Western Cape provincial trade, tourism and investment promotion agency Wesgro has highlighted its latest EU Trade and Investment Breakfast, which took place on Tuesday. This was arranged in partnership with ten bilateral EU Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and was aimed at deepening economic ties between the province and the EU. More than 100 people attended, including business people and officials.

“In 2024 the EU invested in 14 projects [in the Western Cape] with a significant growth in the capex value,” highlighted Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander. “Exports increased by 11%, and importantly, two-way airline seat capacity between the EU and Cape Town International Airport increased by 8.4% v[ersu]s 2023.”

The 2025 breakfast event was focused on green hydrogen and battery manufacturing, among other emerging opportunities, as well as on the need to create an environment that enabled increased trade and, in particular, improved port performance. Also discussed was how the creation of stronger partnerships could spur economic growth and create jobs, while navigating the rapidly shifting global trade environment.

“Climate change is forcing us to rethink everything,” she affirmed. “Green hydrogen presents an opportunity for South Africa and the EU to work together towards achieving decarbonisation.”

The EU is South Africa’s largest trading partner. It is also the largest foreign investor in the country and its biggest provider of concessional funding.

“Our partnership is built on sustainability and value addition, not just raw material exports,” pointed out EU Ambassador to South Africa Sandra Kramer. “Up to 70% of what we import from South Africa is manufactured or semi-manufactured, supporting local jobs.”

“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,” assured Western Cape Premier Alan Winde. He stressed the necessity of strengthening collaboration between South Africa, the Western Cape and the EU and highlighted the changes in the country’s economic policies under the Government of National Unity. These include a greater focus on involving the private sector, reducing debt and undertaking reforms to stimulate growth.

“When there are geopolitical tensions, when there is noise in the world, leaders should create a new narrative,” asserted Western Cape Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Minister Dr Ivan Meyer. “Our message is clear: stay the course and grow the economy.”

“We live in a world of tensions, but we must remain level-headed,” urged Kramer. “The EU is here to build partnerships.”