskom, safety and security by investing in technology and personnel for a safer business environment, and mobility by enhancing roads and public transport networks to support economic growth. Vos also highlighted the importance of an Open Skies policy to increase direct flights to Cape Town, which he said would drive trade, tourism, and investment.
“For every long-haul flight that lands in Cape Town, millions of rands flow into our economy, supporting thousands of jobs in tourism, logistics, and manufacturing,” he said.
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism, Dr. Ivan Meyer, called for decisive policy action to accelerate growth amid geopolitical uncertainty.
“When there are geopolitical tensions, when there is noise in the world, leaders should create a new narrative…. Our message is clear: Stay the course and grow the economy,” Meyer said. He also highlighted the province’s strong economic ties with the EU, noting that collaboration is key to achieving the Growth for Jobs strategy, which aims for 5% economic growth by 2035. Agriculture, particularly exports, will be key to achieving this.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde spoke about the need to strengthen international cooperation to attract investment and create jobs.
“As the Western Cape Government, we are working harder than ever to open our province to international investment. It’s often said, ‘Go big or go home.’ In 2025, I say, ‘If you want to go big, do not go alone,’” Winde said.
He emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between South Africa, the Western Cape, and the EU, urging businesses to capitalise on emerging opportunities. Winde pointed to a shift in national economic policy under the Government of National Unity, with a renewed focus on private sector involvement, debt reduction, and pro-growth reforms.
Looking ahead, Winde called for deeper global partnerships to address climate change and leverage Africa’s economic potential.
“Africa will play a major role in the next 20 to 30 years, and EU businesses have an opportunity to be part of that future. The Western Cape offers a strong platform for expansion, with business-friendly infrastructure and strategic investment in sectors such as green hydrogen and battery production,” he said.
A Strong Partnership with a Focus on Sustainability and Growth
EU Ambassador to South Africa, Sandra Kramer, reaffirmed the strong economic relationship between the EU and South Africa, noting that the EU is the country’s largest trading partner, foreign investor, and provider of concessional funding.
“Our partnership is built on sustainability and value addition, not just raw material exports. Up to 70% of what we import from South Africa is manufactured or semi-manufactured, supporting local jobs,” she said.
Ambassador Kramer highlighted collaboration opportunities in green value chains, such as critical minerals, green hydrogen, and e-batteries. She also called for a more efficient visa process, treating the EU as a single bloc, to simplify travel and facilitate business. Looking ahead, she pointed to the upcoming EU-South Africa Summit in March and South Africa’s G20 Presidency as key opportunities to deepen ties. "We live in a world of tensions, but we must remain level-headed. The EU is here to build partnerships", she said.
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About Wesgro:
Wesgro is the official tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape. The organisation supports investors and businesses looking to grow, connecting them with key opportunities. Through events like this, Wesgro helps build valuable partnerships and showcases the region’s potential for growth and investment.