Agriculture is the Western Cape’s economic anchor, sustaining exports, jobs, and rural communities. With the launch of the Western Cape Investment Summit (WCIS) 2025, announced by Dr Ivan Meyer, Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, the province is preparing to secure new investment that could transform the sector.
The summit, set for 5–7 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, will bring together over 300 global delegates, from investors to project developers. For farmers and agri-businesses, this is not just another conference—it is a platform to access capital, partnerships, and new markets.
Driving the R1-Trillion Vision
The WCIS forms part of the province’s Growth for Jobs Strategy, which aims to build a R1-trillion economy by 2035, with 4–6% annual growth. A key goal is to lift private-sector investment to 20% of GDP, or R200 billion.
For agriculture, this target translates into more than numbers. It could mean expanded irrigation schemes to withstand droughts, renewable energy projects to lower production costs, and modern packhouses to increase export competitiveness. Investments in agri-processing will also create opportunities for farmers to move further up the value chain.
Between 2014 and 2023, the Western Cape attracted 296 foreign direct investment projects, generating over US$9.1 billion in capital expenditure and creating more than 17,800 jobs. With agriculture consistently ranking among the province’s top performing sectors, there is strong potential to attract a significant share of future investment.
Opportunities for Farmers
Agriculture and agri-processing feature prominently on the summit’s agenda, alongside renewable energy, technology, and tourism. The province’s strengths—wine and fruit exports, aquaculture, grain production, and livestock—will be showcased to potential investors.
Delegates will have access to a curated deal book and digital investor tracking app, while farmers and processors will benefit from match-making sessions and site visits. For smaller farmers, this provides a rare opportunity to present projects directly to financiers and international buyers.
Preparing for the Future
The challenges facing the sector are clear: climate change, rising input costs, global price volatility, and the urgent need to decarbonise. Minister Meyer has emphasised that WCIS 2025 is “more than an event—it is a catalyst for job creation and inclusive growth.” For agriculture, this means attracting the type of investment that strengthens resilience while boosting competitiveness.
Premier Alan Winde added that the Western Cape is the “gateway to South Africa’s immense economic potential.” For farmers, this gateway must lead to sustainable production, better infrastructure, and stronger global market access.
Call to Action
The Western Cape Government has invited farmers, cooperatives, and agri-businesses to submit investment-ready projects for inclusion in the summit. From climate-smart farming systems and renewable energy solutions to innovative value-added processing, agriculture is in a prime position to seize this opportunity.
The WCIS 2025 is not only about achieving a trillion-rand economy. It is about ensuring agriculture remains at the centre of growth, securing the Western Cape’s future as a leader in food production, exports, and rural development.