Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer launched the Western Cape Export Strategy 2035 on 14 July 2026, presenting the document as a practical roadmap to grow the provincial economy through increased market access, investment and job creation.
The strategy supports the Western Cape Government’s Growth for Jobs Strategy, which targets a R1 trillion inclusive economy growing at between 4% and 6% annually. Dr Meyer says the domestic market alone cannot deliver the level of growth needed to create sustainable employment, making export expansion a central priority.
© Department of Agriculture
“Growth for Jobs is our vision. The Export Strategy is our roadmap. Market access is the bridge that connects Western Cape businesses to global opportunity, investment and jobs,” said Dr Meyer.
By 2035, the province aims to grow the number of active exporters by 1,000, unlock at least 10 new export product opportunities, and significantly increase the total value of exports. The strategy targets agriculture, manufacturing, technology and services sectors, seeking to bring more businesses into export markets and expand the international footprint of existing exporters.
The strategy focuses on improving access for international buyers, strengthening compliance with global standards, leveraging trade agreements, enhancing logistics and export infrastructure, and removing trade barriers through advocacy.
Dr Meyer draws a clear distinction between the roles of government and business: “Government does not export. Businesses export. Businesses invest. Businesses innovate. Businesses create jobs. Our role is to create the conditions that enable exporters to succeed.”
“Our success will be measured by new markets opened, new exporters supported, new investment secured and new jobs created.”
For more information:
Provincial Minister Ivan Meyer
Email: [email protected]
www.westerncape.gov.za
freshplaza.com
www.freshplaza.com
