Wesgro

02/06/2026

𝗦𝗗𝗙 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻

Italian agricultural machinery manufacturer SDF has officially opened its South African commercial subsidiary in Paarl, further strengthening Cape Town and the Western Cape’s position as a globally competitive agricultural hub.

The investment reinforces growing international confidence in the region’s agricultural and agri-processing ecosystem, with the province accounting for more than 52% of South Africa’s primary agriculture exports.

Strategically located in the Cape Winelands, the new office will oversee the commercial operations of SDF’s brands in South Africa, including Deutz-Fahr, SAME and Gregoire, supporting increased mechanisation, productivity and innovation across the sector.

From orchard mechanisation to smart tractors and digital agriculture, investments like these continue to drive innovation, productivity and long-term growth across Cape Town and the Western Cape's economy.

For more information, read here:https://www.wesgro.co.za/corporate/news/2026/sdf-deepens-african-expansion-with-new-western-cape-commercial-branch



Ivan Meyer James Vos Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism

01/06/2026

𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮-𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 & 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

This week, Wesgro, together with Brand South Africa, FNB, Forvis Mazars and Webber Wentzel, hosted Africa Day 2026, bringing together exporters, investors, diplomats and business leaders for important conversations focused on strengthening trade, investment and tourism partnerships across the continent.

The two-day programme welcomed representatives from 11 African markets, including Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of Congo, creating a valuable platform for collaboration and new business opportunities across the continent.

Discussions throughout the programme focused on:
✅ Unlocking greater intra-African trade and investment through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
✅ Addressing barriers to cross-border trade, including border delays, fragmented systems and outdated visa processes.
✅ Growing African manufacturing, innovation and value-added exports to strengthen the continent’s long-term competitiveness.
✅ Leveraging increasing global interest in Africa’s infrastructure, critical minerals, trade routes and growing consumer markets.
✅ Strengthening commercial partnerships between Cape Town and the Western Cape and key African markets through targeted trade and investment missions.

In her address, Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander highlighted the need to reposition the global narrative around Africa, calling for deeper recognition of the continent’s innovation, resilience and economic potential. Emphasising the importance of partnership over perception, she noted: “Africa does not need to be saved. It must be seen. Respected. Backed.”

Wesgro remains committed to supporting export growth, unlocking access to new markets and strengthening Cape Town and the Western Cape’s position as a strategic gateway for doing business across a more connected and competitive African economy.



Ivan Meyer The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition South Africa Western Cape Government Official Brand South Africa FNB Forvis Mazars in South Africa Webber Wentzel

28/05/2026

𝗪𝗲𝘀𝗴𝗿𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀

Private-sector organisations with strong commercial networks and market reach are invited to apply for Wesgro’s Trade Promotion Joint Marketing Agreement (JMA) Partnerships, closing on 12 June 2026 at 11h00.

With a focus on co-creating economic value, the programme aims to drive sustainable economic growth, boost Western Cape exports, and create jobs by connecting local businesses with new international buyers and digital marketplaces.

Please note that the strategic focus areas will prioritise proposals aligned to the following themes:
✅ Retail and In-Market Collaboration (e.g., supermarket chains, in-store promotions)
✅ E-commerce and Digital Route-to-Market Partnerships (B2B platforms and Cape Trade Portal integration)
✅ Buyer Sourcing and Hosted Buyer Programmes (sector-specific international delegations and site visits)

Note only applications submitted via our online platform will be considered. You can access the form here: https://lnkd.in/dgWknqJY

All information related to the event application process as well as the RFJMA requirements can be accessed through links included on this form. For any additional enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

Wrenelle Stander Ivan Meyer James Vos Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism

25/05/2026

𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Wesgro was proud to support the South African delegation at this year’s Cannes Marché du Film, showcasing Cape Town and the Western Cape as a leading global destination for film and production.

As part of the delegation, Wesgro engaged with key international partners and platforms including Netflix, Shadowbox Studios, and Olsberg SPI, strengthening relationships across the global screen industry value chain and positioning the province as a competitive, film-friendly hub.

The South African Pavilion, supported by Brand South Africa, the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), Tourism and Film KwaZulu-Natal and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), provided a strong platform to highlight the destination’s production capabilities, creative talent and world-class locations.

Wesgro also participated in the Global Production Awards, where Brand South Africa served as a headline sponsor, further reinforcing South Africa’s presence within the global screen industry ecosystem.

A significant milestone from the week was the announcement that South Africa will be the Country of Focus at next year’s Berlinale, creating an exciting platform to further elevate Cape Town and the Western Cape’s film industry on the international stage.

Wrenelle Stander Ivan Meyer James Vos Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism Festival de Cannes

22/05/2026

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲’𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺

Wesgro recently welcomed Ziyad Cassim, the newly appointed Group CEO of UVU Africa, for an introductory meeting with our CEO, Wrenelle Stander.

The engagement focused on building strategic rapport and exploring high-impact collaboration across key economic drivers, including innovation, trade and investment.

As a critical tech ecosystem coordinator with a growing continental footprint, UVU Africa remains a vital partner in advancing regional economic competitiveness.

The discussions targeted key areas of mutual interest aligned with Cape Town and the Western Cape's priority growth sectors:

✅ Digital talent development and job creation through CAPACITI
✅ Advancing the creative economy through the UNDP Timbuktoo Creatives Hub
✅ Growing AgriTech and biotech innovation through UVU Bio
✅ Strengthening ecosystem intelligence, mapping and shared data infrastructure
✅ Supporting high-growth sectors including AI, climate tech, EdTech and health-tech

Building on successful joint initiatives, such as the Cape Tech Innovation Ecosystem Report and the hosting of inward business delegations, Wesgro and UVU Africa are committed to addressing ecosystem fragmentation, enhancing talent retention and creating robust scaling pathways for entrepreneurs.

Together with our partners, we look forward to deepening this strategic partnership to sustain Cape Town and the Western Cape’s position as Africa’s premier hub for technology and innovation.

Wrenelle Stander Ivan Meyer James Vos Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism UVU Africa

22/05/2026

𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮

Wesgro recently welcomed the new Consul-General of China in Cape Town, Ren Faqiang, for an introductory meeting with Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations between China and the Western Cape, while identifying practical opportunities to deepen collaboration across trade, investment and tourism.

China remains a strategically important market for Cape Town and the Western Cape and an important partner in supporting long-term economic growth.

Key areas of alignment included:
✅ Expanding market access for Western Cape exporters
✅ Strengthening investment cooperation in priority sectors
✅ Growing tourism and business events collaboration
✅ Advancing partnerships in green economy and advanced manufacturing
✅ Unlocking opportunities across logistics, agri-processing, life sciences and the digital economy

The engagement also reflected on Wesgro’s ongoing work in key Chinese markets including Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Xiamen, where partnerships continue to support export growth, tourism promotion and investment facilitation.

This marks an important step in deepening an already established relationship, with a clear focus on turning dialogue into delivery.

Wrenelle Stander Ivan Meyer James Vos Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism @

21/05/2026

𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻, 𝗳𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲’𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝘂𝗯

Wesgro welcomes the announcement by leading UK fintech marketplace, ClearScore Group, to significantly expand its Cape Town operations, establishing the city as its second major global tech hub outside London.

Based in Cape Town’s CBD, the expanded hub will support globally strategic engineering, data science and product management functions, with plans to grow the local team to between 120 and 150 employees over the next few years.

Importantly, the expansion positions Cape Town and the Western Cape at the forefront of emerging technologies, with the local team set to support the Group’s international artificial intelligence (AI) and agentic AI ambitions through the development of universal APIs and protocols.

This investment is a strong endorsement of the province’s globally competitive tech ecosystem, world-class talent and enabling business environment.

Wesgro was proud to facilitate this investment and support ClearScore Group’s expansion journey into the Western Cape, further reinforcing the region’s reputation as a leading destination for innovation-led investment.

As the official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, Wesgro remains committed to attracting and supporting high-growth international companies that contribute to innovation, skills development and sustainable economic growth across the region.

👇 Hear more about ClearScore’s expansion plans and vision for the region below.

Wrenelle Stander Ivan Meyer James Vos Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism ClearScore SA ClearScore

20/05/2026

𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲

Wesgro, together with the Office of the Premier, hosted a Funders’ Appreciation Dinner at Leeuwenhof on 19 May 2026.

The evening brought together key stakeholders and influential industry leaders in an intimate setting to acknowledge our partners for their continued support over the years.

These partnerships play an important role in enabling initiatives that contribute to inclusive economic growth across Cape Town and the Western Cape.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all delegates in attendance, including from government, and business, as well as members of the Wesgro Board.

As we continue to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors, we remain committed to unlocking opportunities that drive meaningful and sustainable economic impact for the region.

Wrenelle Stander Premier Alan Winde Ivan Meyer James Vos Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism Shirley Zinn

18/05/2026

𝗪𝗲𝘀𝗴𝗿𝗼 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗘𝗢 𝗪𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺

We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Wrenelle Stander as CEO of Wesgro for a 2nd five-year term.

Over the past five years, Wrenelle has led the organisation through a period of significant growth and impact across tourism, trade and investment, helping to strengthen Cape Town and the Western Cape’s position as a leading regional economy.

Her reappointment reflects continued confidence in her leadership and in Wesgro’s mission.

Speaking at the announcement, Dr. Shirley Zinn said: “I stand here not just as a colleague, but as a fellow traveller on the journey of authentic, values-driven leadership. This moment is not merely a contract renewal. It is a resounding vote of confidence, an affirmation of your leadership of Wesgro.”

We look forward to building on this momentum alongside our partners as we continue to grow the Western Cape’s economy.

Wrenelle Stander Ivan Meyer Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis Shirley Zinn

15/05/2026

A reminder to event organisers across Cape Town and the Western Cape that applications for Wesgro’s Leisure Tourism Event Partnerships are open until 18 May 2026 at 17:00.

This initiative supports events that contribute to inclusive and sustainable tourism growth, with a focus on small towns, townships and dorpies, while promoting local destinations, supporting SMMEs and creating employment opportunities.

Organisers are encouraged to submit applications via the official online platform.

Full application details, RFJMA requirements and supporting information are available through the links included in the post below.

𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱

Event organisers across Cape Town and the Western Cape now have more time to apply for Wesgro’s Leisure Tourism Event Partnerships.The application deadline has been extended to 18 May 2026 at 17:00.

With a focus on small towns, townships and dorpies, this initiative aims to drive inclusive and sustainable growth by promoting local destinations, supporting SMMEs and creating jobs.

Applications must be submitted via the online platform: https://lnkd.in/dSZWfg26

All information related to the event application process, as well as the RFJMA requirements, is available through the links included on the form. For any additional enquiries, please contact [email protected].